Paddle Antrim Festival 2026 2026

Description

Join us for the Paddle Antrim Festival, Friday, September 18 - Sunday, September 20, 2026.

The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the amazing waterways and communities of Northern Michigan. The Festival, always the second weekend after Labor Day, includes a two-day paddle event through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Paddle one day or two days and choose the distance that is best for your paddling ability and desired distance/time on the water.

View Course Maps HERE

View Festival FAQs HERE

NEW this year! Please note that the Festival is taking place Friday - Sunday (instead of Thursday - Saturday).

Tandem paddlers please note: each individual participant must complete their own registration.

Registration Includes the Following:

Shuttle service (for people not boats - see more information on shuttles below) A great time both on and off the water! Paddle Antrim Festival t-shirt Festival Sticker Boat Number Waterproof course map Motorized boats outlining the route Paid security to watch boats overnight Restrooms at each launch and checkpoint Kick-off Party in Ellsworth Block Party at Short's Brewing Company's Bellaire Beer Garden Final Bash at Short's Brewing Company's Elk Rapids Pull Barn

Schedule of Events:

Friday

Festival Prep Paddling Classes

12:00 - 2:00 pm – Festival Prep: Paddling Strokes ($45 registration add-on) 2:30 - 5:00 pm - Basic Rescue Skills ($55 registration add-on)

Kick-off Party hosted by the Village of Ellsworth

Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.)

2:00 - 7:00 pm

Paddle Expo Boat demos Paddler Check-in, boat drop off, and boat wash station open.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Live music Food truck

SATURDAY - DAY 1

Paddler Check-in

8:00 - 9:00 am – Ellsworth River Park ( Google Directions )

Packet pick-up Breakfast & coffee will be available to those who purchased with registration. Hydration station (bring your own refillable water bottle)

Safety Brief

9:00 am – Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.) - All paddlers must be in attendance.

Full Group Launch!

9:15 am

Central Lake Finish Line/Checkpoint 1

10:30 am - 1:00 PM Thurston Park ( 7854 Bradford St )

Lunch pick-up for paddlers who purchased during registration. Pavilion with picnic tables to eat purchased or sack lunch Hydration station Recovery Snacks Restrooms

At 12:45 pm all paddlers who intend to paddle to Bellaire must be past the Central Lake Checkpoint

*Paddlers participating in Day 2 can choose to have their boats portaged to Ohio Street Launch (Day 2 launch location)

Richardi Park Finish Line

12:30 - 4:00 PM - Richardi Park by the sandy beach

Cheer on fellow paddlers Hydration Station Recovery Snacks Restrooms

*Paddlers participating in Day 2 can choose to have their boats portaged to Ohio Street Launch (Day 2 launch location). Overnight security provided.

Short's Beer Garden Party

2:00 - 6:00 pm – Short's Beer Garden (118 N Bridge St, Bellaire)

Paddle Antrim merch available for purchase Live music Local brews Food available for purchase

Sunday only paddlers may check-in and pick up packets during the Block Party.

SUNDAY - DAY 2

SUNDAY NOTE: To enter Torch Lake on Saturday (passing Dockside), your paddle craft must be one of the following. A sit on top kayak with a minimum length of 12 feet. A surfski with a minimum length of 12 feet. A boat leash is required. A paddle board with a minimum length of 12 feet. A leash is required. A kayak with water-tight bulkheads in the bow and the stern and a minimum length of 12 feet. Positive secured flotation is allowed in lieu of bulkheads but may be subject to demonstrating ability to displace enough water to complete a deep-water re-entry. Each craft will be inspected for compliance, please feel free to contact us if you have questions on your specific boat.

Paddler Check-in

6:15 - 7:45 am – Ohio Street Launch ( google directions )

Breakfast & lunch pick-up for those who purchased with registration.

Safet