HydroFest at Lake Guntersville

June 22 City Harbor Street Party
June 24-25, 2023 Race Weekend

Alabama is known for fast cars and famous racetracks. What about fast boats and famous water?

Guntersville Lake HydroFest is the most exhilarating experience that you need to have. With boats racing past you at speeds up to 200 mph, you’ll become an instant fan of this unique sport.

This year’s race weekend is set for June 24-25, 2023. However, the fun actually starts on Thursday, June 22 with the Street Party at City Harbor. Boats will line up at City Harbor, and fans will be able to come out to see these massive and awe-inspiring boats and the drivers for free. There will be live music, food and drinks and people can enjoy all the things that City Harbor has to offer. But make plans to come back on Friday for free testing from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the race site near the Guntersville Recreation Center.

There are three types of hydroplanes that will be racing for the crown of conquering the South’s Fastest Water. The H1 Unlimiteds are the largest and fastest. These boats are powered by a single Lycoming T-55 L-7 turbine engine, best known for powering the military’s Chinook helicopters. The H1 Unlimiteds will be racing for the Southern Cup. Grand Prix America Hydroplanes are the next boats. These are just a little bit smaller than the Unlimiteds. The 1500 horsepower blown V-8s, based on big block Chevrolet design, make the most noise and throw massive rooster tails, which is a large spray of water behind the boats. Lastly, are the Pro-Lite Series. These E350s, as some call them, are small but mighty. The “350” represents the 350 cubic inch GM small block engines that power these magnificent boats.

The actual racing begins on Saturday at 8 a.m. Each set of boats will race in heats to gain points to race in the finals that will be on Sunday afternoon. HydroFest is slotted for up to 8 Unlimiteds, 12 Grand Prix hydroplanes and 12 Pro-Lite hydroplanes as well. To make the racing even more thrilling, we have recently changed and certified our course to be a World Record course. So, if any of the boats beat the current world speed records, they will be certified.

In conjunction with the racing, there will be a vintage hydroplane that will do exhibition runs throughout the weekend also. The weekend will be packed with non-stop racing keeping you on your toes the whole time.

There are several different ticket options available. Day passes start at $15, while weekend passes start at $20. If you want a more in-depth weekend, Ultimate Weekend passes are available at $30. This pass gets you inside the venue both days of race weekend and allows you to get in the pits at any time Saturday and Sunday.

There are also two more inclusive options available. The Rooster Tail Party area offers a party area with a DJ, corn hole and giant beer pong in Zone 3 of the race site. Rooster Tail also receives lunch both days and non-alcoholic beverages. The price is $60. Club Level includes access to a large, private tented area for on-the-water viewing at the start/finish line and free lunch and nonalcoholic beverages. The price for Club Level is $120. There is also a cash bar available for both of those areas. Both Club Level and Rooster Tail receive access to the pits at anytime during the race weekend.

For being a We Are Huntsville reader, we are offering $10 off Ultimate Weekend passes now until race weekend. Use the code WEAREHUNTSVILLE as you add your tickets to your cart.

For all information on Guntersville Lake HydroFest and to purchase tickets, head to our website with the link here. For the latest news, be sure to follow our Facebook, Guntersville Lake HydroFest.