If you’re looking for dragon boat festival dates in the United States, you’ve come to the right place. Dragon boat festivals have emerged as one of the three most popular annual team-building events in America—second only to volleyball and soccer—as well as one of the top three most popular corporate and amateur watersports in the country. These events are catching on from coast to coast and everywhere in between.
In this ultimate guide, we’ve gathered the best dragon boat festivals in the U.S. for 2025, including their dates, venues, and what you can expect at each one.
What Is the Dragon Boat Festival?
Celebrated in China for over 2,000 years, the Dragon Boat Festival—or Duanwu Jie in Mandarin—pays tribute to the renowned Chinese poet Qu Yuan. Though its traditional date in East Asia falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually in June), many U.S. cities schedule their festivals on nearby weekends to allow for broader participation.
The central event of each festival is the dragon boat race—long boats adorned with colorful dragon heads and tails, propelled by teams of rowers. However, you’ll also find plenty of Asian cultural performances, food vendors, kids’ activities, and live music, making it a well-rounded cultural experience.
Why Are Dragon Boat Festivals a Hit in the U.S.?
Dragon boat racing is now a global sport, and the U.S. has eagerly embraced it. “We are much more than a competition—we are a celebration of diversity, wellness, a love of sport, teamwork, and community spirit.” These festivals also raise money for charity and promote cultural appreciation.
Best Dragon Boat Festival Events in the U.S. (2025)
Below are some of the most prominent dragon boat festival dates in the U.S. for 2025, organized by region:
West Coast Dragon Boat Festivals
- Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival – July 26–27, 2025
Where: Marine Stadium, Long Beach, CA
Why Go: One of California’s largest, featuring over 100 teams, plus martial arts demonstrations and lion dancing. - San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival – September 13–14, 2025
Venue: Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA
Why Go: The biggest dragon boat race on the West Coast, with free admission and over 60,000 visitors. - Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race – June 7–8, 2025
Venue: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, OR
Why Go: A longtime Rose Festival favorite featuring custom-made boats from Hong Kong.
East Coast Dragon Boat Festivals
- Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival – October 4, 2025
Where: Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA
Why Go: Rich in tradition, family-friendly, and competitive racing for all levels. - Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival – June 8, 2025
Where: Charles River, Boston, MA
Why Go: North America’s oldest dragon boat festival—celebrating its 46th year in 2025. - Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival – May 3, 2025
Where: Ramsey Creek Park, Lake Norman, NC
Why Go: A fun fusion of Southern charm and Chinese culture with stunning lakeside views.
Midwest Dragon Boat Festivals
- Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival – June 21, 2025
Location: Busse Woods, Elk Grove Village, IL
Why Go: A GWN Dragon Boat–run event offering competitive races and team-building opportunities. - Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival – August 23–24, 2025
Location: Superior, WI
Why Go: Set against the sparkling waters of Lake Superior, with community events and fireworks. - Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival – September 13, 2025
Location: Miller Riverview Park, Dubuque, IA
Why Go: A family-friendly event with food, music, and a scenic riverside course.
Southern U.S. Dragon Boat Festivals
- Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival – Atlanta – September 6, 2025
Venue: Lake Lanier, Gainesville, GA
Why Go: The largest in the Southeast, combining competitive sport with cultural outreach. - DFW Dragon Boat, Kite & Lantern Festival – May 18, 2025
Site: Las Colinas Urban Center, Irving, TX
Why Go: A one-of-a-kind, family-friendly event that blends three time-honored festivals into one grand celebration. - Orlando Dragon Boat Festival – October 19, 2025
Site: Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando, FL
Why Go: Part athletic spectacle, part cultural show, and fully engaging for all ages.
Other Noteworthy Dragon Boat Festivals in 2025
- Buffalo RiverFest Dragon Boat Racing – August 17, 2025
Place: Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo, NY
Why Go: A part of RiverFest, this event features community races and local food vendors. - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (Popular with U.S. Teams) – August 22–24, 2025
Where: Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC
Why Go: A cross-border favorite packed with art, wellness activities, and performance zones.
Part 3: Tips for Visiting a Dragon Boat Festival
1. Arrive Early
Races typically begin in the morning. Arriving early ensures a good parking spot, great views, and time to explore vendors.
2. Dress for the Weather
Most festivals are rain or shine. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a poncho—especially if you’re near the water.
3. Try the Food
From dim sum and bubble tea to BBQ and fusion dishes, food trucks and stalls are a big part of the fun.
4. Capture the Moment
Bring a camera or smartphone to snap photos of the colorful boats, performances, and cultural festivities.
How to Stay Updated on Dragon Boat Festival Dates
While many of the dates above are confirmed, others are projections. For the latest updates:
- Follow local event organizers on Facebook or Instagram
- Monitor city tourism websites
- Subscribe to newsletters from groups like GWN Dragon Boat and the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF)
- Bookmark this article—we’ll keep updating it as more 2025 festivals confirm their dates!
Knowing the festival dates helps with team registrations, travel planning, and family scheduling. Whether you race, volunteer, or spectate, each event is a lively and inclusive celebration for all.
From New York to California, the 2025 dragon boat festival schedule promises excitement for fans of sports, culture, music, food, and fun! These festivals are the perfect way to feel the beat of the drums, the splash of the paddles, and the joy of shared culture.
