About this Event
Join us for this great annual event at Simpson County Park to support the conservation efforts of Open Space STL. Participants can enjoy live music during the float and while relaxing on the shore.
Enjoy a rare opportunity to paddle on Simpson Lake after dark!
Ticket Options:
Two Person Paddle - $80
- 1-hour canoe or kayak rental for two (2) people in a two (2) person vessel
One Person Paddle - $50
- 1-hour canoe, kayak, or paddle board rental for one (1) person in a one (1) person vessel
BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) - $40
- Simpson Lake Paddle After Dark Access for the full event time
If choosing this option, you will need to bring a canoe or kayak, a life jacket, and a paddle.
Event Pass - $25
- Simpson Lake shore-only access & live entertainment
All of the above ticket options also include:
- Two (2) beers provided by 4 Hands Brewing Co (or non-alcoholic beverages)
- One (1) Tito's Homemade Vodka cocktail
- One (1) S'mores packet
All equipment provided on a first-come, first- serve basis.
A limited number of tickets are available, so secure your spot quickly!
Early Dusk Time Slot Available Again for 2026!
For the second year in a row, there is a Paddle at Dusk option starting at 5:30 pm
You may choose a reservation based on the three (3) available time slots (5:30 to 6:45 pm, 7 to 8:15 pm and 8:30 to 10 pm), pending ticket availability.
For each time slot, there is a 15-minute transition session between time slots for people to switch out of boats and for the next session to get geared up and into the boats
You will be able to select your time to paddle and plan your arrival accordingly, but all participants are welcome to stay for the entire event and enjoy music and bonfires by the lake.
Dinner is Served!
For this year's event, we are pleased to announce that we will have the Five Aces Bar-B-Que food truck onsite. There are seven different dinner combos available including the vegetarian option of a black bean burger. You can pre-order your dinner choice or order upon arrival.
Event Details
When: Friday, July 17, 2026 from 5 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Simpson County Park at 1234 Marshall Road, Saint Louis, MO 63088.
Tickets: Tickets may be purchased for $40 per person if your choose to BYOB (Bring your own boat); $50 to reserve a single person canoe, paddle board, or kayak or $80 to reserve a two person canoe or kayak.
Attendance passes can also be purchased for $25 that do not include boat rental or water access.
The Ticket price does not include the service fee if purchased online. You may also purchase your tickets by mailing a check to Open Space STL, Attn: Paddle After Dark, P.O. Box 220011, St. Louis, MO 63122. Please include the names of the attendees.
What to bring: Dress for the weather, and please bring your own lawn chair to sit by the bonfires, and a flashlight or headlamp is encouraged while out on the water.
All attendees will be required to complete a waiver at check in.
A big thanks to our sponsors:
- 4 Hands Brewing Co.
- St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Department
- The Alpine Shop
- Big Muddy Adventures
- Five Aces Bar-B-Que
*Please note, in case of inclement weather or unsafe conditions, this event will not be rescheduled and refunds will not be given. However, each participant will receive a letter stating that their ticket purchase is 100% tax-deductible and will be used to support Operation Clean Stream.
*For questions about the event contact [email protected]
Can't attend?
You can still support Open Space STL and our Operation Clean Stream program at:
Make a Donation
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Simpson Park, 1234 Marshall Road, Saint Louis, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 87.21
