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!
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® ATTEMPT
Largest Paddle Craft Party
As a part of our 25th anniversary celebration, we’re attempting to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for Largest Paddle Craft Party.
CINCINNATI, OH | AUGUST 1, 2026
BECOME RIVER ROYALTY!
Ohio River Queen Competition
Do you have what it takes to be the Ohio River Paddlefest River Queen? This fun and friendly competition will take place during July and culminate in the crowning of the winner at the Outdoors for All Expo on Friday, July 31.
Tributary Princess Competitions
Little Miami River
July 15, 7-9 p.m.
Cappy’s in Loveland
Sponsored by Erin Harper, Comey & Shepherd Realtors
Mill Creek
July 18, 6-9 p.m.
Binski’s in Camp Washington
Sponsored by MSD
Great Miami/
Whitewater River
July 24, 7-9 p.m.
Lost Bridge Beverage Company in North Bend
Sponsored by Archeaological Research Institute
Licking River
TBD
Adaptive Paddling PRACTICE
June-July
Help make Paddlefest more inclusive! Our friends at The Bridge are hosting a summer paddling series at Miami Whitewater Forest to help adaptive paddlers and volunteers prepare for Paddlefest 2026.
The six practice session occur every Wednesday at 6 p.m., beginning June 17. Sign up and details on The Bridge’s website.
northside FOURTH of july parade
July 4
Make plans to stop by Northside to enjoy their iconic Fourth of July parade. Paddlefest will be walking the route to promote the 25th anniversary event. The parade steps off at noon and travels down Hamilton Avenue from Ashtree to Hoffner Park. See you there!