When we first dreamed up this gathering, we hoped to keep it free for everyone. But as the coven has grown, so have the safety requirements — and this year, we’re required to carry liability insurance to protect our paddlers, volunteers, and partners on the water.

That means SUP Witches of Olympia will now have a small registration fee of $35. Every dollar goes toward insurance, safety staffing, and making sure this event can keep happening for years to come — plus, it still supports Thurston County Food Bank and Capital City Pride’s sailing scholarship program. We know free-to-paid is a real change, and we didn’t take it lightly.

Thank you for paddling this journey with us. 

The Basics 🧹

When and where is the event?
SUP Witches of Olympia takes place October 10, 2026 at Swantown Marina in North Point Parking Lot, Olympia, WA.

What's the schedule for the day?

• 9AM — Check-in, take photos, and vibe to live spooky music
• 10AM - Enjoy the festival, meet vendors, take photos, and vibe to live spooky music
• 11AM – 1PM — On the water: the paddle, photos, and parade
• 1:30PM – 2:30PM — Costume Contest (Adults and Children) at the main stage
• 3pm - The spell fades 'til next year... SAVE THE DATE ..OCT 2027

Do I have to paddle to attend?
Not at all! SUP Witches is a full festival — join the coven on the water, or enjoy the festivities from the shore. There's a spot for everyone, whether you're paddling, spectating, or shopping the vendor market.

Is this a family-friendly event?
Yes! SUP Witches of Olympia is coven-friendly for all ages.

What's the cause behind the event?
SUP Witches of Olympia is hosted in support of the Thurston County Food Bank and Capital City Pride, with charitable proceeds helping fight food insecurity and sustain LGBTQIA+ community programming right here in Thurston County.

On the Water

Do I need paddling experience?
Participants should have prior paddleboard, kayak, or canoe experience sufficient to safely join an open-water group paddle.

What safety gear is required?
All paddlers must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD, a leash, and a whistle (provided at check-in) at all times while on the water. Gear will be checked by event staff prior to launch.

What should I wear?
Costumes are encouraged! Just make sure yours doesn't restrict movement, vision, or your ability to swim or re-board — heavy or water-absorbent fabrics are discouraged.

Is Budd Inlet safe to paddle?
Budd Inlet is a working marina with active vessel traffic, a fuel dock, and guest moorage. Paddlers must stay within the designated paddle area and follow all instructions from event staff and volunteers.

Parking & Getting There

Where do I park?
Please park in the Day Use parking lot at North Point, Swantown Marina. Follow event signage to the designated lot — coven volunteers will be on hand to help point the way.

Should we carpool?
Yes! We ENCOURAGE CARPOOLING as we have limited parking spots and the parking fills up fast.  We will have dedicated parking lots at the corner of Marine Dr NE and Market St NE. Map coming soon.....  

Where is the festival market located?
Far to the west of the North Point parking lot — our Festival Spectacular Grounds — you'll find vendors, treats, and treasures. More details on exact layout coming soon!

Can I park near the docks or fuel station?
No — please avoid parking in marina slips, guest moorage areas, or spaces reserved for boat trailers.

Vendors

Who can be a vendor?
We welcome both Kitchen Witches (food and drink vendors) and Crafty Conjurers (retail, craft, and artisan vendors) — as long as your offerings are Halloween, witchy, spooky, or seasonal.

How big is a vendor space?
Standard vendor spaces are approximately 10x10 ft.

Is electricity or water provided for vendors?
No. Vendors must be fully self-sufficient (generators, water tanks, etc.) and are responsible for their own complete setup and breakdown.

Do vendors need insurance?
Yes — all vendors must carry general liability insurance, with SUP Witches of Olympia / PNW Market & Event Co listed as an additional insured. Proof of coverage must be submitted before the event. 

Volunteering

How can I volunteer?
We'd love to have you join the coven behind the scenes! Roles include Crystal Ball Check-In (registration), Setting the Scene (vendor setup), Vendor Summoning (vendor check-in), Return from the Water (paddler check-out), and Breaking the Spell (tear-down).

Registration & Refunds

Are entry fees refundable?
No — once your registration is complete, the spell is sealed. All entry fees are non-refundable, and spots are non-transferable. We reserve the right to postpone or cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, in which case no refunds will be issued.

What if I'm under 18?
Minors must have this waiver read, signed, and dated by a parent or legal guardian, who agrees to all terms on the minor's behalf.

Just for Fun

What if it's my first time?
Perfect — whether you're a seasoned spellcaster or just here for the potions, pageantry, and pumpkin spice, SUP Witches of Olympia is an unforgettable way to celebrate the season.

What should I bring?
Grab your board, kayak or conoe, your broomstick, and your favorite witch hat. The coven awaits.

🎃 Costume Contest FAQs

When and where do the contests happen?
The Costume Contest Hour runs from 1:30–2:30 PM at the Swantown Marina North Point Parking Lot Festival Grounds MAIN STAGE. 

The Adult "Best Broomstick Costume Contest" kicks off at 1:30 PM, and the Junior Apprentice Witch Costume Contest for kids follows at 2:00 PM on dry land.

Do I need to sign up in advance?
Nope! Just show up in costume and check in at the contest table before your category starts — adults by 1:15 PM, kids by 1:45PM.

Is there an age cutoff for the kids' contest?
The Junior Apprentice contest is for apprentice witches ages [1 to 13]. Older kids and teens are welcome to enter the adult contest if they prefer.

Do I have to be paddling to enter the adult contest?
Yes — the adult contest is judged on-water and off-water, so you'll need to be registered and paddling (SUP or kayak) to participate. Costumes should be paddle-safe (see below!).

What does "paddle-safe" costume mean?
Avoid anything that could drag in the water, restrict movement, or block your visibility — think flowing capes, oversized hats, or anything that isn't secured. Judges award bonus points for costumes that are both bewitching and safely wearable on a paddleboard.

What are the judging categories?
Adult contest: Best Solo Witch and Best Coven (group costume)
Kids' contest: Most Magical and Most Creative. 

What do winners receive?
Sponsorship swag... 

Does every kid get something, or just the winners?
Every Junior Apprentice who enters receives a treat from the cauldron, with a few extra prizes for standout categories.

Can I take photos during the contest?
Absolutely — we'll have a roaming photographer, plus a photo-op area for both contests. Feel free to snap your own too!