Victoria Dragon Boat Festival

01/01/2025

Happy new year! Thank you to all of our supporters who came out in 2024 and joined us in the Inner Harbour to race at the Island's original dragon boat festival!

The joy and connection we saw is a great representation of how our community comes together through festivals like ours, and we hope to see you all again in August!

Please watch for updated festival details to come soon for our 2025 event, and see you in August as we celebrate the height of summer in the Inner Harbour.

09/05/2024

09/05/2024

Missed our first mooncake workshop? 🥮 No worries! Join us this month – the month of the Mid-Autumn Festival 🌕 Our beginner-friendly class will have you crafting these delicious pastries with guidance from our expert instructors. Experience the ancient Chinese tradition of eating mooncakes during the Festival, and take home 10 mini mooncakes to share with your loved ones.

Spaces are limited, so sign up now to secure your spot!

🗓️ Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
⏰ Time: 12-3pm
📍 Location: Community Kitchen (located inside of the Victoria Public Market) #6 1701 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 0C1
💰 Fee: $35, with all proceeds going towards supporting the Victoria Dragon Boat Society
✍🏻 More info + sign up here: tinyurl.com/VDBFSMooncakeWorkshopSep2024

With the support of our sponsors Fairway Markets and Victoria Public Market.

08/13/2024

We had so much fun at this year's Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market this past weekend! 🛶🔥 The races were intense, the crowds were electric, and the vibrant music and cultural presentations brought everyone together. A big round of applause to all the teams who gave it their all!

Congratulations to our winners:
🏆 Mixed Grand Final: VIP Gorging Dragons Gold (1:05.305)
🏆 Women’s Grand Final: VIP Gorging Dragons Senior B Red (1:10.122)
🏆 Senior Cup: GD Alumni + (1:13.262)
🏆 Visiting Cup: Gig Harbour Dragons Mixed (1:14.029)

Thanks to everyone who joined us! We loved seeing the community come together. A huge thank you to our volunteers and sponsors who made this event unforgettable. More pictures, highlights and recaps to come! Race results are now posted at victoriadragonboatfestival.com/register.

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Denny's, HKETO Toronto, Scimitar Canada, TD, Vancouver Island Brewing, Canada Heritage, Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, Capital Regional District, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.

08/10/2024

Are you ready for this weekend? 🥳🌊 There's SO MUCH for the entire family to enjoy at the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market, from thrilling dragon boat races to live local music and traditional Chinese cultural performances. But wait, there's more! Here are a few more highlights you might not know about 👀👇🏻

🫚 Free ice cold drink at the Canada Dry booth
🥞 The ever-popular Denny's Paddler's Breakfast served till 11 AM by the Patio Stage
🍔 Local food trucks dishing up scrumptious bites by Racers Village
🍻 Pop-up bar by Vancouver Island Brewing at the Main Stage
💆 Free massage for racers by the West Coast College of Massage Therapy – regsiter on-site to nab your spot

See you at the Inner Harbour tomorrow and Saturday! 👋🏻

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Denny's Canada, HKETO Toronto, Scimitar Canada, TD, Vancouver Island Brewing, Canadian Heritage, the Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, Capital Regional District, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.

08/09/2024

Racers, get set to paddle! Introducing our medals for the 2024 Canada Dry Canada Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Markets! Designed by local Victoria artist yeethayclub, they feature the iconic BC Legislature building that forms the background to our race course.

Watch dragon boat racers take to the water this Saturday starting at 8am, with public programs starting at 10. And tonight, come down at 8pm onwards for a fun family movie night and kung fu demonstrations in the Inner Harbour! Visit victoriadragonboatfestival.com/visit for more info and schedules.

With the support of Canada Dry, Fairway Market, Coca-Cola, Denny's Canada, HKETO Toronto, Scimitar Canada, TD, Vancouver Island Brewing, Canadian Heritage, Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, Capital Regional District, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.

08/07/2024

The Lights of Courage campaign benefitting BC Cancer Foundation, and supported by Fairway Markets is here! 🏮 Be part of a Festival tradition and buy a lantern at the Festival site this weekend, or at Fairway Market locations now as a beacon of courage and hope for those fighting cancer.

This year, we'll be unveiling a new campaign by working with Chinese Canadian Museum in Fan Tan Alley to extend the fundraising period, but also educate our community on the meaning of these lanterns.

For more information, or to donate directly, visit bccancerfoundation.com/VDBF.

08/06/2024

THIS WEEKEND: Come down to the Inner Harbour for Victoria's ultimate summer celebration ☀️🌊 Sport and culture intertwine at the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market on Friday and Saturday, with plenty to see and do for the entire family 🛶

Friday, August 9:
🦁 Lion dance and kung fu demonstrations by at 8:00 PM
🍿 Family movie night! Catch our free outdoor screening of Kung Fu Panda at 9:00 PM at the Main Stage, supported by and

Saturday, August 10:
🏅 40 teams from the Island, mainland, and California racing starting from 8:00 AM
🎤 Live local music and performances on the Main Stage
🐲 Traditional Chinese cultural demonstrations including rare Sichuan face-changing performances by .n and lion dances by Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club
☀️ Enjoy a pop-up bar by Vancouver Island Brewing to soak up the sun by the Main Stage
🍔 Food trucks and ever-popular Denny's Paddler Breakfast

And, the Festival's Lights of Courage campaign is starting up again 🏮 Make a difference by buying a lantern at Fairway Market or on-site, or donate directly at bccancerfoundation.com/VDBF to support BC Cancer Foundation and the Festival.

Free admission! For more info, visit victoriadragonboatfestival.com.

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Denny's Canada, HKETO Toronto, Scimitar Canada, TD, Vancouver Island Brewing, Canadian Heritage, the Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, Capital Regional District, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.

08/05/2024

We're bringing you an unforgettable showcase of traditional Chinese culture at next weekend's Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market🧧🐲 Be wowed by rare traditional Sichuan face-changing performances, lion dances by Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club and much more!

Don't miss out on this chance to experience Victoria's unique culture. Invite your friends, gather your family, and come down to the Inner Harbour next Saturday for a day filled with dragon boat races, traditional Chinese performances, and live local music. 🥳

Be sure to check back as we'll be announcing more exciting events the coming few days! For more info, visit victoriadragonboatfestival.com.

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Denny's Canada, HKETO Toronto, Scimitar Canada, TD, Vancouver Island Brewing, Canadian Heritage, the Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, Capital Regional District, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.

08/02/2024

The Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival is next weekend, and YOU'RE INVITED! Celebrate the height of summer next Saturday with live local music and performances, from traditional protocol, all the way to rising alt-rock band Carmine 🎸

11:00 AM: Esquimalt Singers and Dancers
12:30 PM: West Coast Soul Collective
2:00 PM: That Band Carmine
2:45 PM: Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy
3:30 PM: HOT POT
5:00 PM: Hit List Band

Stay tuned as we'll be announcing more exciting performances and events the coming few days! For more info, visit victoriadragonboatfestival.com.

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Denny's Canada, HKETO Toronto, Scimitar Canada, TD, Vancouver Island Brewing, Canadian Heritage, the Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, Capital Regional District, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.

07/26/2024

🚨 LAST CHANCE to register for this year's Victoria Dragon Boat Festival! Registration closes TOMORROW at register.dragonboat.ca, with more race registration info at victoriadragonboatfestival.com/register.

Don't miss out on your chance to celebrate the height of summer with us at the stunning Inner Harbour on August 10 ☀️

With the support of Canada Dry, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Denny's Canada, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, TD, Vancouver Island Brewing, Canadian Heritage, Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, Capital Regional District, and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.

07/20/2024

🚨📣 ONE WEEK till registration closes for the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival! This year's races might just be the most exciting yet with sprints to the finish every few minutes on the water! Visit victoriadragonboatfestival.com/register for race registration information, and register now at register.dragonboatbc.ca by next Friday July 26.

With the support of Canada Dry, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Canadian Heritage, Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, and the Capital Regional District.

07/09/2024

Learn to make traditional mooncakes with us next Sunday! 🥮 In this beginner-friendly workshop, our experienced instructors will guide you through each step of making these delicious pastries from scratch. And the best part is, each participant leaves with 10 mini mooncakes! Limited spots available, so sign up today to reserve your spot ✍🏻

🗓️ Date: Sunday, July 21, 2024
⏰ Time: 12-2pm
📍 Location: Community Kitchen (located inside of the Victoria Public Market) #6 1701 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 0C1
💰 Fee: $35, with all proceeds going towards supporting the Victoria Dragon Boat Society
✍🏻 More info + sign up here: tinyurl.com/VDBFSMooncakeWorkshop2024

Many thanks to our sponsors Fairway Markets and Victoria Public Market for supporting this event.

07/01/2024

As we say goodbye to June, and head into July, we’re getting set for the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market, coming up very soon on August 10 🔥

Registration closes in less than a month on July 26, so it’s time to start locking this in. We have nearly 40 teams registered now!

Starting this year, we will be debuting our new 200M race course, to create a more exciting atmosphere for racers and teams where the entire race course can be seen from land, and in anticipation of major works in the Inner Harbour.

Visit victoriadragonboatfestival.com/register for race registration information, and register now at register.dragonboatbc.ca.

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Canadian Heritage, Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, and the Capital Regional District.

06/11/2024

Celebrate Duan Wu Festival with us today! 🐉🛶 Taking place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Lunar calendar, this festival is steeped in tradition. While there's many traditions, the most famous among them is dragon boat racing- which is why the common name of the Duan Wu Festival is now the Dragon Boat Festival!

Dragon boat first arrived to Victoria in 1994 with the Commonwealth Games- hence the traditional date of Victoria's main racing event being in August. And while the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market isn't until August 10, we're getting set to bring you a taste of the ancient festival with cultural performances and events that celebrates Victoria's local Chinese culture and Chinatown. More details will be out soon on victoriadragonboatfestival.com, so stay tuned!

Teams – don't miss your chance to race at this year's Victoria Dragon Boat Festival! Sign up to race at register.dragonboatbc.ca now.

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Canadian Heritage, Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, and the Capital Regional District.

06/01/2024

As Asian Heritage Month comes to a close, we recognize long-term partner and Festival presenting partner Fairway Market! Fairway Market was founded by local grocer Don Yuen in in 1963, and has grown alongside the community across Vancouver Island.

As an independent family-owned grocer, Fairway Market has worked hard to build community: as the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival's presenting partner, raising significant contributions for the BC Cancer Foundation through the Festival's Lights of Courage campaign, or bringing flavours from around the Pacific to homes across the Island.

Now run by Doug Yuen- Don's son, Fairway Market continues this proud tradition. Thank you to Don, Doug, and the Fairway Market team for being a shining example for our community, as leaders that believe in our own backyard.

We invite you to join us to celebrate Victoria's local culture this August, as we celebrate the height of summer in the Inner Harbour! Sign up to race at register.dragonboatbc.ca! Only 10 spots remain in the Mixed Division; and a handful of spots are left in the Senior C, Visiting Team and Breast Cancer Cups.

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Canadian Heritage, Government of British Columbia, City of Victoria - Local Government, and the Capital Regional District.

04/27/2024

Start dreaming of sunny summer days ahead- and racing at the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market on August 10! We're over 50% full already, and can't wait to welcome you the Inner Harbour in the heart of Victoria.

With our new 200 M international standard course, every second of the day counts more than ever. We've got an exciting day on land and water planned for you. Between our local lineup on the main stage, demonstrations and community groups that celebrate Chinese Canadian contributions to our community, and local vendors, you're invited to celebrate the height of summer with us.

Visit victoriadragonboatfestival.ca/register for race registration information, and register now at register.dragonboatbc.ca.

With the support of Canada Dry Canada, Fairway Markets, Coca-Cola, Canadian Heritage, Government of British Columbia, and the City of Victoria - Local Government.