Paddle Antrim Festival Kick-off Party and Expo
Friday, September 18 | 2–7 p.m.
Ellsworth River Park | 6625 Bridge St., Ellsworth
A Free, Family-Friendly Community Event!
Kick off the Paddle Antrim Festival with an afternoon and evening celebrating outdoor recreation, local businesses, community organizations and our incredible waterways!
The Paddle Antrim Festival Kick-off Party & Expo is free and open to everyone—you do not need to be registered for the Festival to attend. Whether you’re an avid paddler, looking to try something new, bringing the family, or just looking for a fun Friday evening, there’s something for you!
2:00 – 7:00 pm
- Paddle Expo
- Boat demos
- Paddler Check-in, boat drop off
- Boat wash station
- Giveaway to attendees every hour!
Explore the Expo
Connect with local organizations and businesses that are passionate about outdoor recreation, stewardship and our Northern Michigan communities.
Expo highlights include:
- Local outdoor recreation and stewardship-focused nonprofits
- Kayak demos with Fluid Fun Canoe & Kayak — try out new boats whether you’re new to paddling or looking to upgrade your gear
- Tiny Traveling Boutique
- Mr. Mock’s Hammocks — Michigan-made hammocks and outdoor gear
- Ellsworth Farmers Exchange
- And more!
Food, Drinks & Live Music
Grab dinner from Cutler’s Creations & Catering, then stick around for live music from Two Beats.
From 5–7 p.m., join us for a Non-Alcoholic Happy Hour featuring:
- King Orchards Cherry Mocktails
- Short’s Brewing Co. Thirst Mutilators
- Cultured Kombucha
Fun for the Whole Family
The Kick-off Party is designed for the whole community. Enjoy yard games, live music, food, local vendors and the playground at Ellsworth River Park.
And, of Course, There’s Paddling!
The Kick-off Party launches the 2026 Paddle Antrim Festival, taking place September 18–20. Registered paddlers will spend Saturday and Sunday exploring the Chain of Lakes Water Trail on routes ranging from 7–42 miles by kayak, canoe or SUP.
Not paddling in the Festival? No problem! Come to the Kick-off Party anyway. This event is all about bringing our community together to celebrate the outdoors and the waterways we love.
Thank You to Our Community Partners
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Short’s Brewing Company, our top Festival sponsor, as well as the Village of Ellsworth and the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce.
We are grateful for the businesses, organizations, volunteers and community members who help make the Paddle Antrim Festival—and the work of Paddle Antrim—possible.
Come celebrate with us! Grab your family and friends and join us in Ellsworth on September 18. We can’t wait to see you there!
Learn more & plan your festival experience: www.paddleantrim.com/festival/