Rubber ducks, creekside vibes, and all the small-town charm you could ask for.
If you’ve never seen a swarm of numbered rubber duckies racing down a mountain creek, you’re seriously missing out. The Dam Ducky Derby is one of Evergreen, Colorado’s most beloved (and quirkiest) annual traditions—hosted by the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce and totally worth clearing your Saturday afternoon for.
Picture this: you, sipping a lemonade (or maybe a local beer), surrounded by good people, live tunes floating through the air, and a small army of bright yellow ducks bobbing their way down Bear Creek. That’s the vibe. It’s wholesome, weird, and way more exciting than you’d expect from something involving rubber toys.
The day kicks off around 11 AM and goes full throttle till 3, with food trucks, storefront specials, live music, and a whole lot of local love. But the main event? That happens at 1 PM sharp, when the ducks take their daring leap into Bear Creek behind Cactus Jack’s. From there, they float a quarter mile through downtown, cheered on by kids, dogs, and grown adults who get way too emotionally invested (us included).
It’s part raffle, part creek race, and part excuse to hang out in the sun with your neighbors—and maybe win some prizes if your duck makes it to the finish line first. Ours… didn’t. But honestly? Didn’t even care. Because the real prize was the community and wholesome laughter that makes your cheeks hurt.
The Ducky Derby is Evergreen at its best: playful, welcoming, and…dare I say…just a little bit wild. Whether you’re a long-time local or just passing through, this event is a must-experience slice of mountain town magic.
So this year? Grab a duck, wear your sunscreen, and get ready to cheer like your rubber champion’s life depends on it.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
