Something exciting is going down at the Inner Harbour this weekend!
On Saturday, June 20th, the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, presented by Fairway Market, will be returning to the Inner Harbour.
While the festival has typically been held in August, dating back all the way to the 1994 Commonwealth Games, this year it will coincide with the traditional date of the Duan Wu Festival (端午節), the ancient event that was the inspiration for the dragon boat festival.
The change in date is due to a one-time event being held in the Inner Harbour this year, as well as to accommodate race circuit changes in Vancouver due to the global events happening around the city this summer.
“Fairway Market is proud to support the Festival — a celebration of community, culture, teamwork, and the incredible spirit that brings Victoria together on and off the water,” said Doug Yuen, President and CEO of Fairway Market.
Ship Point will be the heart of the festival action, and will feature live music, cultural performances, local food trucks and the city’s largest pop-up waterfront patio.
All the events are free to attend, from the races on the water to the on-land festivities.
The cornerstone of the event will be the dragon boat races, which pit over 30 teams against each other in a 250 metre sprint in the Inner Harbour.
Organizers say this year’s races are set to be faster than ever, with top Canadian paddlers training for this year’s World Championships racing against Vancouver Island’s best.
The Main Stage will also be a highlight, where attendees can experience traditional Chinese and Indigenous performances, including lion dances and Kung Fu, and hit the dance floor afterwards with some high-energy sets from favourite local bands.
Festival go-ers can also experience their favourite local bites, with food trucks and drinks being set up at Victoria’s largest licensed waterfront patio, featuring a Vancouver Island Brewing pop-up bar.
The festival will also be partnering with the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society to offer special walking tours on Sunday, June 21st at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to explore where dragons appear in Victoria’s Chinatown, learn more about dragon lore and discover Chinatown’s history dating back to 1858. Organizers ask that those interested in these tours book ahead here.
Get down to the Inner Harbour this weekend to soak in the sunshine and good vibes and learn a little more about Victoria’s Chinatown!
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
- Where: Victoria’s Inner Harbour
- When: Saturday, June 20th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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