Paddles and Premiers | Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria

Explore La Crosse and LaCrosseAF – Adventure Festival invite community members and visitors to celebrate the beauty of our local waterways with Paddling & Premiers Weekend, on August 8-10, 2025. It’s a three-day celebration of paddling and the unique waterways that define our region. There is also a special celebration announcing the 20th Anniversary Paddling Film Festival on Friday, August 8 at the Rivoli Theater.

Kicking off the weekend at 4:00 PM on Friday, guests can head to Pettibone Park Lagoon for a paddling event featuring the return of Dead Fish Polo with Sanborn Canoe — a playful and engaging experience for paddlers of all ages and skill levels.

Then, at 6:00 PM, the doors of the Rivoli Theater open for a night of film, adventure, and inspiration. The Paddling Film Festival, renowned for showcasing award-winning films from around the globe, will premiere in La Crosse for its 20th anniversary celebration. The show begins at 7:00 PM, and all ticket reservations are donation-based, with proceeds supporting the River Cleanup of La Crosse.

The weekend concludes with an inclusive kayaking session at 2:00 PM in partnership with the STAR Center and North American Squirrel Association (N.A.S.A.) at Lake Neshonoc in West Salem, WI.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to the water, Paddling & Premiers Weekend offers a chance to get active, explore the outdoors, and give back to our rivers. Come paddle, play, and be part of a community committed to adventure and conservation.