Every summer, roughly 3,000 rubber ducks hit the Central Canal in Broad Ripple and race toward College Avenue while families line the banks cheering for a plastic bird they adopted for six bucks. It's ridiculous, it's a blast, and it raises thousands of dollars for the neighborhood every year.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Broad Ripple Duck Race.
When and Where
The 2026 race is tentatively set for Saturday, June 6, following the event's tradition of landing on the first or second Saturday of June. Everything centers around the Rainbow Bridge, where Guilford Avenue crosses the Central Canal, and stretches along the Monon Greenway Trail.
The day starts at 10:00 a.m. with the Broad Ripple Duck Race 5K and Fun Run. The Big Drop, when all 3,000 ducks hit the canal at once, happens around 12:30 p.m.
How the Race Works
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You adopt a numbered rubber duck for $6 each or grab a "Paddling" of six for $30. On race day, every adopted duck gets dumped into the canal at the Hope Plumbing Start Line near the Monon Trail intersection. The ducks float west, pass under the Rainbow Bridge, and drift toward the Audiochuck Finish Line near College Avenue.
The first duck across wins its sponsor a prize package often valued at over $1,000, loaded with gift cards to Broad Ripple spots like brics, Indy CD & Vinyl, and The Bungalow. After the winners are pulled, families can grab a souvenir duck to take home.
All adoption fees go to the Broad Ripple Village Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In recent years, the race has raised between $10,000 and $15,000 in a single afternoon, funding neighborhood beautification, public space upgrades, and local advocacy.
What to Expect With Kids
This one works for young kids. Free children's activities and carnival games run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Rainbow Bridge. The anticipation builds, the ducks drop, and younger kids stay locked on the canal trying to spot their duck in the chaos. Lou Malnati's and Nicey Treat are frequent event vendors for easy snacks, and a post-race scoop at brics (Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station) right on the Monon is practically required.
Tips Before You Go
Adopt your ducks early. Adoptions frequently sell out by noon on race day. Check the Indy with Kids listing or the Broad Ripple Village Association's calendar for the registration window. Some years online sales are limited and you'll need to adopt in person at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market in the weeks before the race.
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Arrive by 9:30 a.m. if you want to catch the 5K start or grab last-minute ducks.
Park at the library. The Indianapolis Public Library, Broad Ripple Branch puts you right in the middle of everything. Street parking and small neighborhood lots exist but fill up fast. If you live on the north side, skip the car and bike in on the Monon Trail. It drops you directly into the race zone.
Bring sunscreen. It's early June in Indiana, the canal path is largely open, and you'll be out there for a couple of hours.
The Quick Details
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 (tentative) Location: Rainbow Bridge and Central Canal Towpath, Broad Ripple Duck Drop: Around 12:30 p.m. 5K + Fun Run: 10:00 a.m. Cost: $6 per duck / $30 for six Parking: Broad Ripple Library or street parking on College Ave and Broad Ripple Ave. Arrive early. All ages, stroller-friendly along the canal path
Go Watch Some Ducks Race
Three thousand rubber ducks, one canal, prizes worth over a grand, and all of it for a good cause. Show up, adopt a duck, cheer it down the canal, and grab ice cream. It's one of the better Saturday afternoons your family will have all summer.
For more summer events around Indianapolis, check out what's happening across Indiana and sign up for the Get Indiana newsletter so you never miss a thing.