Down by the Water
Ohio River Paddlefest, the nation's largest paddling event, is here!
Ohio River Paddlefest
Friday, August 2
Outdoors for All Expo, 4–9:30 p.m.
Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Humbert Ave.,
Saturday, August 3
Paddlefest, launch starts at 7 a.m. from
Schmidt Recreation Complex
Finish Line Festival, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Gilday Recreation Complex, 3540 Southside Ave.
Registration and information at Ohio River Paddlefest,
On Saturday morning, you’ll find kayaks, canoes and SUPs taking to the water, with participants paddling while the river is closed to motorized traffic, making the event accessible to paddlers of all skill levels.
Helping the paddlers get in gear is the Outdoors for All Expo on Friday. This Paddlefest pre-party is free and open to the public and features some 80 exhibitors, including local parks, outdoor outfitters, adventure experts and environmentally minded organizations. With hands-on demos, live music (Maria Carrelli is headlining this year), raffles, MadTree beer and food trucks, there are activities to engage attendees of all ages.
Paddlers launch at 7 a.m. on Saturday, starting at Schmidt Recreation Complex. Racers end their adventure of either the 4.5-mile Paddlefest MINI at the Public Landing downtown or the longer 9-mile paddle at Gilday Riverside Park on the West Side. The Finish Line Festival features music, food trucks and MadTree beer at Gilday Recreation Complex.
Local nonprofit Adventure Crew hosts the Paddlefest now in its 23rd year. The nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting city teens in Greater Cincinnati with nature and each other through engaging outdoor adventures.
“Adventure Crew is thrilled to be planning this wonderful weekend for our community again this year,” says Miriam Wise, director of support and engagement for the nonprofit. “Between the paddle’s two distances and the free pre-party the night before, Paddlefest weekend offers something for everyone who enjoys being outside, from the casual park goer to the seasoned outdoor adventurer.”
Through challenging monthly adventures, city teens develop the courageous spirit to step out of their comfort zone and discover new worlds – outside in nature and inside themselves. This deep connection to nature will set a positive course for their lives – and help create the next generation of environmental stewards.
“Paddlefest weekend provides crucial funding to help us get kids who might not otherwise have access to nature out on adventures like hiking, biking, skiing and, of course, paddling,” Wise says. “So you can have a great time outdoors and feel good about supporting outdoor opportunities for local teens at the same time.”
For Saturday morning’s Paddlefest, participants can use their own boats. A limited number of single kayaks are still available to rent for the 9-mile paddle.
The Ohio River Paddlefest is recognized as the nation’s largest paddling celebration, with 2,000 participants traveling up to nine miles through downtown Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft. Established in 2001, the event is held the first Saturday in August each year.