Regina Dragon Boat Festival

Regina Dragon Boat Festival Inc. is a volunteer-run, not for profit organization established to foster better understanding, appreciation and awareness of Asian culture and heritage within our community.

The festival held in beautiful Wascana Park draws nearly 2,000 team participants and 20,000 spectators. It’s a unique show of cross-cultural community spirit.

Regina’s festival begins Friday afternoon with the “Awakening of the Dragons” Opening Ceremony. This ceremony is performed by the Evergreen Taoist Priests and consists of dotting the bulging eyes of the carved dragon head attached to the boat, in the sense of ending its slumber and re-energizing its spirit. The ceremony also includes a traditional lion’s dance performed by the Chung Wah Kung Fu.

The Dragon Boat races run non-stop on Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Teams compete in 48 foot dragon boats equipped with dragon heads and tails in both competitive and recreational divisions. While thousands of people cheer on paddlers, thousands of others fill Wascana Park to enjoy the international food, cultural entertainment, children’s activities and the Dragon’s Lair Tent, a licensed venue offering live entertainment is perfect for getting out of the sun or rain and accommodates approximately 2,000 people.