Every August, Bellaire fills up for the Rubber Ducky Festival, a small-town summer tradition now in its fourth decade. The highlight: thousands of rubber ducks dropped into the river for a race through town.
When is the Rubber Ducky Festival?
The festival is held in mid-August. The 39th festival was in August 2026, with the main day on Saturday, August 15 and related events the day before. Dates for 2027 haven't been announced yet. The Bellaire Chamber of Commerce usually confirms them in the spring.
What happens at the festival
Activities vary from year to year, but recent festivals have included:
- The Grand Parade through downtown Bellaire on Saturday afternoon
- The Rubber Ducky Race: after the parade, ducks are dropped from the North Bridge and race down the Intermediate River toward the Riverside Marina
- Kids' activities, including a duck party for little kids, a dunk tank and games
- An art and craft show and merchant sidewalk sales
- Live music, a community BBQ and an ice cream social
- Races and sports, such as a fun run and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament
The duck race
Ducks are sold ahead of the race, and they've been $5 each in recent years. Each duck is numbered, and the first ducks to reach the finish win prizes. Buy yours from the Chamber before race day, then find a spot along the river after the parade.
Getting around
- Arrive early. Downtown fills up on parade day, and parking gets tight.
- Walk in if you can. Downtown Bellaire is compact.
- Watch the race from the river, between the North Bridge and Riverside Marina.
Where to stay
Festival weekend is one of the busiest of the summer, so book early. Overlook Bellaire is five minutes from downtown and sleeps 16, perfect for families coming up together.
Overlook Bellaire
A 2021 modern home on 10 private acres above Bellaire, looking out over Intermediate Lake. Sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and a game room.
Check dates and book direct →
Alm Haus
A renovated Northwoods chalet 5 minutes from Schuss Mountain, with a hot tub under the pines, triple-queen bunk room, game room and stargazing dome.
Check dates and book direct →
Northwoods Treehaus
A 1960s A-frame in the pines at Schuss Mountain Resort, with three kings, a stone fireplace, a bunk room with arcade and a treetop hot tub.
Check dates and book direct →Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Bellaire Rubber Ducky Festival?
Dates haven't been announced yet. The festival is held in mid-August. Check with the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce at (231) 533-6023.
Where does the rubber duck race happen?
On the Intermediate River in downtown Bellaire. Ducks are dropped at the North Bridge and race toward the Riverside Marina.
How much are rubber ducks for the race?
They've been $5 per duck in recent years.
Sources
Festival details from Bellaire Chamber of Commerce listings for the 2025 and 2026 festivals. Checked October 2026. Details change each year, so confirm with the Chamber.