The Seattle Paddle Rave

1,000+ paddlers. A DJ boat. Lake Union at sunset. One of the largest floating concerts in the US. Free, and anyone with a board can join.

1,000+ paddlersFREELake UnionIf it floats, it’s invited
Rent a Board from $60Dates & Tickets ↗
Photo: Seattle Paddle Rave / Lake Union Concerts

Everything You Want to Know, Before You Ask

Seattle's floating EDM party. Here is what it is, what it costs, and what you need to bring so you can just show up and float.

What is the Seattle Paddle Rave?

A free floating concert on Lake Union. A DJ boat anchors out on the water and over 1,000 people float around it on paddle boards, kayaks, tubes and boats while the sun goes down behind the skyline. It is run by Lake Union Concerts and it is one of the largest floating concerts in the country.

Is it actually free?

Yes. Tickets are optional donations that help cover permits, insurance and the boat. A ticket also gets you the email with parking notes and the drop in spot, plus entry into prize drawings.

Do I need my own board?

Yes. It is bring your own board, kayak, tube or anything that floats. Nothing is handed out at the water. That is the part we solve, and you can pick up the same day.

Can a first timer do this?

Lake Union is flat water, so the paddling is easy. The crowd is the hard part. Go early, stay on the outside of the pack until you find your balance, and bring a light for after dark.

What are the rules?

A US Coast Guard approved life jacket for every person on board is required, and kids under 13 have to wear theirs. It is an alcohol and drug free event. Shows can be delayed or called off if the water is not safe.

Can I bring my dog?

The organizer's answer: they would be offended if you did not. Every rental board we send out has room for a co-pilot.

We are not affiliated with the event. We just rent the boards that get you out there. See Lake Union rentals.

The Full 2026 Season

Six nights on Lake Union this summer. Four are already in the books. Here is the whole run so you can see what you missed and what is left.

Wed, Jun 17Season openerDoneSat, Jun 27Paddle RaveDoneSat, Jul 4Paddle Rave, one year anniversaryDoneWed, Jul 15Paddle RaveDoneSat, Aug 1Paddle RaveNext upSun, Sep 20Witch Paddle RaveUpcoming

Lake Union Concerts sets the season well before summer and does not add shows mid season, so this is the full list. What does change late is the start time and the drop in spot, which go out in the ticket email a few days ahead. Their other series, Dock Rock, plays off a floating home on Sat, Aug 22 if you want one more night on the water.

Reserve a BoardOfficial Dates & Tickets ↗@seattlepaddlerave

Where to Get In the Water

Public launches all the way around Lake Union, numbered on the map. Tap any one for directions from our Tukwila pickup.

Gas Works gets absolutely mobbed. The park and the blocks around it are packed hours before the music starts, and the north shore street parking goes with it. Either get there early, or do what the locals do and launch from an Eastlake street end and paddle across.

Map of public paddle board launch points around Lake Union for the Seattle Paddle Rave
1Sunnyside Ave N Boat RampNorth shore, next to Gas WorksFree public ramp and the shortest paddle to the party. It is also the first place to fill up. Street parking only.2N Northlake Way, FremontBy the rowing clubWest end of the north shore. A longer paddle in, but you are past the worst of the Gas Works crush.3North Passage Point ParkShip canal, under I-5Small park on the canal with a quiet shoreline. Paddle west and the lake opens up in front of you.4Fritz Hedges Waterway ParkUniversity DistrictPurpose built hand carry launch with a wide ramp. The easiest place to get a board in the water, and a real lot.5Good Turn ParkEastlake street endTiny Eastlake street end with steps to the water. Locals only in the best way. Be quiet and pack it out.6Fairview ParkEastlake street endGrass, a bench and a low bank straight into the lake. Directly across the water from the action.7E Hamlin Street EndEastlake street endOne of several public street ends along Fairview Ave E. Short carry, easy entry, far less chaos than the north shore.8Terry Pettus ParkEastlakePublic access tucked between the floating homes. Park on Fairview and walk down.9Lake Union ParkSouth Lake Union, by the boat dockHand carry beach next to the historic boat dock at the south end. Paid garages nearby, so it is the easy answer if the north shore is full.
✕Not Gas Works ParkViewing onlyLaunching from Gas Works has not been permitted and the shoreline gets fenced. It is the best place to watch from land, and the worst place to try to put a board in.

Need a Board for Rave Night? We Are 15 Minutes South.

We are in Tukwila, just south of Seattle. Book ahead for a rave date or call us the day of. Either way you get the whole kit, and we will happily talk you through where to launch.

15 minutes southPick up in Tukwila, drive north, and you are at the lake. The board packs into any trunk and inflates in about 8 minutes at the launch.
Same day is usually doableDecided at 3pm that you are going? Call or text. If a board is on the shelf, it is yours. Rave nights are our busiest, so earlier is better.
Ask us anythingFirst time on a board? Not sure where to park or launch? Call or text and a human answers. We do this every weekend all summer.
Book a BoardCall or Text (425) 922-5455

Open daily 8 AM to 8 PM. $60 the first day, $160 for the whole week, all gear included.

Rent a Paddle Board for the Paddle Rave

Everything included, from $60 a day.

Board or kayak + the required USCG life vest, electric pump, dry bag, waterproof phone case and a Bluetooth speaker. About $175 of gear, free. Fits in any car, sets up in ~8 minutes at the launch. Rave days book out. Grab yours when a date drops.

More on paddling here: Lake Union paddle board rentals · all rentals and pricing · Seattle water events calendar

Reserve Your Board
Rave day today? Same-day is by phone. Call or text (425) 922-5455

Paddle Rave FAQ

When is the next Seattle Paddle Rave?
The next one is Saturday, August 1, 2026, followed by the Witch Paddle Rave on Sunday, September 20. The full 2026 season is listed above. Lake Union Concerts locks the season in ahead of the summer and does not add shows mid season, so the list is the list.
Is the Paddle Rave free?
Yes. It is one of the only free concerts in Seattle. Tickets are optional donations that cover permits and insurance, and ticket holders get the parking and drop in details by email plus prize drawings.
Where do you park for the Paddle Rave?
Street parking only on the north shore, and the blocks around Gas Works fill up hours before the music starts. Park farther out and walk, or skip it entirely and launch from an Eastlake street end where parking is easier. South Lake Union has paid garages if you want a guaranteed spot.
Where can I launch a paddle board for the rave?
Sunnyside Ave N boat ramp, N Northlake Way in Fremont, North Passage Point Park, Fritz Hedges Waterway Park, the Eastlake street ends along Fairview Ave E, Terry Pettus Park, or Lake Union Park in South Lake Union. Launching from Gas Works Park itself has not been permitted, so do not plan on it.
What time does it start and how long does it last?
These are evening shows built around sunset. The exact start time and the DJ boat's anchor spot change by date and go out in the ticket email, so grab a ticket on the organizer's site. Plan on a few hours on the water and bring a light for the paddle back.
Do I need a life jacket?
Yes. Every vessel, including a paddle board, must carry a properly fitted US Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board, and kids under 13 must wear one. Every rental we send out includes vests.
Can I drink at the Paddle Rave?
No. Lake Union Concerts runs it as an alcohol and drug free event. Paddling impaired on a crowded lake after dark is also a great way to end up in a very cold story.
Does the Paddle Rave happen every year?
Yes. It has grown every summer since it started with about 100 people, and the 2026 season opened on June 17 with a full run of dates through September.
Can beginners go?
Yes. The water is flat and the vibe is friendly. Get to the lake early so you are comfortable standing before the crowd builds, and stay toward the outside of the pack if you are wobbly.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The organizer can delay, change or cancel a show if water conditions are not safe. If your rental day gets rained out, our Perfect Day Guarantee covers a free reschedule or a refund.
Where can I rent a paddle board for the Paddle Rave?
Right here. We are in Tukwila, about 15 minutes south of Lake Union, and every rental is $60 for the first day with the required life vests, electric pump, dry bag, waterproof phone case and a Bluetooth speaker included. Boards pack into any trunk and inflate in about 8 minutes at the launch.
Can I book same day for a rave night?
Often yes. Call or text (425) 922-5455 and we will tell you straight away what is left. Rave nights are our busiest of the summer, so booking ahead is the safer play.