the coven is coming to Swantown Marina, Olympia, WA.

Each fall, witches, warlocks, paddleboarders, kayakers, and magical misfits descend upon Budd Inlet for a one-of-a-kind paddle unlike anything else in the South Sound. Cloaks billow, hats tip skyward, and as the morning mist rises off the water, an unforgettable sight emerges, a fleet of witches ready to cast their spell on the day.

What began as a small gathering of local paddlers has bubbled and brewed into a full-blown community festival, vendors, costume contests, live spooky music, and plenty of witchy mischief for coven members and spectators alike.

SUP Witches isn't just a paddle. It's a gathering of kindred spirits, a celebration of creativity, and a chance to give back to the community that makes the magic possible.

🎃  IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW 🎃 

COSTUMES — Costumes are required!

Choose a costume you can comfortably paddle in and potentially swim in. Heavy cotton and other heavy fabric is not recommended. There is a possibility your clothes may get wet - you will be in the water approximately knee deep when you launch. We encourage quick-drying clothing and/or wetsuits, especially with colder temperatures this time of year. If you are wearing a witch’s hat, consider securing it with a strap. We are not responsible for items that are lost in the water. Keep a towel and a change of clothes in your car (just in case).

SAFETY FIRST

Personal Floating Devices (PFD)s and whistles are required!
Paddlers will be checked at the launch points by event officials. PFDs are required by law to be on your vessel, we strongly recommend you wear them! Waist & inflatable PFDs are acceptable. SUP Witches will provide everyone with a limited edition SUP Witches of Oly Whistle. NOTE: You must be able to swim!

PADDLE AT YOUR OWN RISK

Previous paddle experience is required. If you are not comfortable paddling on the Budd Inlett, DO NOT register for this event. Anyone participating in the paddle is responsible for their own equipment. All paddlers should have adequate skills, knowledge, and experience to participate in a paddle event on the Budd Inlett.

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER

Every paddler must provide a signed waiver. We share a headcount with local authorities so they can provide appropriate water support. We also need your contact information to share final details & updated information prior to the event (parking, weather, check-in instructions, etc.) Thanks for understanding — this is going to be SPOOKTACULAR!

🧹Beware, ye mortals - SUP WITCHES of Oly SCHEDULE 🧹

Like the tides of the East/West Bay Budd Inlet, this schedule may shift slightly as the event approaches. Registered paddlers will receive more detailed information and updates as needed.

The Agenda, Spelled Out for PADDLERS

🕘 9:00 AM — Check-In & Festival Fun
Arrive, get checked in, and wander the festival grounds. Meet our new vendors, snap photos in your finest witchy garb, and vibe out to live spooky tunes as the coven assembles.

🛶 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM — On the Water
The main event! Paddle out with your fellow witches for photos, a costume parade on the water, and pure broomstick-and-board magic across Budd Inlet.

🕯️ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM — Craft & Conjure
Dry off and dive back into the festival to support our local craft and spooky vendors,  handmade goods, oddities, treats, and treasures await.

If you’ve participated with us before, you know how important it is to arrive EARLY! We strongly encourage carpooling to ensure that you have a close parking spot. Parking will fill up quickly. Give yourself extra time to unload equipment.

The Agenda, Spelled Out for Witches and Warlocks on LAND: 

🕘 10:00 AM — Festival Fun Begins
Wander the festival grounds. Meet our new vendors, snap photos in your finest witchy garb, and vibe out to live spooky tunes as the coven assembles.

🛶 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM — Craft & Conjure
The main event! Watch the paddle and enjoy the costume parade on the water, while enjoying the spooktacular music and support our local craft and spooky vendors,  handmade goods, oddities, treats, and treasures await.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Costume Contest Hour at the main stage

Where the marina turns into a runway for witches of all ages.

Grab your broomstick (paddle) and get ready to strut your spellbound style! This hour features two costume contests — one for our grown witches on the water, and one for our junior apprentices on land.

1:30 PM — Best Broomstick Costume Contest (Adults)
Adult paddlers show off their most bewitching on-water looks for a chance at prizes and bragging rights. Check in at the contest table before 1:15 PM to be included.

2:00 PM — Junior Apprentice Witch Costume Contest (Kids)
Our youngest witches and warlocks take the stage (dry land, no paddling required) to show off their most magical costumes. Check in at the Junior Witch table by 1:45 PM.

🔮 Crystal Ball Update 🔮 

SUP Witches of Oly has partnered with PNW Market & Event Co. to support two important causes. Through their donation drive, they are helping the Thurston County Food Bank and this year's Capital City Pride. Charitable proceeds from this partnership will help fight food insecurity and sustain LGBTQIA2+ community programming right here in Thurston County.

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 while supporting causes that matter.

So grab your board, your broomstick, and your favorite witch hat.