Ohio River Paddlefest will mark its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 1.
The event draws more than 2,000 people to the river in kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards for a weekend of events, races and a finish-line festival.
Paddlefest is organized by Adventure Crew and begins with the Outdoors for All Expo on Friday, July 31. The expo is a free community event focused on outdoor recreation.
Paddlers can choose between a 9-mile and a 4.5-mile route on the Ohio River during a temporary closure to motorized traffic.
The 9-mile route ends with a finish-line festival at the Gilday Recreation Complex in Riverside. The 4.5-mile route concludes at the Public Landing. Both routes begin at the Schmidt Recreation Complex in the East End.
The Outdoors for All Expo runs from 4 to 9:30 p.m. July 31 at Schmidt Recreation Complex. Organizers said more than 70 exhibitors are expected, including local parks, outdoor retailers and environmental groups. Musical performers scheduled to appear include Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle, Jake Speed & the Freddies and Ma Crow & Co. The event will also include demonstrations, raffles, food trucks and beer sales. Groups interested in exhibiting can apply through the event website.
Participants in Paddlefest may use their own boats or rent equipment in advance. Rental availability is limited.
Registration is open online. Proceeds from the event support Adventure Crew, which provides outdoor programming for teens in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Event organizers are also accepting sponsorships.