Start your Sonoma County summer off right at The Great Russian River Race. On May 21st, outdoor enthusiasts from across the region bring their kayaks and canoes to race down the beautiful Russian River for a great cause. Held at Johnson's Beach, a favorite warm weather spot for locals about 30-minutes from our Healdsburg hotel, this annual event offers a whole afternoon of family-friendly entertainment. From noon to 4 pm, you can enjoy a snack from a food truck, sip a craft beer, and browse vendors for unique gifts and accessories. Catch a live band on the entertainment stage or just kick back and watch the racers paddle down the river. You can find a spot along the finish line to cheer on the participants. Many of the racers are dressed up in wild costumes, so you can expect a fun-filled day with a special flavor you will only find in Northern California. If you want to race, you can register in advance or sign up when you arrive. Check the website for all of the details. Since 1993, Russian Riverkeeper has been promoting and protecting this vital California waterway through conservation efforts. Proceeds from the race go directly to Russian Riverkeeper's Clean Campus Clean Creeks program that trains local high school students about urban runoff pollution.