Anniversary Events

Celebrating 25 years!

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ohio River Paddlefest, and we’re celebrating all year long! Join us for one of our upcoming pre-Paddlefest anniversary events — and, help us make it the biggest Paddlefest ever by joining us to paddle on Saturday, August 1!

Paddlefest launch party

Friday, February 20
5-9 p.m.
Cincinnati Public Radio (2117 Dana Ave. in Evanston)

Help us kick off Ohio River Paddlefest’s 25th anniversary year with an evening of free live music that will give you a sneak preview of this year’s Paddlefest bands: Jake Speed & The Freddies, Ma Crow & Co and Ripple Effect will perform!

You can also be the first to sign up for this historic Paddlefest, and for this one night only, you'll get 25% off your registration – the best rate of 2026!

Beer and food from Red Sesame food truck will be available for purchase during the event. 

Adaptive Paddling workshop

May 29-31; July

Help make Paddlefest more inclusive! Our friends at The Bridge are hosting adaptive paddling training workshops May 29-31 at Mason Community Center. They’ll also offer training for adaptive athletes and their companion volunteers for Paddlefest at Miami Whitewater Forest on July 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29 in the evenings. Stay tuned for more details!

River queen competion

July

Do you have what it takes to be the Ohio River Paddlefest River Queen? Stay tuned for more details about this fun and wacky competition, which will take place during July and culminate in the crowning of the winner during Paddlefest weekend!