Paddle Antrim Festival 2026 is a paddle sports event held on Michigan's Chain of Lakes Water Trail near Elk Rapids on September 19, with distances ranging from 5 to 42 miles to suit varying experience levels and ambitions. Participants can choose from nine race distances: 5, 7, 9, 16, 17, 24, 27, 32, or 42 miles. The race starts at 8:00 AM, and entry fees run between $100 and $220 depending on distance and registration timing. This multiday paddle festival accommodates paddlers seeking anything from a short morning paddle to an ultra-distance challenge on the scenic northern Michigan waterway.
From the Race Organizer
Join us for the Paddle Antrim Festival, Friday, September 18 - Sunday, September 20, 2026. The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the amazing waterways and communities of Northern Michigan. The Festival, always the second weekend after Labor Day, includes a two-day paddle event through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Paddle one day or two days and choose the distance that is best for your paddling ability and desired distance/time on the water. Important Registration Dates: Registration closes September 13 at 11:39 AM Prices increase August 1 at 11:59 AM Register by August 21 to guarantee a festival t-shirt in your desired size. View Course Maps HERE View Festival FAQs HERE NEW this year! Please note that the Festival is taking place Friday - Sunday (instead of Thursday - Saturday). Tandem paddlers please note: each individual participant must complete their own registration. Registration Includes the Following: Shuttle service (for people not boats - see more information on shuttles below) A great time both on and off the water! Paddle Antrim Festival t-shirt Festival Sticker Boat Number Waterproof course map Motorized boats outlining the route Paid security to watch boats overnight Restrooms at each launch and checkpoint Kick-off Party in Ellsworth Block Party at Short's Brewing Company's Bellaire Beer Garden Final Bash at Short's Brewing Company's Elk Rapids Pull Barn Event Rules HAVE FUN! All participants must be 18 years or older and in proper physical condition to participate. All types of non-motorized kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and surfskis will be allowed for Day 1 and also Day 2 up to Checkpoint 1 (Dockside - 9 miles). All crafts must exit at Dockside unless the criteria below (#4) is met. To paddle Day 2 past Dockside (9 miles), your paddle craft must be one of the following. Each craft will be inspected for compliance, please feel free to contact us if you have questions on your specific boat. A kayak with water-tight bulkheads in the bow and the stern and a minimum length of 12 feet. Positive secured flotation is allowed in lieu of bulkheads but may be subject to demonstrating ability to displace enough water to complete a deep-water re-entry. (For flotation bag examples, click here) B. A sit on top kayak with a minimum length of 12 feet. C. A surfski with a minimum length of 12 feet. A boat leash is required. D. A paddle board with a minimum length of 12 feet. A leash is required. A US Coast Guard approved inherently buoyant vest-style personal flotation device (PFD, i.e. life jacket) must be properly worn at all times. No inflatable or belt style life jackets are allowed. PADDLER SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US! A whistle, flares, or other signaling device is required. We recommend paddlers have the ability to do some form of kayak remount or self-rescue. Spray skirts are recommended but only if you skilled in doing a wet exit while wearing one. Paddlers should never paddle alone, especially in large or rough bodies of waters. All paddlers must attend the safety briefing prior to the paddle and follow the designated course. No alcohol, marijuana, or other substances will be allowed on the water. Paddlers who consume alcohol, marijuana or other substances before or during the event will not be allowed to continue. No pets or loud music are allowed. Paddle Antrim reserves the right to change the route or remove any paddler from the event due to any safety concerns. Cancelled registrations made by August 11 are eligible for an 85% refund. Registrations cancelled between August 12 - September 2 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after September 2. Transfers of registrations to another individual may be requested at any time Schedule of Events: Friday Festival Prep Paddling Classes 12:00 - 2:00 pm – Festival Prep: Paddling Strokes ($45 registration add-on) 2:30 - 5:00 pm - Basic Rescue Skills ($55 registration add-on) Kick-off Party hosted by the Village of Ellsworth Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.) 2:00 - 7:00 pm Paddle Expo Boat demos Paddler Check-in, boat drop off, and boat wash station open. 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Live music Food truck SATURDAY - DAY 1 Paddler Check-in 8:00 - 9:00 am – Ellsworth River Park ( Google Directions ) Packet pick-up Breakfast & coffee will be available to those who purchased with registration. Hydration station (bring your own refillable water bottle) Safety Brief 9:00 am – Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.) - All paddlers must be in attendance. Full Group Launch! 9:15 am Central Lake Finish Line/Checkpoint 1 10:30 am - 1:00 PM Thurston Park ( 7854 Bradford St ) Lunch pick-up for paddlers who purchased during registration. Pavilion with picnic tables to eat purchased or sack lunch Hydration station Recovery Snacks Restrooms At 12:45 pm all paddlers who intend to paddle to Bellaire must be past the Central Lake Checkpoint *Paddlers participating in Day 2 can choose to have their boats portaged to Ohio Street Launch (Day 2 launch location) Ric
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 19.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Elk Rapids, MI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Paddle Antrim Festival 2026 2026 — Elk Rapids, MI?
Paddle Antrim Festival 2026 2026 — Elk Rapids, MI takes place on September 19, 2026. The race is held in Elk Rapids, Michigan.
Where is Paddle Antrim Festival 2026 2026 — Elk Rapids, MI held?
Paddle Antrim Festival 2026 2026 — Elk Rapids, MI is held at Chain of Lakes Water Trail in Elk Rapids, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Paddle Antrim Festival 2026 2026 — Elk Rapids, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Elk Rapids. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
