
Paddles & Premieres, La Crosse Paddle Weekend | May 29-31, 2026
The Premiere Paddle Destination of the Midwest
Get ready to make waves and immerse yourself in the vibrant paddling culture of the La Crosse Region, where stunning waterways and weekend-long adventure awaits!
Join us for a “reel” good time with a special film showing at the Rivoli Theatre, local paddle excursions, scenic trails, and more. As the Midwest’s premiere paddle destination, the La Crosse Region is making waves—don’t miss your chance to ride along!

2026 Schedule of Events – More Coming Soon!
Friday, May 29th
- 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Head to Pettibone Park Lagoon for a paddling event featuring the return of Dead Fish Polo with Sanborn Canoe — a playful and engaging experience for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. There will be FREE rental equipment provided courtesy of the La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry! And NEW this year will be Beer By Bike Brigade and LaCrosseAF will be providing brats, hot dogs, and a variety of beverages.
Saturday, May 30th
- 10:00 am – 11:30 am: Take your yoga practice to the water! Join Root Down Yoga Studio’s instructor, Pam, for a fun and relaxing SUP yoga class at Lake Neshonoc, West Salem. Paddle boards will be provided for all participants. Connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Try something new!
- 4:30 pm: Join us at the Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria on Friday to attend the 21st Anniversary of the Paddling Film Festival! Watch multiple different short films all focused on paddling the great waters! Doors open at 4:30 pm, show starts at 5 pm. Sponsored by Explore La Crosse and Supporting the River Clean Up, La Crosse. TICKETS COMING SOON (Tickets are donation based, donations go directly to River Cleanup of La Crosse). For More Film Festival Info Click Here: https://lacrosseaf.com/
Sunday, May 31st
- 9:30 am: Goose Island Grind – Get on the water and join this water race! Goose Island Grind is a canoe, kayak, and SUP race on the Mississippi River around Goose Island County Park that is open to the public. Hosted by ORA Trails and directed by Jud Steinback and Chris Randles, the event invites paddlers of all skill levels to participate in a fun and community-oriented race that benefits ORA Trails and encourages the public to get outside and explore La Crosse County’s waterways. This is a registered and paid event. For more information click here: https://www.oratrails.org/calendar/
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