Paddles & Premiers Weekend!

Explore La Crosse is excited to announce that August 15 – 18, 2024 is the La Crosse Region’s First Ever Paddle Weekend. Join us for a weekend of kayaking, fishing, film festivals and water activities all themed around paddling in our region.

As a premier-paddling destination of the Midwest, the La Crosse Region is excited to host a premier showing of the “Mississippi Speed Record” and the “Paddling Film Festival” as part of the World Paddle Tour. Attendees will enjoy an exciting glimpse into the world of paddling through the Paddling Film Premier along with “do-it-yourself” local excursions, paddle trails, and various other event features. Mark your calendar and get ready to experience a weekend at the premier paddle destination of the Midwest!

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Mississippi Speed Record Film and Q&A Panel at the Rivoli Theatre in La Crosse, WI from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

Friday, August 16, 2024

Enjoy free “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) Paddle Excursions at Black River Bottoms on French Island, Pettibone Lagoon at Pettibone Park, and Great River Landing in Onalaska. Please make reservations with the participating businesses as free, donated equipment is first come, first serve.

A free Paddling Film Festival will be at 7:00pm, this is the 19th annual Paddling Film Festival hosted at the Rivoli Theater in La Crosse, WI. Tickets are free, but they request you reserve your ticket ahead of time here.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Enjoy free “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) Paddle Excursions at Black River Bottoms on French Island, and Great River Landing in Onalaska. Please make reservations with the participating businesses as free, donated equipment is first come, first serve.

The Great Lakes Kayak Fishing Series (GLFKS) will be at Pools 7, 8, and 9 in La Crosse, WI, August 17-18th. This is a concurrent event as the All American Kayak Series (AAKS).

The All American Kayak Series (AAKS) will be in La Crosse on August 17-18.The All American Kayak Series is the premier kayak bass tournament trail in the Midwest.

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Enjoy free “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) Paddle Excursions at Black River Bottoms on French Island, and Great River Landing in Onalaska. We suggest making reservations with the participating businesses as free, donated equipment is first come, first serve.

The Great Lakes Kayak Fishing Series (GLFKS) will be at Pools 7, 8, and 9 in La Crosse, WI, August 17-18th. This is a concurrent event as the All American Kayak Series (AAKS).

The All American Kayak Series (AAKS) will be in La Crosse on August 17-18.The All American Kayak Series is the premier kayak bass tournament trail in the Midwest.

Thank you to the sponsors that are helping make this happen, Schafer’s River Rentals, Island Outdoors, The City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department, and the OPR Onalaska Parks & Recreation Department, and Rivoli Theatre for hosting the Mississippi Speed Record Film, and the World Paddling Tour Film Festival.

*For a full detailed explanation and list of events, please visit our website.

*Please note that times, information, and events may be subject to change.