Saturday at the AuSable River Festival – Celebrate the Canoe Marathon Start!

Saturday at the AuSable River Festival – Celebrate the Canoe Marathon Start!

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
📍 Main Stage & Brew Avenue | Michigan Avenue, Downtown Grayling

Saturday is what the AuSable River Festival is all about! Join us downtown as we celebrate one of Northern Michigan's most beloved traditions—the official start of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, with the iconic shotgun & LeMans style start firing at 9:00 PM.

Spend the day enjoying live music, great food, cold drinks, and the excitement building as thousands gather to cheer on the paddlers before they begin their legendary overnight journey down the AuSable River.

🎵 Saturday Schedule

• 2:00 PM – AuSable River Dixieland Jazz Band
• 5:00 PM – Timberline North
• 7:00 PM – Aldrich & Company
• 9:00 PM – Official AuSable River Canoe Marathon Shotgun Start
• 9:30 PM – Whiskey Six

Whether you're a lifelong Marathon fan or experiencing the tradition for the first time, Saturday night in downtown Grayling is something you'll never forget.

The Main Stage & Brew Avenue are open to all ages! If you'd like to enjoy an adult beverage, simply bring your ID for wristband service. Please note that social district drinks purchased elsewhere downtown are not permitted within the beer tent area. All alcoholic beverages enjoyed inside Brew Avenue must be purchased there.