Cheer on the fleet of colorful 40-foot dragon boats as they race to the beat of Chinese drums.
This two-day, admission-free Dragon Boat Festival brings a weekend of world-class dragon boat racing, spectacular cultural performances, delicious food, a variety of clothes and crafts vendors, and kid-friendly activities in Dragon Land with games and arts & crafts.

Catch the 40-foot colorful fleets racing to the beat of Chinese drums with amazing visuals. The meet is part of the 22nd annual Hong Kong – Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival.

It’s the largest festival of its kind and thousands of paddlers from throughout the U.S. and across the globe will gather for two days to put on a show that’s filled with fierce competition. Racers from all levels, including a large quantity of local kids, will join to display world-class racing.

Opening Ceremony
On Saturday at 11:30 AM the opening ceremonies begin with the traditional blessing of the festival boats. This traditional Chinese ceremony has accompanied dragon boat races all over the world for thousands of years. Buddhist monks will help awaken the dragons and bless the racing in this magical ceremony. They’ll be joined by lion dancers and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir singing the National Anthem.

Dragon Land for Children
Dragon Land is back! Dragon Land is bigger than ever, spreading indoors and out and across large grassy play areas. It’s filled with activities including Chinese stilt walkers, arts and crafts, free games and prizes, face painting, obstacle course challenges, hula hoops, jump ropes, Roving Dragons and more!

Dragon Land is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday & Sunday. Get more details here.

Cultural Performances
Experience the nimble lion dancing, rhythmic and powerful Taiko drummers and enjoy the offerings of our many talented dance and cultural music groups. Chinese acrobats, yo-yo stunt artists, martial art displays, Chinese folk dancers, magicians, and Hula/Tahitian, Indian, Filipino, and Hip Hop dancers will all be performing.

Eating and Shopping
Take a break from all the activities with great food from Asian BBQ, Indian street food, organic hot dogs, and roasted corn to frozen custard bars, bubble tea, and all natural popsicles. Or stop in at one of Oakland’s great restaurants.

You can also buy merchandise available through a wide variety of sellers of arts, crafts and sports items. There are unique handmade crafts, Chinese cultural gifts, and athletic or paddling gear.

Saturday and Sunday, September 23 & 24
10 AM to 5 PM
Lake Merritt, Oakland

Information on how to get to the festival can be found here.

Visit the SF Dragon Boat website for updated information.