Paddle Antrim - Antrim County Michigan

Paddle Antrim Festival Day 1 Celebration at Short's Bellaire Beer Garden
2025-09-12 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Short’s Bellaire Beer Garden, 118 N Bridge St, Bellaire, 49615, United States
Wrap up an incredible first day on the water at the 10th 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 at Short’s Brewing Pull Barn!
2025-09-13 15:00 - 20:00 | 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. Enjoy delicious food from Osorio Tacos y Salsa, refreshing beverages, live music, and outdoor games in a laid-back, festival-style atmosphere.
Get full festival details: www.paddleantrim.com/festival

Volunteer Happy Hour
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Short’s Production Facility, 211 Industrial Park, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629, United States
Curious about volunteering with Paddle Antrim and meeting a wonderful group of current volunteers? We invite prospective and current volunteers to join us for a Volunteer Happy Hour Thursday, February 12, from 4:00–5:30 pm at Short’s Pull Barn in Elk Rapids! We hope to see you soon!

Quiet Adventure Symposium 2026
2026-02-28 09:00 - 17:30 | MI
Paddle Antrim looks forward to hosting a booth in the Exhibit Hall at the 2026 Quiet Adventure Symposium!
The 31th Annual Quiet Adventures Symposium will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the MSU Farm Bureau Pavilion (4301 Farm Lane, Lansing, MI, on the Michigan State University campus) between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm. We had to change from the first weekend in March due to Pavilion scheduling. The Symposium is hosted by the nonprofit Quiet Adventures Society, formerly the Quiet Water Society. Learn more and purchase a ticket today at https://www.quietadventures.org/qas_2026.php

Family Fun Days - April 11
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:00 | MI
Looking for a fun, free way to connect with your community? Come out to YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps on April 11 (Lake Arbutus) or April 18 (Torch Lake) from 10:00 AM to 2:00
PM. Learn about community programs offered locally for kids, like our Kids Paddling classes. Enjoy live storytelling, music, and a free lunch while supplies last. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to play together and learn more about local resources in our region.
Don’t forget a non-perishable food item to donate at the gate!

Local organizations/programming resources
Arts & Crafts
Free giveaways every 15 minutes
Raffle Drawing
Storytelling and Music from 10:30a – 11: 30a
Free Lunch from 11:15a – 12:15p
Campfire S’mores, Gaga Pit (only at Lake Arbutus)
Climbing Tower, 11a-1:30p (only at Torch Lake)
Fun for the whole family!

Families are eligible to enter into a raffle for a free week of Sparks Day Camp for their child 5-10 yrs old.
Families are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item as they arrive at the event.
Contact ldake@NorthwestEd.org or amacaluso@hayowentha.org for more information

Family Fun Day - April 18
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | MI

Paddling Gear Swap at the Paddling Film Festival
2026-04-22 17:30 - 21:00 | MI
April 22 | Howe Arena | Traverse City
During the Grand Traverse Area Parks & Recreation Paddling Film Festival (5:30–9:00 PM)
Turn unused paddling gear into cash while supporting northern Michigan’s waterways.
Paddle Antrim is hosting a Paddling Gear Swap during the Grand Traverse Area Parks & Recreation Paddling Film Festival at Howe Arena. Festival attendees can browse and purchase gently used paddling gear while enjoying an evening of inspiring paddling films.
Attend the Film Festival
The Gear Swap takes place during the Paddling Film Festival from 5:30–9:00 PM.
CLICK HERE to purchase Film Festival tickets
What You Can Sell
Bring your gently used:

Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards
Paddles
PFDs
Drybags
Accessories and paddling equipment
Other paddling-related gear

How the Gear Swap Works
Sellers must register in advance to participate.
Gear Drop-Off & Pricing:
Registered sellers must bring and price their gear between 4:45–5:15 PM before the Film Festival begins.
Paddle Antrim volunteers manage the sales table throughout the event.
This Gear Swap also serves as a fundraiser for Paddle Antrim, with 20% of all sales supporting Paddle Antrim’s mission to protect our water resources by connecting paddlers to our waterways.
End of Event Pickup:
All sold and unsold gear must be picked up by 9:00 PM at the conclusion of the event.
CLICK HERE to register gear for the swap.
Questions?
Contact Paddle Antrim at
231-498-2080
info@paddleantrim.com

2026 Paddling Season Kickoff & Gathering
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Elk Rapids Rotary Park, 305 US-31, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629, United States
10:00 – 11:30 am – Community Paddle | Elk Rapids Rotary Park
Grab your paddleboard, kayak or paddle craft of choice and join Paddle Antrim for an amazing evening paddle on the Elk River to celebrate the begining of the 2026 paddling season.
This slow paddle will begin at Elk Rapid’s Rotary Park at 10:00 am – please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to unload your paddle craft and park. We will launch as a group and paddle out and back – returning at 11:30 am.
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.
All paddlers must bring their 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 out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally HERE
Join us following the paddle for a Community Gathering!
11:30 am – 1:00 pm – Community Gathering | The Dam Shop – 118 Bridge St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629

MI Paddle Stewards Training
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 | MI
Join local conservation professionals in Northwest Michigan to learn how you can contribute to our work while you are out paddling and playing on the water! You will learn how to identify and report invasive species while preventing their spread. We are thrilled to partner with CAKE CISMA on this training. The class will include off-water and on-water instruction.
When: June 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Torch River – Aarwood Trail Water Access |8345 Aarwood Trail NW, Rapid City, MI 49676
This event is free but registration is required.
REQUIREMENTS:

Participants must bring a kayak/canoe/paddle board for the on-water events.
Paddlers must always wear life jackets out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling class waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally here.

Register Now

Ellsworth Community Paddle
2026-06-19 18:30 - 20:00 | MI
Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM (arrive a few minutes early – we launch as a group at 6:30 PM)
Location: Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Join Paddle Antrim for a scenic community paddle on Ellsworth Lake as part of the Ellsworth/Atwood Pig Roast! This free, family-friendly paddling event welcomes all types of paddlecraft, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The 1.5-hour leisurely paddle will launch from Ellsworth River Park and provide a unique opportunity to learn about protecting our local waterways.
Event Details:

Who Can Join? Paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the water.
What to Bring? Your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, plus a paddle and PFD (life jacket)—which must be worn at all times.
Registration: No pre-registration required, but all paddlers must complete a digital event waiver before participation.

Complete Waiver
Help Protect Our Waterways
To prevent the spread of invasive species like New Zealand Mud Snails, always Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear before launching in a new waterway. Need help? Check out our boat cleaning guide.
Let’s paddle together for cleaner, healthier waterways.

CANCELLED _ Central Lake Community Paddle
2026-07-02 18:00 - 19:30 | MI
TONIGHT’S COMMUNITY PADDLE IS CANCELED DUE TO EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF THURSTON PARK

Date: Thursday, July 2
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM (arrive a few minutes early – we launch as a group at 6:00 PM)
Location: Thurston Park, 7854 Bradford St, Central Lake, MI
Please note: M88 is currently closed between Eastport and Central Lake, please make sure to find an alternate route.
Grab your paddleboard, kayak, or canoe and join Paddle Antrim for an amazing evening paddle out of Central Lake. This hour-long slow paddle will meet at Central Lake’s Thurston Park, near the pavilion at we will launch promptly at 6:00 pm, so please arrive early to allow time for unloading and parking.
We encourage all ages and types of paddle crafts to join us on the water for our slow paddles. Community paddles last approximately one hour on the water, are free, and no pre-registration is required. All paddlers must bring their 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 out on the water.
Complete Waiver
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.

Guided Loon Paddle on Intermediate Lake
2026-07-16 09:45 - 12:00 | MI
Join Paddle Antrim for a unique guided paddle on Intermediate Lake and River, featuring a special opportunity to learn about Michigan’s iconic loons. By this time of year, nesting season should be complete, and we hope to observe adult loons with their young as they move freely across the lake.
Two experienced loon observers from the Intermediate Lake Association will join us on the water to share insights and help us spot these remarkable birds in their natural habitat. Along our route, we’ll pass by two known loon nesting areas and hopefully have a look at the empty nesting platforms used by loons. We will practice safe and responsible wildlife viewing throughout the paddle, following best practices to minimize disturbance to the loons and their habitat.
This one-way paddle is ideal for paddlers with some kayaking experience and will take approximately 2 hours on flatwater.
There are two easy ways to join us on the water: you can bring your own paddle craft and life jacket, or let us provide you with a single kayak and all the necessary gear for a hassle-free experience.
Who Can Join?
Paddlers with basic kayaking experience. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the water.
When:
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Meet at Richardi Park parking lot at 9:45 AM.
A shuttle will depart at 10:00 AM to take the group to the launch site (Openo Road Access Site) where our kayaks will be staged. NOTE: If you are bringing your own paddle craft you will need to drop it at Openo Rd. access prior to 9:45 am.
Where:
Meet in the parking lot at Richardi Park, E Antrim St, Bellaire, MI 49615
Cost:
$50 per person (additional $5 fee for kayak rental)
Space is limited to 20 participants.
Requirements:

Waiver: All participants must complete a waiver. You can view and sign it digitally here.
ACA Eligibility: Participants must meet the American Canoe Association (ACA) eligibility requirements.

Register Today!

Elk Rapids Early Bird Paddle
2026-08-06 09:30 - 11:30 | 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 | MI
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
