Springfield Dragon Boat Festival

A Dragon Boat is a giant Chinese war canoe. The Springfield Dragon Boat Festival is a series of friendly, fun dragon boat races between groups, companies, organizations, etc. assembled to compete for one day.. 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.

Each race is 200 meters (about 2 football fields), lasts about one minute, each team races at least 3 times, no experience is required, all equipment is provided, a practice session is included, and medals are awarded! Festival proceeds benefit the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club, a Springfield non-profit connecting people with healthy riverfront activity.

Admission is free for spectators to enjoy the dragon boat racing, food trucks, cultural performances, and more!

Schedule of Events:

7:45 am - Marshaling and dock staff meeting with 22Dragons at the dock
8:15 am - Captains meeting with 22Dragons at the pergola
8:30 am - Opening Ceremonies: Color Guard, National Anthem
8:45 am - "Waking the Dragon Eye-Dotting ceremony
9:00 am - Races commence
11:00 am. - Thai Chili Food Truck and PVRC Grille open
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Entertainment: Mountain River Taiko Drummers,
Chinese Kungfu Academy, Hong Tinh Duong Lion Dance Team
1:00 pm - Drummers Parade
2:00 pm - 50/50 Raffle drawing
3:00 pm - Cancer Survivor Flower Ceremony on the river
3:30 pm - Medal and Award Ceremony