The sport of dragon boat racing dates back over 2,000 years throughout southern China. The Olympia Dragon Boat Festival is a day of fun and community centered around the energetic sport of dragon boat racing. Races begin at 8:30 a.m. and run through 4:30 p.m.
Come down to Port Plaza for a day of fun! Enjoy captivating performances by groups like the incredible Chinese dancers and musicians, discover unique treasures from our local vendors, and savor delicious bites from a variety of food trucks. It's the perfect place to spend the day!
At the inaugural festival in July 2024, several teams from the Pacific Northwest competed at Port Plaza in head-to-head sprint races throughout the day, putting their power and teamwork to the test. Local vendors joined in the fun, bringing vibrancy and entertainment to the day's festivities. While participating teams and vendors pay entry fees, the festival itself is free to all visitors and attendees.
