Portland Dragon Boat Festival

Since 1989, Portland and its sister city Kaohsiung, Taiwan, have shared the tradition of annual dragon boat racing on the Willamette and Love (Ai He) rivers. Teams practice all summer to compete in three-ish-minute sprints ending under the Hawthorne Bridge. Racing teams are formed by friends, coworkers, cancer survivors, schools, and more, with the festival encouraging community connection through friendly competition.

So come and join an adrenaline-packed day filled with colorful dragon boats, friendly competition, and awesome vibes by the water. Whether you’re a paddler or just there for the fun, there’s something for everyone. Food, music, and non-stop energy make this a can’t-miss summer bash in Portland. Don’t miss out on the splashy fun at the 2026 Portland Dragon Boat Festival.