Elk Rapids Early Bird Paddle
2026-08-06 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Elk Rapids Rotary Park, 305 US-31, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629, United States
Date: Thursday, August 6
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 pm
Location: Elk Rapids Rotary Park, 305 US-31, Elk Rapids, MI
Grab your paddleboard, kayak or paddle craft of choice and join Paddle Antrim and Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce for an amazing morning paddle on the Elk River to celebrate Elk Rapids Harbor Days.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early to unload your paddle craft. We’ll launch as a group at 9:30 am, glide into the Elk River, and paddle toward Spencer Bay — with time on the way back to view the historic Albatross shipwreck. After about an hour on the water, we’ll gather with fellow paddlers for coffee and donuts.
Paddle Antrim encourage all ages and types of paddle crafts to join us on the water for these slow paddles. These paddles last approximately one hour on the water, are free, and no pre-registration is required.
What to bring: your own craft/boat, paddle, and PFD (life jacket). As with all Paddle Antrim events, PFDs must be properly worn at all times. All ages are welcome, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the water.
Waiver required: All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver before participating. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.
Complete Waiver
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.

Paddle Antrim Festival Kick-off Party and Expo
2026-09-18 14:00 - 19:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Kick off the Paddle Antrim Festival in Ellsworth!
Start your Paddle Antrim Festival adventure at River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St) on Friday night with a vibrant community celebration! This event is free and open to everyone—paddlers, locals, and visitors alike.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon/evening by the water. Come early for a boat demo and to explore the Kick-off Party Expo, starting at 2 pm. Stick around for great company, live music, and delicious food from a local food truck, courtesy of the Village of Ellsworth and the East Jordan Chamber of Commerce. It’s the perfect way to soak in the festival spirit before hitting the water!
2:00 – 7:00 pm

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

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

NA happy hour
Live music
Food truck
Giveaways

Don’t miss this fun-filled kickoff to one of Michigan’s best paddling festivals!
Learn more & plan your festival experience: www.paddleantrim.com/festival/

Festival Day One Celebration
2026-09-19 14:00 - 18:00
Wrap up an incredible first day on the water at the 11th annual Paddle Antrim Festival with an evening of fun at Short’s Bellaire Beer Garden! This celebration is open to paddlers, volunteers, spectators, and the entire community—everyone is welcome.
Enjoy live music, refreshing Short’s Brewing beverages, and delicious food available for purchase, all in a laid-back outdoor setting. It’s the perfect way to unwind and connect with fellow paddlers and festival-goers!
Come raise a glass to a fantastic first day on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail!
Learn more & plan your festival experience: www.paddleantrim.com/festival/

Paddle Antrim Festival Final Bash
2026-09-20 14:00 - 19:00 | Short’s Production Facility, 211 Industrial Park, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629, United States
Whether you’re paddling, spectating, or just looking for a fun way to spend a September Saturday, join us in Elk Rapids for the Paddle Antrim Festival Final Bash at Short’s Brewing Pull Barn!
After two incredible days on the water, we’re celebrating with our Top Sponsor, Short’s Brewing, alongside paddlers, families, and friends. Food available for purchase from local food trucks, refreshing beverages, live music, and outdoor games in a laid-back, festival-style atmosphere.
Get full festival details: www.paddleantrim.com/festival
