RowFest at Ford Lake Park July 11th - 19th
Parking for this special event will be $10 per day/per vehicle (cash preferred).
Course setup will be Monday, July 6 - Thursday, July 9, 2026. Practice will be Friday, July 10, 2026.
Ford Lake Rowing Course FAQs
Please be aware that Thunder Over Michigan Air Show will be taking place July 17th - 19th and Ann Arbor Art Fairs will be taking place July 16th - 18th. Plan for heavier traffic volume and activity at businesses in the area.
The competitions will take place on the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake which is a 2,000-meter, eight-lane championship venue designed by the engineer behind the 1984 and 1996 Olympic rowing venues.
Developed through a partnership between Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti Township, Destination Ann Arbor, and the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, the course represents a major new sports tourism asset for the region.
As Michigan’s first and only Olympic-caliber rowing venue and one of just 13 championship-level courses in the United States, Ford Lake now enables the state to host major rowing competitions for the first time.
View Photos from RowFest 2025 on Facebook
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are a critical component of all regattas. Our sport’s sustainability and success rely heavily on these dedicated supporters, who help ensure that our rowers, teams, coaches, spectators, and more have a safe, fair, and rewarding experience. The purpose of this policy is to provide additional volunteer support at USRowing-owned regattas to Local Organizing Committees (LOCs).
View available duties and time slots and click on the button to sign up.
- If you work back-to-back shifts, in one day, a meal will be provided.
- Each volunteer receives free parking and a t-shirt.
- Non-Profit Organizations: For every 50 hours filled by your organization, we will donate $500 back (W-9 must be provided from organization). For each additional 25 hours, an additional $250 will be donated.
Outdoor Event Reminder: Since this event is held outdoors, timing may be adjusted if needed due to weather. To help you stay comfortable throughout the day, we encourage you to bring your own refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a rain jacket, just in case the weather changes.