Bring Hope Now 4th Annual Dragon Boat Festival & Race
Schedule
Sat May 02 2026 at 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
139 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548-5826, United States | Fort Walton Beach, FL
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Paddles up, Fort Walton Beach!The Bring HOPE Dragon Boat Race Festival is coming to downtown Fort Walton
Beach for a day of racing, music, community spirit, and impact.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
139 Brooks St. SE - Fort Walton Beach, Florida Fort Walton Beach Landing Park
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (races approx. 8:30–3:00; celebration continues after award ceremony)
What is it?
Dragon boat racing is a high-energy team sport: 20 paddlers + 1 drummer working in sync to reach the finish line. It’s exciting to watch—and even more fun to be part of!
Why we’re doing it
This is Bring Hope Now’s largest annual fundraiser to support suicide prevention and mental health education across our community—serving children, families, military,
first responders, and local businesses.
Proceeds help provide supplies for school-based prevention efforts and expand programs that help to save lives.
This year's proceeds will go towards a new youth care home in Okaloosa County and support our school peer-to-peer suicide prevention anti-bullying program, Hope on the Line.
What to expect (and why you should come early)
Opening ceremonies at 8:45 AM with the Emerald Coast Okinawa Drum Group
Team Parade at 8:50 AM (costumes + spirit awards—this is a crowd favorite)
Dotting of the Dragon’s Eye for “good luck” to all teams
Racing divisions including:
o Commander’s Cup (Military & First Responders)
o Mayor’s Cup
o Community Cup
NEW in 2026: Vendor booths + food trucks + more festival fun
Playground nearby—bring the family and make a day of it
Music, dancing, raffles, auctions, and prizes
Teams / Sponsors / Vendors / Volunteers
Sign-up Today! Want to be first in line? DM us “PADDLES UP” and we’ll send you a registration form.
Team info:
We anticipate 18–25 teams (max 25)
Each team has 21 on the boat (20 paddlers + 1 drummer) + 3 alternates
Final team registration deadline: April 17, 2026 (we may fill earlier)
Volunteers always have a great time, and this event cannot happen without you.
Email: [email protected] to volunteer!
There are many ways to help:
- Donate an auction item
- Form a team to race or come join a team
- Sponsor one of our City or Military teams
- Donate to the cause
NEW: Memory Path for Lost Loved Ones
We are creating a Memory Path honoring loved ones lost to suicide or mental health
struggles. Families can participate at no cost. Email or call for details below.
Questions / get involved:
Peggy Brockman: 850-259-8356
[email protected]
BringHopeNow.com
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Where is it happening?
139 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548-5826, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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