Paddle Antrim invites paddlers and the whole community to join the 11th Annual Paddle Antrim Festival, taking place Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2026 along the scenic Chain of Lakes Water Trail. This year's Festival opens in Ellsworth with an all-new Paddling & Outdoor Expo, and organizers are encouraging paddlers to register before registration closes on September 13.

New This Year: A Friday Expo Kicks Off the Weekend

For the first time, the Festival weekend opens with a free, family-friendly Paddle Antrim Festival Kick-off Party & Expo, Friday, September 18 from 2–7 p.m. at Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St., Ellsworth). The Expo is open to everyone — no Festival registration required — and includes:

  • Paddle Expo & boat demos, including hands-on kayak demos with Fluid Fun Canoe & Kayak
  • Paddler check-in, boat drop-off, and the boat wash station
  • Giveaways every hour
  • Local vendors and outdoor organizations, including Tiny Traveling Boutique, Mr. Mock's Hammocks, and the Ellsworth Farmers Exchange
  • Food from Cutler's Creations & Catering and live music from Two Beats
  • A Non-Alcoholic Happy Hour from 5–7 p.m. featuring King Orchards Cherry Mocktails, Short's Brewing Co. Thirst Mutilators, and Cultured Kombucha

“The Expo is our way of opening the Festival up to the whole community, not just registered paddlers,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “Whether you're picking up your boat number or just coming out for live music and dinner with the family, Friday at Ellsworth River Park is going to be a great start to the weekend.”

The Kick-off Party & Expo is proudly supported by the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Ellsworth.

“We're excited to welcome the Paddle Antrim Festival back to Ellsworth and to help kick off the weekend with the new Expo,” said Mary H. Faculak, President of the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce. “Events like this bring visitors into our local businesses and showcase everything our community and these waterways have to offer. We encourage everyone in the area to come out on September 18, enjoy the Expo, and support the paddlers as they set off on the Chain of Lakes.”

Note for returning paddlers: the Festival now runs Friday through Sunday, a shift from the traditional Thursday–Saturday format.

Two Days on the Water, 7 to 42 Miles

Registered paddlers choose their own adventure across two days of paddling the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, with distance options ranging from 7 to 42 miles by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Shuttle service is included with every registration.

  • Saturday, September 19 (Day 1): Paddler check-in and safety brief at Ellsworth River Park, with a full group launch at 9:15 a.m. The day includes a checkpoint and lunch stop at Thurston Park in Central Lake, a finish at Richardi Park in Bellaire, and wraps with the Short's Bellaire Beer Garden Celebration, 2–6 p.m. at Short's Bellaire Beer Garden — live music, local brews, and food for purchase, open to paddlers, volunteers, and the whole community.
  • Sunday, September 20 (Day 2): Paddler check-in at Ohio Street Launch in Bellaire, with staggered safety briefs and launches starting at 7:15 a.m. Paddlers can finish at Dockside Beach, Torch River Bridge, or continue to Elk Rapids Rotary Park. The weekend closes with the Final Bash, 2–7 p.m. at Short's Pull Barn in Elk Rapids, featuring live music, food trucks, local brews, and a closing ceremony at 5 p.m. recognizing 42-mile finishers and five- and ten-year Festival participants.

Register by September 13

Registration is open now and closes September 13. Registration includes shuttle service, a Festival t-shirt and sticker, boat number, waterproof course map, on-water safety support, and entry to all three community events — the Kick-off Party, the Short's Beer Garden Celebration, and the Final Bash.

“This Festival is about celebrating the Chain of Lakes at every level, whether you're paddling all 42 miles or coming out for the Expo and the music,” Jerdee added. “We'd love to see the community out on the water and at all three events this year.”

The Paddle Antrim Festival is presented by top sponsor Short's Brewing Company.

Paddlers and community members can register and find full event details, course maps, and FAQs at paddleantrim.com/festival.