Smile Boat Parade FAQs
Whether steering a motorized vessel or propelling a human-powered craft, even watching from shore, everyone is welcome to participate in the Smile Boat Parade on Saturday, August 22, 2026
Register to parade ›
1. When does everything happen?
Smile Boat Parade
Saturday, August 22
Parade starts at 11:00 AM*
*We will be parading rain or shine
SCHEDULE
9:30 AM Coffee & pastries at Parade Check In Barge located at the East end of the channel, about 600 feet east of the Portland Yacht Club breakwater — look for the Parade banners, flags & streamers!
CHECK IN New this year, check-in is split by boat type:
- Motorboats: Gary's Dock, about 600 feet east of the Portland Yacht Club (PYC)
- Paddlers (kayaks, canoes, SUPs): the beach inside the pile dike at the east end of Hayden Island directly across from the Portland Yacht Club. Calm, sandy water, easy to pull your kayak right up.
Pick up your complimentary Smile Boat Parade swag bag.
Coffee and cookies will be shared at both check in locations.
10:30 AM Line Up
Motor Boats line up east of the PYC Break wall. Try to find your place in line by number.
Paddlers (kayaks, canoes, SUPs): line up at the beach inside the pile dike at the east end of Hayden Island directly across from the Portland Yacht Club.
11:00 AM Parade start is the Portland Yacht Club break wall
12:00 - 12:30 PM Parade finish is at the railroad bridge at the west end of Hayden Island Floating Homes. Look for the adorable floating shanty and party barge with balloons and festive decorations.
Sail boats finish at the I-5 bridge.
1:00 PM Awards & Beach Bash at the beach nearby and at anchor west of the RR Bridge.
2. What is the Parade Route?
Start: The Smile Boat Parade starts at the east end of Hayden Island (just east of the Portland Yacht Club), and cruises downriver following a smiling curved path through the picturesque Columbia River North Portland Harbor, spanning two river miles.
Parading: Stay behind section leaders at all times, single file when possible
Section 1 - Power boats (first in line), numbers 1 - 60
Section 2 - Sailboats (Parade ends at the I-5 Bridge for those unable to fit under, numbers 61 - 100
Section 3 - Non-motorized crafts (canoes, kayaks & paddle-boards) - 2 boats parade side by side, numbers 101 - 200
Finish The Parade ends at the railroad bridge, just downriver from Jantzen Beach Marina.
3. Is there a theme? Are there awards?
This year the theme is Living Waters. Think about all creatures and living things under the sea. Paraders will decorate their boats and themselves with creatures, festive decorations of the depths, nautical underwater creative ideas.
Registered Parade participants will be awarded for most original, funniest, theme, most outrageous, best crew spirit, crowd pleaser etc. plus special awards for non-motorized small crafts.
Judging will take place at the Island Cafe, 250 NE Tomahawk Island Dr.
4. Is it safe?
Smile Boat Parade participants practice all Oregon boater safety rules and regulations. We keep a safe distance from other boats in a parade line down the middle of the North Portland Harbor Channel. Motor boats stay in single file line and non-motorized craft travel side by side.
SAFETY BOATS* Look for the Safety Boats that have a white banner, Safety Boat, on the sides of their boats. If you need assistance, flag them down.
Communication will be on marine radio channel 72. Safety Boat cell numbers to be provided on Parade day.
* Safety Boats become Shuttle Boats at Parade end and are available to tow paddlers back to the Awards After Party.
Please note on registration if you would like to arrange a tow in advance.
Communication will be on marine radio channel 72. Safety Boat cell numbers to be provided on Parade day.
* Safety Boats become Shuttle Boats at Parade end and are available to tow paddlers back to the Awards After Party.
Please note on registration if you would like to arrange a tow in advance.
5. I want to register and be in the parade, where should I put in my boats?
Broughton Beach, 4141 NE Marine Dr.
Alder Creek Kayaks, 200 NE Tomahawk Island Dr.
6. If I can't be in the parade, where should I watch it?
Watch this floating spectacle at terrific businesses along North Waterfront:
- Watch Party at Courtyard by Marriott North Portland, 1231 N. Anchor Way
- Island Cafe on Tomahawk Island, 250 NE Tomahawk Island Dr.
- From the I-5 Bridge pedestrian sidewalk
- From the bike path in North Portland (North side of Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr.)
7. What about the Beach Bash?
Location: West end, just past the finish line. Look for anchored boats and beach on Hayden island (accessible only by boat)
All parade participants are invited.
Safety Boats will tow paddlers back upstream.
Refreshing cold NA beverages will be available.
Porta-pottie available on the beach.
BYOB: Bring your own blanket, chair, beach towel, picnic, hat, sunscreen — everything you would want for a day at the beach!
Plan to SWIM! Columbia River temp is approximately 72 in August
8. Who supports the Smile Boat Parade?
Island Cafe
Axios Marine
Schooner Creek Boat Works
Mary Ann Bayer (Parade Fan)
Bridgeton Neighborhood Association
Hayden Island Neighborhood Network
See the full list of sponsors ›
