Paddle Antrim invites members of the media to attend the 11th Annual Paddle Antrim Festival, taking place September 18–20, 2026. This non-competitive paddling event highlights the stunning beauty of Northern Michigan's Chain of Lakes Water Trail, the only Pure Michigan-designated water trail in the state.

Paddlers from across the state and beyond will embark on this unique journey, paddling one or two days (7–42 miles) through interconnected lakes and rivers while celebrating with community events open to all. New this year, the Festival runs Friday through Sunday instead of its traditional Thursday-through-Saturday format. Also new to the Festival this year is the Expo during the Kick-off party. This will feature boat demos, local vendors including Tiny Traveling Boutique and Michigan Made camping hammocks from Mr. Mocks Hammocks as well as nonprofits including Grass River Natural Area, and CAKE CISMA.

This year's Festival is made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including top sponsor Short's Brewing Company.

Event Highlights:

What: A non-competitive paddling event spanning the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, offering the choice to paddle 7 to 42 miles over two days.

When: Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20, 2026

Where:

Kickoff Party & Expo: Friday, Sept. 18, 2:00–7:00 pm at Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St., Ellsworth) — free and open to the public

Day 1  Group Launch: Saturday, Sept. 19, 9:00 am safety briefing, group launch at 9:15 am, Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St., Ellsworth) 

Day 1 Celebration: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2:00–6:00 pm at Short's Bellaire Beer Garden (118 N Bridge St., Bellaire)

Day 2 Launch: Sunday, Sept. 20, paddler check-in 6:15–7:45 am at Ohio Street Launch, Bellaire; launches at 7:30 and 8:00 am

Final Bash: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2:00–7:00 pm at Short's Pull Barn, Elk Rapids (211 Industrial Park, Elk Rapids), with a closing ceremony at 5:00 pm honoring 42-mile finishers and five/ten-year participants

Why: The Festival showcases the beauty of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and the charming communities — Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire, and Elk Rapids — that line this region. The event raises awareness for Paddle Antrim's mission to protect waterways through stewardship, education, and increased access.

For more information, please visit: www.paddleantrim.com/festival

For images from previous festivals, please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paddleantrim/albums