Celebrate the height of summer in the Inner Harbour!
Festival Visitor Info
Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market
Victoria, get ready to race! Celebrate the height of summer at the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market. Enjoy iconic dragon boat races in the Inner Harbour, exciting music and cultural shows on the Main and Patio Stages, marketplace vendors and bars, Chinatown booths, and more in the heart of Victoria.
2024 programming schedules are now available below! Race schedules are on the Race Info page.
Since 1994, the Festival has brought communities together through dragon boat activities. Come down this August and explore what we have to offer- all for free!
The Festival is the Island’s original dragon boat festival, started during the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and is organized annually by the non-profit Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society.
Festival Activities
Main Stage
Celebrate the spirit of local, with live music on the Main Stage! Featuring an entirely local lineup, soak in the sun and celebrate the height of summer.
With the support of the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, the City of Victoria, the Capital Regional District, and the BC Arts Council.
Patio Stage
New for 2024, experience culture like never before with our new Patio Stage in the heart of the Inner Harbour! This intimate experience gets you up close and personal with lion dancers, traditional Chinese dance, the Navy’s famed Naden Band, and even a magical Sichuan face changer!
With the support of the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, the City of Victoria, the Capital Regional District, and the BC Arts Council.
Race Program
The Inner Harbour comes alive as over 40 dragon boat teams hit the water! Teams race on a sprint 250M course towards Ship’s Point, in an intense display of strength and teamwork!
VI Brewing Beverage Patios
Soak in the sun on our outdoor patios with great local brews from VI Brewing! Check out the VI Brewing Main Stage Bar and enjoy local live music as you celebrate another great summer day in Victoria.
19+ to purchase alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Cultural and Family Activities
This family-friendly area has something fun for everyone. Grab a bite to eat from a selection of delicious local food vendors and join us in the Cultural/ Family Activities Tent for some cultural crafts and entertainment.
Lights of Courage
Help support the BC Cancer Foundation as they work towards a future free of cancer. Purchase a paper lantern for $3 and write a message of hope, love, or remembrance on its tag.
Hang your lantern at the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival and be a part of a truly moving show of support and community. $1 from each lantern goes towards supporting the BC Cancer Foundation.
Friday August 9 Schedule
NOTE: Friday August 9 consists of land activities only, with the generous support of the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission and TD.
- 8:00 PM: Welcome Remarks
- 8:15 PM: Lion Dance and Kung Fu Demonstrations from Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club
- 9:00 PM: Outdoor Movie Night: Kung Fu Panda
Saturday August 10 Schedule
Race Program
- Race grid available soon at victoriadragonboatfestival.com/paddlers!
- Heats, Semi Finals, and Finals
- Medal Presentations
Cultural Program
- Patio Stage: Active from 12:00-5:00 PM
- Main Stage: Active from 12:00-6:00 PM
- Cultural Demonstrations, Activities, and Pavilions: Active from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Marketplace and Vendors
- Denny’s Pop Up Breakfast in the Harbour (Patio Stage): 8:00-11:00 AM
- Food Trucks and Bar: Active from 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Vendors: Active from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM