Broad Ripple Duck Race is a Summer Favorite for Kids

The Broad Ripple Duck Race is an annual fundraiser event in Indianapolis, Indiana. Everyone is invited to participate by purchasing numbered rubber ducks that are then released into the Broad Ripple Canal. Thousands of yellow rubber duckies are dropped over the bridge, and race downstream, propelled by the current of the water. The first duck to reach the finish line wins a prize for its owner.

Proceeds of this annual charity event benefit the work of the Broad Ripple Village Association and its programs and projects focused on enriching the community, attracting investment, amplifying public spaces, and improving the quality of life in Broad Ripple.

Free Duck Race in Broad Ripple

The Broad Ripple Duck Race will take place on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 4:30 pm. On this day, you’ll find fun-loving families and community members, and neighbors crowded around the Central canal in Broad Ripple in the heat of early summer.

Duck races are such a great way to get everyone together, celebrate communities, and celebrate our waterways.

Heaps and heaps of rubber duckies are released in the Central Canal where the Monon trail crosses the Central Canal, for a race to the finish! Not only that, but you can purchase a duck and have a chance to win prizes! The racing ducks will race under the Rainbow Bridge and they’ll be retrieved from the water at College Avenue and winners will be announced.

Leading up to the race, there will be several local businesses and organizations leading free children’s activities on the Rainbow Bridge overlooking the Broad Ripple Canal on Guilford Avenue north of Westfield Boulevard. Activities begin and 3:00 pm and conclude at 5:00 pm, following the race.

How to Win a Rubber Duck Race

Ducks for the duck race game are $6 each or 6 for $30. Upon purchase, you will receive a ticket with your duck’s number. At the end of the race, you can turn your tickets in for ducks! It’s easiest to purchase your ducks at the event, but you can also buy them at the Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market or the BRVA office (Tuesdays and Thursdays only).

The race will begin with the duck run (when the ducks are dumped out and “run” down the canal) at 4:30 pm on the Monon Bridge so don’t be late! You do not need to be present to win. The first prize is a gift card pack valued at over $500.

What’s so Great About the Broad Ripple Duck Race?

We love the Broad Ripple duck race and attend almost every year. Generally, we have a duck or two in the race. Since it’s a gambling event, only adults can purchase the ducks, but it doesn’t stop my kids from enjoying having their own ducks to cheer for. 

Arrive early for family fun! From 3-5 pm, there are a variety of activities on the Rainbow Bridge (where Guilford Avenue crosses the Central Canal), including; face painting, temporary tattoos, balloon artistry, art and crafts, carnival games, and much more.

While the activities are fun, cheering for the ducks as the whole crowd lines the Central Canal is just so much fun! There’s excitement and sometimes silly things happen or REAL animals get involved. It’s a blast.

Things to do in Broad Ripple During the Duck Race

While you’re in Broad Ripple, you should explore the area. We love the variety of restaurants and cafes. There are also some super cute shops. If you have a sweet tooth, there’s definitely something for you – frozen treats, baked goods, and more. There’s even a bakery for dogs!

We love Broad Ripple Park, BRICS (Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station), walking along the Monon Trail, and exploring the Indianapolis Art Center art park. There are even gorgeous views of the White River.