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1000 Islands Regatta returns to Brockville this weekend with hydroplane racing, live music and charity raffle

Sarah Burtch
Image via 1000 Islands Regatta / Facebook

The roar of hydroplane engines will take over Blockhouse Island this weekend as the popular 1000 Islands Regatta and Festival returns to Brockville, drawing thousands of spectators to the city’s waterfront.

Taking place from from June 26 to 28, 2026, the three-day event has become one of Brockville’s signature summer attractions as the high-speed Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) competition takes over the St. Lawrence River alongside live music, food vendors, a Kid Zone and fundraising initiatives.

The weekend’s main attraction, hydroplane racing, is scheduled to take place on both Saturday and Sunday from approximately 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spectators will have a chance to watch boats reach extreme speeds exceeding 200 kilometres per hour as they skim across the water.

1000 Islands Regatta race course route and spectator viewing location on Blockhouse Island – Image via 1000 Islands Regatta

Beyond the racing, event organizers have assembled a lineup of musical acts over the weekend, starting with Big Sugar with support from Luscious and Arthritik Dog on Friday night. The music continues Saturday with The Watchmen, Dead Root Revival and Zipperbelly, while Ambush closes out the festival on Sunday evening.

This year’s event also has a philanthropic aspect with a charity raffle supporting the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Visitors can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win NHL memorabilia and exclusive event prizes, with proceeds benefiting pediatric care and services provided through the Ottawa-based hospital.

At the regular meeting of Brockville City Council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Mayor Matt Wren took a moment to encourage residents to get outside and show support for the local festival.

“Get yourself out, buy a ticket, and support the festival because these things need out community support,” Wren stated. “A lot of visitors will be coming to town and and local businesses certainly rely on these important festivals in the summer so hopefully people will get out and support this one to kick off the summer festival season.”

Mayor Wren also encouraged residents and visitors to arrive early and plan ahead, as parking and waterfront viewing areas are expected to fill quickly throughout the weekend.

As a result of the regatta, the following road closures will be in effect this week:

Wednesday, June 24 at 6 a.m. to Monday, June 29 at noon:

  • Blockhouse Island Parkway
  • Ferry Street (closed for festival campers)

Thursday, June 25 at 5 p.m. to Sunday, June 28 at 11 p.m.

  • Water Street Parking Lot (closed for festival campers)
  • Reynolds Parking Lot (closed for festival campers)

Saturday, June 27 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, June 28 at 7 p.m.

  • Water Street East (from Park Street to Ford Street)

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