Charlotte Dragon Boat Race and Asian Festival

Save the date: May 17, 2025

Mark your calendar for the Annual Charlotte Dragon Boat Race & Asian Festival at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius. The festival celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history.  Explore the cultural heritage showcase, retail vendors, live music, dance performances, traditional meals, and exciting dragon boat races.

The Dragon Boat Race is an exciting team competition and the fastest-growing watersport in the world. An essential part of the Chinese traditional calendar, dragon boat racing originated over 2,300 years ago on the life-sustaining rivers of southern China. The Charlotte race is an open competition to anyone 15 or older.

Throughout this day-long festival, expect dragon boat races that bring teams from the greater Charlotte region and several states together to compete along the banks of Lake Norman. Boats line up to launch from the lake shore to race for the finish while onlookers get a close-up of what it takes to win! The rhythm of the drum keeps the rowers on the beat, and after they finish, they relax on the lawn while other teams prepare at the start line for another round. The adrenaline from the dragon boat teams and festival goers makes this event a favorite for all.

There's also no better way to experience anything than with food. Numerous vendors are set up, with various Asian countries being represented with favorite signature dishes. See some of the most talented performers on the stage during the Asian music and dance fest and experience heritage and tradition while meeting locals and visitors from all over!

Find more details at www.charlottedragonboat.com