Year after year, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival returns to the river to have teams face off against each other in this annual competition. This year is no different, with the festival taking over Louise McKinney Lakefront Park this August.
The Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival Association (EDBFA) was formed in 1996. They host an annual festival each year during the third weekend in August, rain or shine. This competition and festival promote the sport of dragon boating in the Edmonton area, as well as bringing food and drink vendors, not to mention merchandise, to the park for the celebration.
If you aren’t familiar with the sport itself, it’s pretty self-explanatory. Dragon boat racing has actually been a traditional Chinese paddled watercraft activity for over 2,000 years, beginning as a modern international sport in Hong Kong in 1976. These teams paddle on a canoe-like vessel in sync with the beat of the drummer at the front of the boat and are steered by an expert at the back.
It’s pretty exciting to watch, and much more exhilarating to be in the boat yourself. Thankfully, this festival offers opportunities to do both.
What to expect at the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival
Although the schedule hasn’t been finalized yet, you’ll be able to find the tentative schedule on the festival’s website. We’ll give you the run-down on what’ll be going on throughout these three exciting days.
Friday is mainly for Team Manager meetings and race package pickup. You might be able to catch a glimpse of the teams practicing as well.
Saturday is when the real fun starts. The opening ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 8 a.m. on the 15th, and you’ll be able to watch the races, go to the beverage gardens, watch a dragon dance performance, or something just as fun. According to the schedule, the races will end at 4 p.m., and the beverage gardens will close at 7:30 p.m.
On the next day, Saturday, more races will take place, alongside another dragon dance performance. You’ll be able to visit the beverage gardens again and check out the vendors. Then, you’ll be able to witness the final awards ceremony as the festival finishes.
It’s going to be a fun-filled weekend in August, so get ready to mark your calendars accordingly. The dragon boats will definitely need people in the crowd to cheer them on, so pick a team, grab some friends, and make some noise.
When: Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 to Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: 9999 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free
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Alyssa Gallardo
Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.
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