Everyone loves a day on the River!

There is no better way to celebrate that than a visit to Sault Riverfest.

The Chippewa County Community Foundation is excited to announce thatthe 8th Annual Sault Ste. Marie Riverfest on Rotary Island is back in full on Saturday, August 15, 2026. After hosting a smaller version last year, we are returning to the traditions that made Riverfest a community favorite — while adding exciting new elements to make this year even stronger.

Sault Riverfest celebrates Sault Ste. Marie as an amazing playground for paddling and outdoor recreation. Come join us for a day full of family fun and relaxation on Rotary Island in beautiful Sault Ste. Marie, MI. With so much to see and do in Sault Ste. Marie you will definitely want to spend your weekend taking in all that this area has to offer.

Riverfest 2026 will feature the return of some community favorites:

Slip-n-Slide – A family favorite! Slide your way down to the St. Mary’s River for a fun and refreshing experience.
Morning SUP Paddleboard Yoga – Start your day with a relaxing and unique yoga session on the river.
St. Mary’s River Float – Our most popular event! Grab your tube and float from Voyager’s Island to the Harvey Marina.

Plus, we’re excited to introduce new events this year:

Paddleboarding 101 & Kayaking 101 – Learn the basics and discover how to safely enjoy these popular water activities.
5K Color Run – In partnership with our local YAC groups (Sault Ste. Marie & Rudyard), this family-friendly run supports youth leadership and real-world fundraising experience. Click here to register
Sunset Dinner Cruise – In partnership with Soo Locks Boat Tours, enjoy a two-hour evening cruise featuring dinner, music, and a silent auction—perfect for networking and community connection. Click here to register

We will also have local agencies on hand providing information on water safety, river education, and more—helping ensure a fun and safe experience for all.

This is one event you won’t want to miss! We look forward to seeing you there.

Events and Activities

Help us keep visitors safe! Ample parking available at Aune Osborn park. Please no cars on the Island

8:00 am Riverfest 5K Color Run

Registration begins at 7 am on Rotary Island

$20 Race fee
Register at www.RunSignUp.com

Join us for our inaugural Riverfest 5K Color Run hosted by the Sault High and Rudyard High School YAK Groups.

Participants can walk, jog, or run the 5K course while being showered in bursts of bright, non-toxic color powder at stations along the route. It’s less about speed and more about having fun—so all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to join.

Start the race in white and finish covered in color as you celebrate with friends, family, and the community. As part of Riverfest, this event is a perfect way to kick off a day full of excitement, wellness, and connection.

Hosted in partnership with our local Youth Advisory Council (YAC) groups from Sault Ste. Marie and Rudyard, this vibrant run also supports youth leadership and real-world fundraising experience.

This race along the river is sure to be an area favorite as you run our flat course watching kayaks, canoes and freighters along the river.

9:00 am SUP Yoga

9:00am Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga with Maxx

Start your morning with an invigorating, unique, and refreshing way to connect with both your body and nature. Set on the water, this class combines traditional yoga poses with the gentle movement of a paddleboard, creating a peaceful yet engaging experience for all skill levels

Bring your paddle board (a limited number of paddle boards will be available on a first come – come first bases.) and join us for yoga on the St. Mary’s River. If stand-up paddle board yoga is not exactly your thing, bring your yoga mat and join in along the shoreline (Fair and full disclosure – there is goose poop)

11:00 am - 3:00 pm RIVERFEST EVENTS -free to the public

Rotary Island Events

St. Mary’s River Float
Water slide
Paddleboarding 101
Kayaking 101
Kid's Fishing Pond

River Float

FREE Event
11am - 3pm; last float leaves Rotary Island at 2:30pm
A leisurely float down the scenic St. Mary's River
River tubes and paddles provided on-site
Life jackets provided on-site
Transportation back to Rotary Island

Slip-n-Slide

FREE EVENT
Sliders provided
11am - 3pm
Loads of family fun

6:00pm Sunset Dinner Cruise with Soo Locks Boat Tours

End your Riverfest day on the water with a relaxing and memorable sunset dinner cruise along the St. Mary’s River. Enjoy a delicious meal as you take in the scenic views, unwind to live music, and connect with friends and community members.

The evening also features a silent auction, offering a variety of unique items and experiences—all while supporting a great cause. Whether you’re looking for a night out or a chance to give back, the Sunset Dinner Cruise is the perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and community spirit

Buy Tickets Here