Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival

Just a short 25-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, the venue is ideally located for both local teams and visiting crews. Kansas City, often called the "Heart of America," is a city with soul—famous for its award-winning barbecue, rich jazz and blues heritage, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. The festival gives visitors the perfect excuse to paddle hard during the day and explore the city’s vibrant offerings in the evening.

The festival experience goes beyond racing.

Teams will enjoy a full schedule of races and have the chance to connect with others through team-building activities, food, and entertainment throughout the day.

Spectators can immerse themselves in the excitement, with plenty of great viewing areas, interactive vendor booths, and opportunities to learn about the history and techniques of dragon boat racing.

Whether you’re a paddler, a supporter, or someone discovering the sport for the first time, the Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival offers something for everyone. The event continues to build momentum each year, creating lasting memories and strengthening the dragon boat community across the Midwest.