Alpena to host 2026 Thunder Bay Maritime Festival in August
Trending
ALPENA - The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the 2026 Thunder Bay Maritime Festival will take place from Friday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 23 along the Thunder Bay River.
According to a DDA press release on Tuesday, this year's lineup features two-hour tall ship excursions, deck tours, hands-on family activities, Great Lakes exhibitors, the Battle of the Paddles River Race and rooftop party, and a new community boat parade along the river through the heart of downtown.
On Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. join the Dork Brothers Racing Team for the Battle of the Paddles River Race. You can participate via kayak, single canoe, or SUP board, or spectate from the rooftop deck of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. To participate you must register online, and all you need to bring is a paddleboard, kayak or canoe, paddle, and PFD (personal flotation device) type III. Single blade paddles only for SUPs (stand up paddleboards). You can register at ThunderBayFriends.org or the Dork Brothers' Facebook event page.
Brand new to this year's Maritime Festival is the Alpena Chamber's Thunder Bay Maritime Festival Lighted Boat Parade at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22. Line up along the Thunder Bay River in downtown Alpena to watch decorated and lit up boats go by. Or if you have a boat of your own, you can register to be a part of this brand-new event. Find the application and rules and regulations on the Alpena Chamber's website.
Go for a sail or take a tour of the Inland Seas tall ship during this three-day event. On Friday, Aug. 21 and Sunday, Aug. 23 rides are available at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., or 4 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 22, you can sail at 10 a.m. or 7:15 p.m. The evening sail on Saturday will take part in the Alpena Chamber’s Thunder Bay Maritime Festival Boat Parade and then sail into the bay for the sunset.
On Saturday, Aug. 22 from noon to 5 p.m., exhibitors and activities for all ages will take place along the river near the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, including deck tours of the tall ship, robot and scuba diving demonstrations, and the Imagination Playground from United Way. Further down the river, the Water Street Commons will have live music from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22.
"Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary works to ensure future generations can enjoy the Great Lakes and appreciate their role in maritime history. Festivals like this enhance our ongoing efforts to foster connections and bring history to life. We are excited to help bring the 2026 Thunder Bay Maritime Festival to the community," Erin Pilarski, events manager at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, said in the release.
This event is in partnership with the Alpena Chamber of Commerce, City of Alpena, Dork Brothers Racing, Alpena DDA, and the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. For more information visit thunderbayfriends.org/event/thunder-bay-maritime-festival/ or call 989-884-6200.
Find the full schedule of events below.
FRIDAY, AUG. 21
- Sails available on Inland Seas at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. (tickets $55 adults, $35 kids).
- At 5 p.m. racers check in for Dork Brothers’ annual Battle of the Paddles.
- At 5:30 p.m. Dork Brothers’ Battle of the Paddles viewing party on the roof deck of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center starts. A cash bar will be available.
- At 7 p.m. Dork Brothers’ Battle of the Paddles awards and celebration party will take place.
SATURDAY, AUG. 22
- Sails available on Inland Seas at 10 a.m. and 7:15 p.m.
- Riverside events at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center from noon to 5 p.m.
- Live music at Water Street Commons along the Thunder Bay River from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Alpena Chamber’s Thunder Bay Maritime Festival Boat Parade will take place at 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUG. 23
- Sails available on Inland Seas at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m.