Paddlefest

Parkersburg Paddlefest is on for september 11 & 12, 2026!

For the latest details, follow Wild River Kayak Co. on Facebook!

Parkersburg Paddlefest is a fun-filled event dedicated to people-powered watercraft. Kayaks, Canoes, Stand-up Paddleboards and rafts are welcome to join Wild River Kayak Co. at Point Park for this unique event. The confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers is the setting for Paddlefest.

Paddlefest weekend starts off on Friday night at 5 p.m. with pizza and time to decorate your watercraft for a glow-in-the-dark paddle up the Little Kanawha River from Point Park at 8 p.m. Electric lights and glow sticks illuminate the group on this opening night event.
Saturday will feature a fishing derby from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. with a $10 entry fee. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. A percentage of the total entry fees will act as prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. There will also be a 50/50 Fun Race beginning at 1 p.m., with registration at 12:30 p.m. Participants will start at the kayak launch point at Point Park and paddle to the amphitheater and back. Entry fee is $5, and there will be one winner.

Marietta Adventure Company and Human Hydro Outfitters are great options for kayak rentals. You’ll need to bring your own transport equipment for pick up. Wild River Kayak Company offers kayak rentals and shuttle services out of Marietta and Parkersburg.

DIRECTIONS: GPS Coordinates for Point Park: 39.266376, -81.566279 – At the base of 2nd street drive through the flood wall and turn left.

Have Questions? Call event host Wild River Kayak Co. at 740-336-9328. Any questions may be directed to
[email protected]