Holyoke Rows

05/31/2026

☀️ 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

05/29/2026

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

05/27/2026

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 ☀️🌊

05/27/2026

Shad Festival at Holyoke Rows is bringing together an amazing lineup of local vendors, artists, food makers, and community organizations this year!

Come spend the afternoon by the river enjoying great food, local shopping, music, family activities, free kayaking and rowing, salsa lessons, fishing activities, and more — all while celebrating the Connecticut River and our local community.

📍 Sunday, June 7
⏰ 12–4 PM
💜 Free and open to all

Bring your friends, explore local vendors, and celebrate the river with us. 🌊

Food, vendors, or river activities — what are you doing first at Shad Fest?

Battat Glass Roshay Roshay Liv Nu Joannas Bows Western Massachusetts Scouting Paper City Arts Rumspringa Books Everlasting Sweet Treasures June Bug Studio Holyoke Rows Inaugural Home Improvement The Care Center Enlace de Familias Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke The Children's Museum at Holyoke Holyoke Public Library Holyoke YMCA Sea Scouts BSA

05/26/2026

A great day on the water!!

If you or someone you know has a disability and is interested in rowing, give us a call! Let’s talk about what might make getting on the water possible for you. 🌊🚣🏽‍♀️

Now this is waterside bliss!! ☺️And you can join us because UAP offers free adaptive rowing on the Connecticut River every Thursday in Holyoke! We are talking free rowing opportunities all summer long!!! 🚣🏾‍♀️

This all-ability program is run by our partner, Holyoke Rows. They'll set you up with specialized equipment, modifications, instruction and staff support as needed. Families, support staff and friends are invited to join as well!

But everyone has to preregister-this is by appointment only...

What: Adaptive Rowing on the Connecticut River

Where: 25 Jones Ferry Road, Holyoke, MA

When: Thursdays, By Appointment Only

• May 28, 2026
• June 4, 2026
• June 11, 2026
• June 18, 2026
• June 25, 2026
• July 2, 2026
• July 16, 2026
• July 23, 2026
• July 30, 2026
• August 6, 2026
• August 13, 2026
• August 20, 2026
• August 27, 2026

Cost: Free

Questions & to Register: Call Holyoke Rows at (413) 320 3134 or email [email protected].

Looking for other summer adaptive recreation programs? We've got accessible cycling, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and swimming scheduled across the state!! Check it out: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/adaptive-program-schedule

💜💛💙❤💚

05/22/2026

Thanks to Holyoke Parks & Recreation for capturing another beautiful moment by the river! 🌊

05/20/2026

☀️ Summer is back on the river at Holyoke Rows, and we’re excited to share our Youth Rowing & Kayaking Programs!

If your kids or teens are looking for something active, outdoor, and a little different this summer, this is a great way to try rowing and kayaking, spend time on the water, and make new friends.

Each week, youth learn the basics of rowing and kayaking in a fun, supportive environment with experienced coaches — no experience needed.

🛶 Rowing or kayaking instruction
🌞 Half-day weekly sessions
💦 Games and time on the water
🤝 Teamwork and confidence-building
Ages 8+ (kayaking) | Ages 10+ (rowing)

We also offer a free week of beginning rowing just for Holyoke youth — a welcoming way to try the sport at no cost.

Programs run rain or shine, with activities adjusted for safety and conditions.

🔗 Sign up here:https://www.holyokerows.org/shop/summer-youth-programs/RNDIAQMHGNQSRPNMKQPE2ZI5?page=1&limit=30&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc

We’d love to see your family on the river this summer 💙

05/19/2026

Thanks DCR Universal Access Program for your amazing support of adaptive programs in our community!

Our adaptive rowing program is all about accessibility, connection, and getting more people on the water.

We’re grateful to be part of creating inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities. 🚣🏽‍♀️💜

05/18/2026

We are getting really excited to welcome the community back to the river for our first two FREE events of the summer! 🌊

🚣 National Learn to Row Day
Saturday, June 6 | 12–2 PM
Try rowing for free— no experience needed!
Learn more 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/18hGe79gMX/

🎉 Shad Festival
Sunday, June 7 | 12–4 PM
Free kayaking & rowing, fishing activities, salsa lessons, arts & crafts, local vendors, food, music, and more.
More info 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1EQMVEoRdT/

These events are all about bringing people together outdoors and celebrating the Connecticut River and our community. Everyone is welcome!

📍 Holyoke Rows

Feel free to share — we’d love to see new and familiar faces by the river this summer 💜

Explore Holyoke Explore Western Mass Western Mass Bestie Turley Publications Western Mass News Holyoke Parks & Recreation

12/07/2025

🙏 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. 💜