Tri-Lakes Smokin' Showdown & Palmer Paddle

About This Event

Come join us for a full day of fun at Palmer Lake! The Tri-Lakes Smokin' Showdown & Palmer Paddle brings the whole community together for a BBQ cook-off, paddle board races, the always-hilarious "Does It Float" competition, live music from Grizzly Gopher, a local business market, and food trucks — all in one place.

The event runs Saturday, August 1, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Coming to enjoy the day is free — bring the family, cheer on the paddlers, shop the market, and grab a bite. If you want to jump in, registration is open for the paddle board race, the Does It Float competition, and the Smokin Showdown BBQ cook-off.

Visit TriLakesSmokinShowdown.com for full rules and to register to compete.

Schedule of Events

1. 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   Local Business Market

   Browse local makers and vendors, with food trucks on site all day.

2. 8:30 – 11:30 AM
   Paddle Board Race

   Categories: Little Surfers (10–13), Wake Makers (14–17), Paddle Pros (18+), Paddles & Paws (18+ — paddle with your pet!), and Silver Surfers (55+).

3. 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
   Does It Float Competition

   The "dumb things that float" showdown — build it, launch it, and see if it floats.

4. 12:00 – 3:00 PM
   Live Band: Grizzly Gopher

   Colorado's most ferocious party band.

5. 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   Smokin Showdown BBQ Cook-Off

   All-day cooking competition — winners announced at 2:30 PM.

Event Flyer