Dragon Boat Festival 2024 in Vancouver

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is an annual summer event. Every June, this festival gathers crowds of spectators and hundreds of international competitors. The festival is one of the largest dragon boat festivals outside of Asia with roots that go back to 1986. Competitive racing and eye-catching ceremonies take place on the waters of False Creek.

This unique celebration of summer solstice lasts for the whole weekend, with lots of entertainment, activity tents, live music concerts, circus performances, and delicious foods. The race itself, with all its competitive spirit, promises to bring you an unforgettable experience. Over 150 teams participate.

2024 Festival Schedule

International Dragon Boat Races take place from 8 am to 6:30 pm on both days. Indigenous and Chinese Cultural Pavilions at Creekside Park, which host cultural displays, will be open from 10 am to 6 pm. Marketplace and food vendors, located at Creekside Park, operate from 10 am to 9 pm. Live music and entertainment will be available on TD Main Stage from 11 am to 9 pm. The lineup consists of only local artists, with an emphasis on people of color, indigenous, LGBTQ+, and female voices. The festival will feature a special event celebrating the first weekend of summer on June 22 at 9:10 pm.

Cultural Displays

Dragon Boat Festival hosts several displays in the TD Main Stage Zone. The Chinatown Pavilion showcases exhibits created with the support of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Indigenous Cultural Pavilion focuses on the heritage of the festival, which is hosted on the ancestral lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations. Pride Pavilion, created with the support of the Vancouver Pride Society and community partners, is also available to the public. The festival also presents a special public art program, showcasing 9 different artists who created artwork around the theme of community and culture. Expo 86 Original Teak Dragon Boat Display features the original teak boats used at Expo 86 to launch dragon boat racing in Canada.

Festival History

Dragon boat racing is a special sport with roots in ancient Chinese traditions. It was first introduced to Vancouver during Expo 86 by a local Chinese community. In 1989 the International Dragon Boat Festival was founded to promote the sport in Canada. Each edition of the festival starts with the Festival Blessing Ceremony. An ancient Taoist blessing ceremony is conducted to summon the spirit of the dragon on the shores of False Creek. In 2024, the ceremony takes place on June 15, at 1:30 pm near Creekside Paddling Centre, 1 Athletes Way.