2026 Springfield Dragon Boat Festival

Presented by the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club and Chinese Association of Western Massachusetts! A Dragon Boat is a giant Chinese war canoe (see pictures). The Dragon Boat Festival is a series of friendly, fun dragon boat races between groups, companies, organizations, etc. assembled to compete for one day. The Festival goes from 8am to 4pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at North Riverfront Park on the Connecticut River, 121 West Street, Springfield, MA. Your team needs at least 17 people: 8 men, 8 women, a Drummer (wears a costume, beats a drum, rides in the bow of the dragon boat), plus a few spares. Food trucks, Performances, face painting, and many more family friendly activities! Spectators are free!
NEW: this year's racecourse for Club teams (who race in dragon boats all year long) is 500 meters, while Community teams (who get together just for this event) remains 250 meters in length.