September 18-20, 2026

Experience Northern Michigan’s only state-designated Pure Michigan water trail at the Paddle Antrim Festival! This one-of-a-kind event celebrates the natural beauty of Northern Michigan’s Chain of Lakes with routes ranging from 7 to 42 miles — perfect for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Paddlers of all levels are welcome, from first-timers to experienced adventurers.

Paddle at your own pace for one or two days, choose how far you go each day, and enjoy community celebrations each evening in Elk Rapids, Ellsworth, and Bellaire with music, food, and fun.

September 26, 2026

Celebrate small-town charm, hometown hospitality, and classic fall fun during the Chamber’s annual Elk Rapids Fall Festival!

Enjoy shopping from local vendors, live music, line dancing, family-friendly activities, delicious seasonal treats like fresh cider, donuts, caramel apples, and other fall favorites, plus festive photo opportunities and plenty of surprises throughout the day.

Admission is free, making the Elk Rapids Fall Festival the perfect way to spend a crisp autumn afternoon with family and friends while celebrating the harvest season in the heart of downtown Elk Rapids.

October 2-4, 2026

Downtown Elk Rapids is proud to be a Buy Nearby Ultimate Destination this year!

Buy Nearby Weekend is a special statewide event to get consumers shopping, eating, and supporting local to kick off the holiday shopping season.

The goal: "Keep Your Money in Michigan!” Buy Nearby Weekend shines a light on the importance of supporting local retailers and businesses of all kinds, and the impact of shifting just 10% of our state's out-of-state eCommerce purchases back to local storefronts.