Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival 2025 – June 20–22 | Concord Pacific Place & False Creek, Vancouver

🐉 North America's Premier Dragon Boat Festival Returns to Vancouver!

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival 2025 is back from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Concord Pacific Place and False Creek. Known as the continent’s flagship dragon boat festival, this epic three-day celebration of community, competition, and culture brings together athletes, performers, artists, and food lovers from across the globe.

Hosted by the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society (Dragon Boat BC), this landmark event traces its roots back to Expo 86 and honours ancient Chinese traditions while building a modern celebration of multicultural unity in the heart of Vancouver.

📌 Event Highlights

📍 Location: Concord Pacific Place & False Creek, Vancouver, BC
🗓️ Dates: Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22, 2025
🕒 Race Days: June 21 & 22 | 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free
🌐 Website: concorddragonboatfestival.ca

🛶 What to Expect at the Festival

🚣‍♀️ Dragon Boat Racing

• Races run Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, every 10–11 minutes

• Most races are 500m, starting near Cambie Bridge and ending by the Main Stage

• Live race commentary, result towers, and large screens provide full viewing access

🎵 Live Music at the TD Main Stage

• Enjoy free concerts featuring emerging artists and top local headliners

• Main Stage is located on the North side of False Creek, overlooking the racecourse

🧧 Cultural Programs

• Learn the story behind the festival’s roots through Chinatown, Indigenous, and Pride Pavilions

• Roaming performances and on-site cultural exhibits throughout the festival site

• Don’t be surprised if you spot a few dragons along the boardwalk!

🍜 Food, Beverages & Shopping

• One of BC’s most scenic outdoor patios

• Food trucks open from 9:00 AM until the end of the day’s programming

• Beverage garden (19+) open from 12:00 PM to 30 minutes before closing

• Local vendors and festival merch throughout the site from 10:00 AM daily

🐾 Pets & Accessibility

• Pets are allowed but must be leashed, crowd-safe, and well-behaved

• Large open areas are available for pets, but they should be supervised at all times

• Please avoid leaving pets in vehicles or tied in confined spaces

🚗 Getting to the Festival

• 🚆 Transit: Walk from Stadium–Chinatown, Main Street–Science World, Olympic Village, or Yaletown–Roundhouse SkyTrain stations

• 🚲 Cycling: Bike lockups at Science World, Creekside Community Centre, and Andy Livingstone Park

• 🅿️ Parking: Paid lots available at Parq Vancouver, Pacific Blvd, Chinatown Parkade, and Main Street

🆘 On-Site Services

• 🔵 Info Stations: Public & Racer booths throughout the site

• 🚑 First Aid: Top of Creekside Paddling Centre, Carrall Street entrance

• 🚻 Washrooms & Baby Change: Throughout the site and inside Creekside Community Centre

• 💧 Drinking Water Stations: TD Main Stage Zone, Racer Village, Creekside

• 🛍️ Festival Merchandise & Vendors: Near Main Stage

• 🍽️ Food Trucks: Along Carrall Street and the Seawall

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How to Participate or Get Involved

👥 Race Registration

• Team registration opens mid-September and fills fast (early bird ends December)

• Categories include: Premier Mixed, Women, Open, Junior Mixed, Breast Cancer Cup, All Access Cup, and more

• Visit register.dragonboatbc.ca for full details

🙋 Volunteer

• Over 500 volunteers support the festival annually

• General applications open in spring; lead roles open in winter

• Apply through the volunteer portal

🎭 Artists, Performers & Partners

• Performers, artists, and partners can apply via the applications page

• To inquire about sponsorship, contact: alexis@dragonboatbc.ca

📣 Visiting Teams & Future Dates

• Visiting teams receive discounted or free registration based on region

• Hotel deals available if booked early; international visa support upon request

• 📅 Future Festival: June 25–27, 2027

• For 2026 info and other race opportunities, visit dragonboatbc.ca

🔗 Discover more summer festivals in Vancouver at Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events