Two thousand paddlers of all skill levels will converge on the Ohio River in Cincinnati during the first weekend in August. It’s the 22nd annual Ohio River Paddlefest, and if you have a SUP, kayak, or canoe, you can join in.
The Ohio River Paddlefest is the biggest paddling event in the United States. It kicks off on the evening of Friday, August 4, with the Outdoors For All Expo. Then, on Saturday, August 5, participants will choose between paddling a 9- or 4.5-mile course. Paddlefest is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Adventure Crew, which connects city teens in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky with nature and each other via outdoor adventures.
“Between Ohio River Paddlefest and the Outdoors for All Expo, Paddlefest weekend has become a can’t-miss event for outdoor enthusiasts,” Miriam Wise, director of support and engagement for Adventure Crew, said in a statement. “Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us the first weekend in August for this much-loved annual tradition.”
The Outdoors for All Expo is free and open to the public. It features 50 exhibitors, including outdoor outfitters, local parks, and environmental organizations. You can listen to live music, enter a raffle, and buy dinner from a food truck. Paddlefest costs $50 for adults and $25 for youth joining the 9-mile paddle. The 4.5-mile paddle is five bucks less. It’s best to bring your own kayak, SUP, or canoe, but a limited number of boats are available for rent.
This year, organizers have added a new event: a kayak bass fishing tournament that runs both Friday and Saturday. Anglers can try their luck in any of three Ohio River tributaries: Great Miami River, Little Miami River, or Licking River.
Adventure Crew was founded in 2013. It serves all Cincinnati Public Schools high schools, seventh and eighth graders in certain Cincinnati elementary schools, and six schools in northern Kentucky. Annually, the organization helps nearly a thousand students step beyond their comfort zone and seek a deep connection to nature.
“Every dollar we raise through Paddlefest supports that mission,” Wise said. “So by signing up to paddle on Saturday or buying raffle tickets and a beer on Friday, you’re helping us get city teens who might not otherwise have access to nature out on adventures like hiking, biking and of course, paddling. It’s a great way to share your love of the outdoors while having a great time in the process.”
