Manson HydroFest: Your shoreline viewing guide for 2025 races

MANSON — Hydroplane racing returns to Manson Bay the weekend of September 26–28, with the HydroFest driver registration party on Friday and racing through the weekend with the Pacific Northwest Boat Racing Association.

When to go

• Friday, Sep 26: Registration Party at WineGirl Wines, 5–9 p.m. A casual way to see boats up close and meet drivers. Pit passes (to get you up close and personal with drivers during the races) and event shirts will be available for purchase there.
  
  
• Racing days: Racing runs Sep 27–28 (Saturday–Sunday). As of press time, daily start times haven’t been posted by organizers. In recent years, racing has kicked off late morning (around 10–11 a.m.) and run into the afternoon; exact times are subject to change day-of.

How to get a pit pass

• Online: Pit passes will be available in late August through the HydroFest page.
  
  
• In person: Buy at the Friday registration party (5–9 p.m., WineGirl Wines); in past years, passes have also been sold at the pit entrance during the event.
  
  

Pro race-goers tip: If you buy online, plan to pick up your pass at the event.

Best places to watch from shore

• Manson Bay Park: The big, grassy waterfront park with swim area and marina sits right on the course and is the most popular free vantage point. No dogs are allowed at the park; arrive early to claim space.
  
  
• Manson Bay Marina & waterfront path: A short, level boardwalk connects downtown to the park and marina, offering multiple angles on the course with quick access to food and restrooms.
  
  
• Downtown Manson (Wapato Way area): Park once, then walk to the shoreline; the compact downtown makes it easy to grab snacks and return to your spot between heats.
  
  

What to bring (and what to know)

• Low chairs or blankets and layers: late-September mornings can be cool; afternoons warm up.
  
  
• Ear protection: engines get loud at close range.
  
  
• Parking: Expect peak demand near Manson Bay. Plan a few extra minutes to walk in from downtown blocks.
  
  
• Swim zone etiquette: stay outside marked areas and any race-operations closures; lifeguards are seasonal — obey signage and directions on site.

Why HydroFest is a shoreline spectator’s event

Hydroplanes will be racing right in Manson Bay under APBA sanction, with classes rotating through heats over two days — plenty of action for families and first-timers without needing a boat. It’s one of the Lake Chelan Valley’s most vivid late-season weekends, topped off by Friday’s driver meet-and-greet.

For the latest schedule updates and up-to-the-minute race times, readers can check the Manson Chamber of Commerce HydroFest page before heading out.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media