The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival returns to Vancouver from June 20 to 22, with races taking place June 21 and 22 at Concord Pacific Place and along False Creek. The festival is free for the public and combines dragon boat racing with music, cultural exhibits, food, and shopping across multiple zones.
Organized by the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society, this annual event celebrates community through cultural expression and sport. The festival traces its roots to Expo 86 and became a formalized initiative in 1989 to foster intercultural connection in Vancouver.
Festival Schedule
Dragon boat races run Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, roughly every 10 to 11 minutes. Most races begin near Cambie Bridge and finish close to the TD Main Stage. Live race commentary is available via on-site screens and schedules are posted at the Race Result towers.
The TD Main Stage hosts live music throughout the festival, featuring artists from the local community. Performances take place on the north side of False Creek at Concord Pacific Place.
Cultural programs include the Chinatown, Indigenous, and Pride Pavilions, with dedicated performance and demonstration schedules released in early June. Visitors can also experience roaming performances across the festival grounds.
Food, Beverage, and Retail
Food trucks begin service at approximately 9:00 AM. Beverage service begins at noon and ends 30 minutes before the day’s final show. A beverage garden is located in the TD Main Stage Zone.
Vendor tents and other pavilions open around 10:00 AM and close 30 minutes before the last scheduled show. Shopping opportunities include festival merchandise and local vendors.