Paddle Into Canoecopia 2026 For The Weekend

by Lakes Edition Staff

Canoecopia is the largest consumer paddle sports show in the world. Over 250,000 square feet of exhibits and more under the roof at Madison's Alliant Energy Center. Name sake canoes, kayaks, stand up boards, clothing, camping and boating gear, paddles of course and many other outfitters from Wisconsin, the Midwest and beyond.  Puruse light-weight canoes made of carbon fiber composite.  Find kayaks of all sizes and popular utility type kayak with a wide flat bottom, ideal for fishing.

Rutabaga Poddlesports, a canoe and kayak outfitter since 1976 is the host and founder of Canoecopia. Rutabaga is considered the largest consumer retailer of paddle sports in the U.S. The company recently opened a brand new store (2620 Rimrock Rd, Madison) in December 2022, convenient to Canoecopia visitors. Rutabaga Paddlesports' shop is just up the hill, over the "Beltline" overpass from the weekend long event. The store will be closed Thursday the day before the first day of Canoecopia to allow the staff to work on the final details for the event.

See all exhibitors such as Old Town Canoe and Kayak Co., Yakima, FITS Socks among the more notable, over 200 vendors in all. Visitors to Canoecopia can also choose from 191 presentations from experts in paddlesports with subjects like the boundary waters, kayaking rapids, canoe repair and many many more. 

A couple of years ago Rutabaga's owner, Darren Bush publicly announced that he is closing down his locally cherished business to become a chaplain. After the announcement Bush began receiving letters from customers around the region begging him not to retire.  So Bush had a change of heart and decided to stay on with Rutabaga to find a suitable buyer and make certain that Canoecopia never goes away.   

And lastly, if you need another reason to go portions of the proceeds from Canoecopia go to charitable non-profit organizations, oh yeah and it's almost Spring.

The Details

A pro tip for Canoecopia goers:   Darren Bush recommends downloading the 76 page pdf of speakers and printing out the page of the topic and expert you want to see.

Canoecopia takes place at the Alliant Energy Center located at 1919 Alliant Energy Way

in Madison.

Show Hours

Friday, March 13: 3 PM to 8 PM

Saturday, March 14: 9 AM to 6 PM

Sunday, March 15: 10 AM to 4 PM

Tickets

1-Day: $15.00

3-Day: $30.00

Ages 17 and under are FREE

Cash or check only for tickets purchased at the event

Parking Fees

1-Day: $8.00

Cash or credit, fees collected by Alliant Energy Center

2020 Ticket Holders

Rutabaga Paddlesports is located at 2620 Rimrock Road. The store is open Friday through Saturday from

10AM to 6PM during Canoecopia's run.