AuSable River Festival and Canoe Marathon
Abundant sunshine, comfortable temperatures, spectacular views of lakes, rivers and forests. Michigan summers are unmatched! The summer months are meant to be spent outside enjoying the beautiful weather and partaking in outdoor adventures. What better way to accomplish this than by visiting the AuSable River Festival and the AuSable River Canoe Marathon.
The AuSable River runs 130+ miles through the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, through the towns of Grayling and Mio, and enters Lake Huron here in Oscoda. This major tributary of Lake Huron is celebrated annually with the AuSable River Festival. Hosted in Grayling, this week-long festival is back in 2021 and slated for July 16-24. The week kicks off with the Classic Car and Truck Show, showcasing vehicles from classic cruisers to modern muscle cars. The HUP race – Hurry Up and Paddle – is a popular mid-week event for its homemade canoes and paddlers wearing crazy costumes. See who will stay afloat and who sinks! Visit the AuSable Main Stage for free live music, grab a bite to eat at an array of food trucks and vendors, and stop by the beer tent for an ice-cold brew. The Arts and Crafts Show takes place the second weekend, and a parade ushers in the flagship event – the AuSable River Canoe Marathon.
The Au Sable River is known for its scenery, recreational opportunities and coldwater fishery. Not least of all, it's one of the best canoeing rivers in the Midwest. The AuSable River Canoe Marathon – first held in 1947 – runs from Grayling to Oscoda following a grueling 120-mile course. What is unique about this race is that it runs all night and takes 14-19 hours to finish! Canoes hit the water at 9 p.m. on July 24. Racers must have paddling skills and strength sufficient to cover 120 miles of river and impoundments in less than 19 hours; that is a race rule. Thousands of spectators stay out all night to cheer the paddlers on. It's an exciting event whether you're a canoer or just a fan. Come see why the AuSable River Canoe Marathon has been going strong for over 70 years.
“Life is like the river, sometimes it sweeps you gently along and sometimes the rapids come out of nowhere.” —Emma Smith
