Merrimack Valley Paddle & Outdoor Festival

Our goal for Paddle & Outdoor Festival is to highlight the diversity of paddlesport opportunities that are available on the Merrimack and Concord Rivers and to encourage local residents and visitors alike to give kayaking, rowing & stand-up paddle surfing a try.  In addition to showcasing these watersports, we hope to attract additional outdoor, environmental, and human-powered activities.

The Merrimack Valley Paddle & Outdoor Festival will be held at the University of Massachusetts Bellegarde Boathouse, located on the scenic Vandenberg Esplanade in historic Lowell, Massachusetts.  This facility recently underwent a million dollar renovation and is poised to become a major watersport recreational center for the greater Merrimack Valley.

Festival Information

When:  Saturday, June 5th, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Where: UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse, 500 Pawtucket Blvd. Lowell, MA 01853
Who:    Free to the public!

Sponsored by UMass Lowell, Still River Outfitters Inc., Northeast Paddlesurf, and the Merrimack River Rowing Association (MRRA).

 UMass Lowell NEPS MRRAStill River
Festival Activities

  • Demos on Flatwater, Whitewater, Sea Kayaks, & Stand-Up Paddle Surfing
  • Learn-to-Row Opportunities
  • Kayaking Film Festival (www.npff.org)
  • Food & Fun!

Vendor Information

Booth spaces are 10' x 10' located on the perimeter of the festival.  The fees for basic booth spaces and non-profit booth spaces (with or without electricity requirements) are listed on the vendor registration form linked below.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor for the inaugural year of the Merrimack River Paddle & Outdoor Festival, please fill out the Vendor Registration Form (pdf) and send in the completed form with appropriate payment to

UMass Lowell Campus Recreation
100 Pawtucket Street
Lowell, MA 01854

For online payment options, please select the appropriate link below:

For more information on the Merrimack Valley Paddle & Outdoor Festival, please contact Peter Murray at 978-934-2327 or Peter_Murray@uml.edu.


Campus Recreation Center - 100 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, MA 01854
Phone: 978-934-2348 Fax: 978-934-3041 Hours Directions Contact Us