The 24^th Annual Vista Duck Race launches Sunday, May 18, 2025 to provide a sneak peek at the Wave Waterpark’s new season of fun while also supporting Downtown Vista businesses.

For $5, visitors can enjoy the park from 1-4 p.m. and sponsor one “racing duck” to compete for more than $10,000 in cash, prizes and Wave Waterpark attractions.

Thousands of rubber ducks race down the Wave’s Ripetide Slide at 2:30 p.m. then float to a finish along the Lazy River. The Wave Waterpark is located at 101 Wave Drive, Vista.

Additional duck race entries can be earned several other ways:

• Purchase Vista Bucks, the city’s digital gift card that is redeemable at dozens of Vista’s restaurants, shops, breweries and more. One duck entry is automatically awarded for every $10 in gift card value purchased (limit 20 entries per person). Plus, a free bonus gift card of up to $100 is provided with each Vista Bucks card purchase.
  
  
• Make a purchase from any Downtown Vista business during the May 9-18 Duck Race Season. Upload a picture of the receipt to https://vistaduckrace.com/ and one duck entry is awarded for every $10 spent (limit four entries per receipt). Several businesses are also offering meal deals and other promotions during Duck Race Season.
  
  
• Watch for special “selfie spots” around Downtown Vista. Upload your selfie to VistaDuckRace.com for one free duck entry.
  
  
• Pay the $5 waterpark admission on race day that includes a duck race entry. Race day entries will exclusively be entered into the "City Hall Challenge" during which five autographed ducks representing each of Vista’s City Council members race to the finish. Five entry holders will win a $25 Vista Bucks Card and one of the autographed ducks.
  
  

The Vista Duck Race is sponsored by the Wave Waterpark, City of Vista and the Downtown Vista business community.

Visit VistaDuckRace.com for complete details.