AuSable River Festival 2025

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is one of the most iconic and challenging canoe races in North America. Here's what makes it so special:

What Is the AuSable River Canoe Marathon?

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon (often called “The Marathon”) is a non-stop, 120-mile canoe race from Grayling to Oscoda, Michigan, along the AuSable River. It’s held annually on the last weekend of July and is part of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing.

Start: Begins at night with a thrilling LeMans-style running start in downtown Grayling, where paddlers sprint to the river carrying their canoes.
Distance: 120 miles (193 km)
Duration: Most teams paddle non-stop for 14 to 19 hours, through the night.
Finish: Ends in Oscoda, near Lake Huron.
Portages: Racers must carry their canoes around six hydroelectric dams along the route.
Night Racing: Much of the race is done in darkness, requiring intense focus and teamwork.
Endurance Test: It’s a grueling physical and mental challenge, often compared to an ultramarathon.
Community Support: Thousands of fans line the riverbanks, cheering racers on at checkpoints and campsites.

The AuSable River Festival is an annual celebration held in Grayling, Michigan, during the last full week of July. It’s a week-long community event that leads up to the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, and it’s packed with fun, family-friendly activities.

Festival Highlights

Saturday, July 19

JOMAMA & the Q Crew Classic Car & Truck Show: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Registration: 7:00 – 10:00 AM)

Q100 Michigan on site 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Register to win the Old Town Canoe - Contest Details

Tuesday, July 22

Roadrunner at Kids Day: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Q100 Michigan on site 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Register to win the Old Town Canoe - Contest Details

Wednesday, July 23

Jomama at HUP Races: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Q100 Michigan on site 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Register to win the Old Town Canoe - Contest Details

Thursday, July 24

Street Eats & MI Ave Booths: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Brew Ave & Main Stage Performances: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- AuSable Dixieland Band: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Miss AuSable River Festival Pageant: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Timberline North: 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Friday, July 25

Craft Show: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Q100 Michigan and EZ on site 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Register to win the Old Town Canoe - Contest Details
Brew Ave: noon – Midnight
Main Stage Acts:
- Grayling High School Marching Band: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- 2nd Hand Entertainment: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Zie: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Saturday, July 26

GRA 5K/10K Run: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brew Ave: noon – Midnight
Main Stage Performances:
- Aldrich & Co.: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Yankee Station: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Jelly Roll Blues Band: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Nameless: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- The Ride: 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Q100 Michigan VIP Party Atop the Old AuSable Fly Shop - Party starts at 6:00 PM till the start of the race! INVITE ONLY! STAY TUNED ON HOW YOU CAN GET AN INVITE!