The 8th annual Blazing Paddles Riverfest is a public celebration of Cleveland’s scenic and historic Cuyahoga River. An America 250-Ohio event, Blazing Paddles Riverfest, reminds the nation how Ohio’s freshwater resources (Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga River and the Ohio River) coupled by the Ohio & Erie Canal fueled Cleveland’s and Ohio’s rise that helped a young nation grow to global prominence. Blazing Paddles also celebrates Cleveland’s 230th birthday. Blazing Paddles Riverfest is held at the Nautica Waterfront District. Participants have two paddling options on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River that won the USA Today 10Best “best urban kayaking spot” in the nation vote. On Saturday July 18, recreational paddlers can explore Cleveland's historic river during the Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle while racers can take on three different distances over a fun H2O race track. Non-paddlers can enjoy the Blazing Paddles Riverfest Expo and hospitality from our venue partners Music Box Supper Club and Shooters Yacht Club on the Flats West Bank.