2026 Memphis Dragon Boat Festival - Open to all, free to enjoy!

Schedule

Sat May 30 2026 at 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Hyde Lake | Memphis, TN

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Free general admission, thrilling races, drumbeats, food, and culture at Shelby Farms Park, May 30—community fun for a great cause.
About this Event

What Is the Memphis Dragon Boat Festival?

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The powerful rhythm of the drum echoes across the lake as the drummer sets the pace. Twenty paddlers move in perfect unison, slicing their paddles through the water with every beat, propelling a 46-foot dragon boat toward the finish line.

The energy is electric. The competition is fierce. The crowd roars.

You’ll hear the boom of the drum, the steerer calling commands, and the cheers of spectators as brightly colored dragon boats race neck-and-neck across the shimmering lake. Around the race course, the festival atmosphere comes alive with food trucks, children’s activities, music, performance and community celebration.

This is not your average fundraiser—it’s an unforgettable cultural festival and a thrilling sporting event all in one.

General admission is completely free—just come out, enjoy the festival atmosphere, and be part of the celebration.



Where Is This Amazing Event?

📍 Hyde Lake, Shelby Farms Park

Memphis, Tennessee

Shelby Farms Park provides the perfect backdrop for this exciting event, with beautiful scenery and plenty of space for families, friends, and spectators to gather and celebrate.



When Does the Fun Begin?

The Memphis Dragon Boat Festival is an all-day celebration:

May 30 – Full day of dragon boat races, festival activities, food, and entertainment

Whether you’re racing, volunteering, or cheering from the shore, there’s excitement for everyone.



Why Are We Doing This?

The Memphis Dragon Boat Festival supports the Memphis Chinese Community Center, a nonprofit organization, under the leadership of Greater Memphis United Chinese Association, dedicated to community engagement, cultural exchange, and educational programs.

Every team that joins and every spectator who attends helps support programs that strengthen and enrich our community.

It’s a day of teamwork, culture, and celebration—all for a great cause.



Join the Celebration

Whether you’re forming a team, volunteering, sponsoring, or simply coming to enjoy the festival, the Memphis Dragon Boat Festival promises an unforgettable experience.

🚣‍♀️ Race with a team

🎉 Celebrate culture and community

🍜 Enjoy great food and entertainment

❤️ Support a meaningful cause

Come feel the rhythm of the drum, the excitement of the race, and the spirit of Memphis.

We’ll see you at the lake!


Event Photos

Team Registration Fee

  • Early Bird (by 03/31/2026): $1,300/Team
  • After March 31, 2026: $1,500/Team
  • Deadline for registration: May, 23rd

For team registration, please contact:

Dr. Huimin Hu, Director of the Memphis Chinese Community Center:

Tel: +1 (901)283-0224

Email: [email protected]


Event Photos

🌟 Vendor Opportunities – 2026 Memphis Dragon Boat Festival

Be part of one of Memphis’s most exciting and vibrant community events!

The 4th Memphis Dragon Boat Festival is happening on May 30, 2026 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) at Shelby Farms Park—and we’re now welcoming food and non-food vendors to join us.

With strong attendance expected, this is a prime opportunity to showcase your products, grow your brand, and connect with thousands of attendees in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.


🍜 Vendor Options

Food Vendors

  • Food Booth: $300 (tent included)
  • Food Truck: $400 (no tent provided)

Non-Food Vendors

  • Booth: $300 (tent included)

🎯 Why Join This Event?
  • High foot traffic and strong community engagement
  • Diverse audience ready to explore, shop, and dine
  • A festive, cultural environment that attracts attention to your business

📌 How to Register

Spots are limited and fill quickly—secure your space early!

👉 Contact Liwen Li at [email protected] to register or request more information.

Once registered, payment can be mailed to:

Memphis Chinese Community Center

2965 N Germantown Parkway, Suite 118

Bartlett, TN 38133

(Please contact Liwen before sending payment to ensure proper registration.)




🤝 Sponsor Opportunities

Support one of Memphis’s most vibrant cultural events and showcase your brand to a diverse, engaged audience! The Memphis Dragon Boat Festival offers sponsors a unique opportunity to gain high-visibility exposure, connect with the community, and align with a meaningful, family-friendly celebration. From on-site branding to digital promotion, sponsorship packages are designed to highlight your business while supporting a great cause.

👉 To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us—we’d love to partner with you!


Event Photos
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Where is it happening?

Hyde Lake, 6903 Great View Dr N, Memphis, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

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