AuSable River Festival 2026

AuSable River Canoe Marathon & Festival 2026

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is one of the most iconic and challenging canoe races in North America. Often referred to simply as “The Marathon,” this nonstop, 120-mile race runs from Grayling to Oscoda along the AuSable River and is held annually on the last weekend of July.

The race begins with a LeMans-style start in downtown Grayling, where paddlers sprint to the river carrying their canoes before launching into the night. Teams paddle continuously for 14 to 19 hours, navigating six dam portages and racing through darkness to reach the finish near Lake Huron. It is a true test of endurance, teamwork, and determination.

Leading up to race night, Grayling hosts the AuSable River Festival, a week-long celebration filled with family-friendly events, live entertainment, and community activities.

2026 Festival Highlights

July 18 – July 25, 2026

Saturday, July 18

Classic Car & Truck Show w/ Jomama
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Registration: 7:00 – 10:00am)
Q100 Michigan on site  Noon – 2:00pm
Register to win the Old Town Canoe

Tuesday, July 21

Kids Day w/Roadrunner
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
City Park
Register to win the Old Town Canoe

 

 

Wednesday, July 22

HUP Races w/The Q Crew
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

City Park
Register to win the Old Town Canoe

 

Thursday, July 23

Michigan Ave Music Stage

Yankee Station - 7:30

Nameless 9:30

Street Eats & MI Ave Booths
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Brew Ave
5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Friday, July 24

Craft Show - 10:00 AM – 6:00pm

Eric Zane & the Q Crew 3:00–5:00pm
Register to win the Old Town Canoe

Q100 MICHIGAN Music Stage - Eric Zane MC

Jomama & the Q Crew 6-8 pm

Register to win the Old Town Canoe

The Offbeat 1:30 pm

2nd Hand Band 5 pm

Chase Vanderbrandt 7:30 pm

Revolver 9 pm

Brew Ave
Noon – Midnight

 

Saturday, July 25 (Race Day)

GRA 5K/10K Run
9:00pm – Noon

Duck Derby - 5pm Race startline

Brew Ave
Noon – Midnight

Michigan Ave Music Stage

Timberline - 5 pm

Aldrich & Co - 7 pm

Whiskey Six - 9:30
Q100 Michigan VIP Party
Atop the Old AuSable Fly Shop
6:00 PM (Invite Only)

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon begins Saturday night and continues nonstop through the night to Oscoda.

For the full schedule and event updates, visit the official festival calendar.

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