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Paddle to the Symphony 2026

Sat, Jul 11 · 6:00 PM EDT

Kensington Metropark, 2240 W Buno Rd, Milford, MI, US

"Let's go to the Movies" with the Michigan Philharmonic and Paddle to the Symphony on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Music from Frozen, The Lion King, Rocky, Titanic, Batman, and more.

Meet at 6:00 p.m. at Kensington Metro Park in Milford, Michigan at the shoreline near the North Martindale Picnic Shelter.

Paddle across the water to the concert - stay in your boat or go to shore - listen to the music, enjoy the evening, and paddle back as the sun begins to set. It's a magical night.

Water, soft drinks, healthy snacks, and yummy treats will be available for all participants. All canoes and kayaks MUST have at least one adult (age 16+) per watercraft. Heavner boat rentals come with life jackets (PFD) and paddles.

Anyone going on the water should arrive by 7:00 p.m.

You may RSVP here on Meetup to let others know you are attending, however you MUST REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH THE EVENT to attend. Details at www.PaddleToTheSymphony.com.

The event is collaborating with Heavner Canoe to provide a fun evening on the water while enjoying the sounds of the Michigan Philharmonic.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. While the concert itself is free, our event and the paddle portion has fees.

Paddle Options:

Single Kayak (Seats 1 Person)
$50 per boat

Tandem Kayak (Seats 2 People)
$75 per boat ($35 per person)

Canoes (Seats 2-3 People)
Middle passenger should be less than 100 lbs
$75 per boat

Bring Your Own Personal Boat
Bring your own canoe, kayak, or paddle board. Park in the lot and we will assist portage to the shoreline if needed
$20 per person / boat

The fee pays for refreshments, snacks, and the organization of the event. We have special permission to launch from this area. Event staff will also assist moving your canoe or kayak from the parking lot to the shoreline if you bring your own canoe or kayak. You may NOT drive to the shoreline in your own car (this is a Metropark rule).

Registration Now Open at www.paddletothesymphony.com/online-registration

Registration will include a link to sign an online waiver. Everyone going in a Heavner boat MUST complete a waiver. Thank you.

Please Note: With any option you choose, you will still be responsible for the park vehicle entrance fee, so carpool if you can. The daily fee is $10 BEFORE 5:00 p.m. (AFTER 5:00 p.m. the daily entrance fee will be $15). So, come early for the better rate to get into the park - enjoy the park before our event starts - meet us at 6:00 p.m.

Once in the park, do NOT follow the signs to the concert, as we are positioned across the lake. Instead, follow the signs to “Martindale Beach,” park your vehicle, and check in at the white pop-up tent near the shoreline and past the shelter (Picnic Shelter "C"). Follow the signs and walking path from the parking lot toward the shelter, then walk past the shelter to the shoreline.

GPS Map to Shoreline Check-in Point: https://goo.gl/maps/WtNDEn3EjTijeGQj8

Kensington Park Info: https://www.metroparks.com/kensington-metropark

Paddle Event Timeline:

6:00 p.m. Arrival Time and Welcome
6:15 p.m. Kayaks/Canoes Begin to Launch
7:30 p.m. Last Boats Launch and Concert Begins
8:30 p.m. Concert Ends/Start to Paddle Back
9:30 p.m. All Boats Should be Back to Launch Area
10:00 p.m. Park is CLOSED

What to Bring:

Sunscreen and/or Hat
Change of clothes (just in case you get wet)
Jacket (evening may cool down)
Lawn chairs (if you plan to go to shore to hear the music)

DO NOT TAKE BOATS INTO SWIMMING AREAS

The DNR has the final say regarding watercraft going on the water. If weather conditions restrict canoeing then we will shuttle attendees to the concert and back. Heavner Canoe will offer vouchers to return to canoe if this happens. Please note this has only happened once in all the years of the event.