Paddle to the Symphony 2025

This year’s Paddle to the Symphony will be on Saturday, July 12, 2025, with music by the Michigan Philharmonic featuring "On Broadway!" tunes.

Meet at 6:00 p.m. at Kensington Metro Park in Milford, Michigan at the shoreline near the North Martindale Picnic Shelter. 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 meet us at the white pop-up tent near the shoreline and past the shelter. Anyone going on the water should arrive by 7:00 p.m.

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.

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.

Paddle Options:

Single Kayak (Seats 1 Person)
$40 per boat

Tandem Kayak (Seats 2 People)
$70 per boat ($35 per person)

Canoes (Seats 2-3 People)
Middle passenger should be less than 100 lbs
$65 per boat

Bring Your Own Personal Boat
Park in the lot and we will assist portage to the shoreline if needed
$20 per person / boat

$5 discount per boat for HI or SOLAR members

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.

Water, soft drinks, and snacks 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.

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.

Check in at the white pop-up tent NEAR the shoreline, between the water and the North Martindale Beach (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

GPS Map to Shelter C: https://goo.gl/maps/KAiiychEyWS2

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

Paddle Event Timeline:

6:00 p.m. Check In Begins
6:15 p.m. Canoe Begin to Launch
7:30 p.m. Concert Starts
9:00 p.m. Start to Paddle Back
9:30 p.m. Canoes Return
10:00 p.m. Thank you and Goodnight

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)

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.