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Join us for our fourth annual PaddleFest on June 6th, 2026
Mark your calendar for June 6th at 11am! PaddleFest is back and BIGGER than ever before!
🗓 Saturday, June 6th | 🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 McLean Avenue Beach, Arnprior
PaddleFest is back for its fourth year, and we are doubling the excitement! This summer, we are teaming up with Arnprior’s beloved Priorpalooza Music Festival for an incredible day of water and waves on the Ottawa River.
With Robert Simpson Park undergoing renovations, Priorpalooza is moving to the McLean Park baseball diamonds, located directly across the road from McLean Beach. This unique partnership brings live music, a beer garden, and family activities right to the water’s edge alongside our signature paddling events!
Event Highlights:
Guided Paddle Tour – Explore the scenic shoreline on a relaxing, beginner-friendly group paddle.
(Registration required – sign up here!)
Beach Yoga with Happy Tree Yoga – Ground yourself with a peaceful yoga session right on the sand.
(Registration required – sign up here!)
Live Music all day starting at 12:15 at Priorpalooza! See the full lineup of artists here
Talk to the Experts
Have questions about paddling gear? We’ll have brand reps on-site from some of our favourite lines. Get tips about the TRAK Kayak, Pakayak, Tucktec, Delta, Bonafide, Oru, and more. Come ask questions, check 'em out, and maybe even try something new!
This free community event is made possible in partnership with the Town of Arnprior. We’re so grateful to all our collaborators, especially Happy Tree Yoga, Spare Change, and our fantastic vendors for making PaddleFest a day to remember.
💧 Bring your friends, bring your family, and get ready for a summer splash – we’ll see you on the beach!
Important: Parking and Shuttle Information
To accommodate the expanded festivities with Priorpalooza, McLean Avenue will be closed to all vehicle traffic during the event. To make getting here easy, a shuttle service will be running regularly to bring guests from their vehicles directly to the park.
Bringing Your Own Gear?
Don’t worry if you have a kayak or paddleboard on your roof! We have a plan to make sure you and your gear get to the water without the long walk:
- Drop-Off Zone: Security will allow vehicles with watercraft to access the beach area briefly to unload.
- Unload Assistance: If you need us, our team will be on hand to help you unstrap and move your boat to a secure spot on the sand while you go park your vehicle.
- Park and Ride: Once your gear is unloaded, simply park in the designated lots (the PSP parking lot at 124 Fourth Ave) and hop on the shuttle to return to the beach.
What's Happening?
Try & Buy: Kayak & Paddleboard Demos
Test paddle a wide selection of kayaks, paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets FOR FREE right from the beach! Speak with industry experts and brand reps from Pakayak, Tucktec, Delta, Bonafide, Oru, and more.
🧘♀️ 10:30AM - Beach Yoga with Happy Tree Yoga
Before the event gets started, flow and stretch on the sand with a peaceful, riverside yoga session.
[Sign up here!]
🌊 2:00PM - Guided Group Paddle on the Ottawa River
Don’t miss our popular guided paddle tour! Connect with fellow paddlers and explore the river together.
[Sign up here!]
Please register in advance — spots fill up fast! Bringing your own kayak is encouraged.
More to Explore: Priorpalooza & The Train Show
While PaddleFest focuses on the water, the celebration continues just steps away! This year, we’ve moved the music, food, and vendors across the road to join forces with Priorpalooza.
Once you’ve finished your paddle, head over to McLean Park (153 McLean Avenue) to enjoy a full afternoon and evening of community festivities.
More info below!
Priorpalooza
Live Music Stage
Presented by Ontario Power Generation, catch incredible local talent from across Eastern Ontario all day long:
12:30 PM: Jacob River Milnes
1:30 PM: Mich Mash
2:30 PM: Rebekah Stevens
3:30 PM: Swamp Dawgs
4:30 PM: The Timber Line
5:30 PM: Sam Stone
6:30 PM: Valley Mountain
7:30 PM: Jessica Sevier
Beer Garden & Refreshments
Grab a seat in the ball diamond and enjoy the music with a locally crafted beverage. The Cold Bear Brewing Beer Garden features a fantastic selection from:
- Cold Bear Brewing Co.
- Dunrobin Distilleries
- Farmgate Cider
Be sure to visit the various food vendors on-site to fuel up for the rest of the day!
Family Fun & Activities
- Optimist Club Kids Zone: Located at Diamond #2, featuring bouncy castles, inflatable games, face painting, and more.
- Grass Volleyball Tournament: New this year! Watch the 4v4 and 6v6 co-ed teams compete, or register your own team in advance.
- The Model Train Show: After a year off, the trains are back! Head over to the Nick Smith Centre (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) for this free family favourite. It’s a must-see for hobbyists and curious minds alike.
Essential Info for Attendees
- Admission: This is a free community event supported by local sponsors.
- What to Bring: We recommend bringing a lawn chair and sunscreen to stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Getting Around: Remember that McLean Avenue is closed to traffic; please use the shuttle service to get between parking areas and the event sites.
