Holyoke Rows

Did your child try kayaking or rowing at the Shad Festival at Holyoke Rows? Turn that first experience into a summerof fun on the water with Holyoke Rows' Youth Kayaking & Rowing Programs! 🛶☀️

Our half-day weekly camps give kids and teens the chance to learn new skills, spend time outdoors, and build confidence while exploring the Connecticut River.

No experience is needed—just a willingness to try something new!

🛶 Learn the basics of kayaking or rowing
🌞 Enjoy active, outdoor summer fun
🤝 Build teamwork, confidence, and new friendships
💦 Spend time on the water with experienced instructors

Ages 8+ (kayaking) | Ages 10+ (rowing)

We also offer a FREE week of beginning rowing for Holyoke middle and high school aged youth, making it easy to give the sport a try.

🔗 Register today: https://www.holyokerows.org/shop/summer-youth-programs/RNDIAQMHGNQSRPNMKQPE2ZI5

We loved seeing so many young people get out on the water during the festival, and we're excited to welcome the next generation of paddlers and rowers this summer.💜

🎉 Thank You for an Amazing 2026 Shad Festival! 🎉

As we look back on a fantastic day celebrating our community, the Connecticut River, and the start of summer, we want to thank everyone who joined us for this year's Shad Festival at Holyoke Rows

Before we begin planning for next year, we'd love your feedback! If you attended, please take just 2 minutes to complete our post-event survey. Your input helps us understand what worked well and how we can make the festival even better in 2027.

👉 Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/DDi7bgFLTjAg4HGV6

From free kayaking and rowing to arts and crafts, fishing activities, local vendors, salsa lessons, delicious food, and family fun, the festival was filled with energy, connection, and unforgettable moments.

A special thank you to our sponsors, Florence Bank and C&S Wholesale Grocers, and to the many volunteers, vendors, partners, and participants who helped make the day possible.

Thank you for being part of this special community event. We look forward to seeing you on the river again soon!
💜🚣‍♀️☀️

Thank you to Holyoke Media for the great coverage and photos!

The wind kept us all guessing, but we're so glad things calmed down and that so many people came out to enjoy a fun day by the river.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and sponsored the event—we couldn't have done it without you! 🚣🏽‍♀️🎉

Today's the day! 🎉🚣🛶

The 2nd Annual Shad Festival is happening today from 12:00–4:00 PM at Holyoke Rows!

Come enjoy:
🛶 Free kayaking
🚣 Free Beginner rowing instruction
🎣 Free Fishing
🎨 Free River-themed arts & crafts
💃 Free Salsa lessons
🍦 Ice cream
🍔 Food vendors
🤝 Local organizations and businesses

This free community celebration is all about the Connecticut River, the annual shad migration, and bringing people together.

📍 Holyoke Rows, 25 Jones Ferry Rd., Holyoke
🅿️ Free parking on Main Street and at Dean High School

See you at the river!

🎉Tomorrow! 🎉

🛶 FREE kayaking & rowing instruction! 🎣 FREE family Fishing!💃FREE salsa lessons🍦 Ice cream & more!

Join us tomorrow for the 2nd Annual Shad Festival at Holyoke Rows—a fun-filled afternoon celebrating the Connecticut River and the annual shad migration.

📅 Sunday, June 7
⏰ 12:00–4:00 PM
📍 Holyoke Rows, 25 Jones Ferry Rd., Holyoke

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon on the river. Free parking is available on Main Street and at Dean High School.

Special thanks Florence Bank and C&S Wholesale Grocers for supporting this community celebration!

🚣🏾‍♂️FREE Learn to Row event from 12:00–2:00 PM TODAY!🚣🏽‍♀️

No experience is necessary—our coaches and experienced rowers will introduce you to the basics and help you get out on the water.

Whether you're looking for a new sport, a fun way to stay active, or just want to see what rowing is all about, we'd love to have you join us.

🚣 Free to attend
🚣 Beginner-friendly
🚣 Open to all
🚣🏽 25 Jones Ferry Rd, Holyoke
🚣🏽 National Learn to Row Day

Come down and give rowing a try today!

📸 Thanks Chucky Crespo Photography for the great pic!

☀️ Summer starts next weekend at Holyoke Rows ☀️

Two FREE community events. One amazing weekend on the river.

🚣 Saturday, June 6 -- National Learn to Row Day
Try rowing for FREE and get out on the water with Holyoke Rows.

🎣 Sunday, June 7 -- Shad Fest
FREE Kayaking, salsa lessons, music, food and community along the Connecticut River.

Whether you’re brand new to rowing and kayaking or just looking for a great weekend outside, everyone’s invited.

Tag someone you want to spend next weekend with 👇
Connecticut River Conservancy

Another great week with The Care Center rowers!! Love seeing all these amazing people discover rowing. 💜🚣‍♀️

Exciting news: We’ve got some GREAT raffle prizes lined up for Shad Festival at Holyoke Rows this year!

Make sure to stop by the Holyoke Rows table to learn about our rowing programs, summer youth kayaking, and FREE family kayaking nights on the Connecticut River — and enter to win prizes from some awesome local businesses:

🥯 Tandem Bagel Company
🥯 Comfort Bagel
🍕 Antonio's Pizza
🍺 Wormtown Brewery
🚗 Gary Rome Hyundai

Shad Fest is all about celebrating the river, getting outside, and bringing the community together, and we can’t wait to see everyone down by the water.

📍 Holyoke Rows — 25 Jones Ferry Rd.
📅 Sunday, June 7
🕛 12 PM–4 PM
🎟️ Free for everyone!

Bring your friends, bring the kids, and come spend the afternoon with us on the river ☀️🌊

🙏 Thank You, Holyoke Rows Community! 🚣‍♀️💜
We are so grateful for your generosity this Giving Tuesday. Your donations directly support our free and low-cost rowing and kayaking programs, making it possible for people of all abilities in our community to get out on the water.

Because of you, more neighbors will experience the joy, confidence, and connection that come with being part of Holyoke Rows. 🌊✨

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us keep our programs accessible to all. 💜