Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Highlights
Exhilarating Dragon Boat Racing|
Competitive and recreational teams from across Canada and the United States descend on Victoria's Inner Harbour for a weekend of record breaking racing. 90 teams and 2500 paddlers battle it out for coveted awards and thrill the crowds with close finishes, incredible comebacks and surprising upsets. Enjoy the races from the best grandstand on the West Coast and cheer on our paddlers; or, join a team to experience the rush as crowds of thousands cheer you on to the finish line! |
Eye Dotting Ceremony
 We kick off the Festival with Taoist priests to "awaken the dragon" in the elaborate, colourful Eye Dotting Ceremony. Brushes are dipped in pots of red paint and the eyes of the figurehead of each Dragon Boat are dabbed in ritual to rouse their spirits. Read More... |
Tim Hortons Kids Tent • Forbidden City
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Join us for crafts, games and more in the Tim Horton's Kids' Tent! Qualified volunteers will be on hand to help your little paddler-to-be with a series of fun crafts and activities. Parents must stay with their children. |
Lights of Courage Lantern Celebration • Ship Point
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Join us at 9pm on Friday, August 16 as we light up the Lights of Coruage. |
Weekend Entertainment
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With over forty hours of entertainment on two stages, there's something for everyone! Get your groove on to tunes from some of Victoria's best jazz, dance, and cover bands on the CHEK Main Stage, or feel the rhythm and experience the majesty of a diverse range of local cultural performers on the Quirke Cultural Stage. |
Discover the Past - Free Walking Tours of Canada's Oldest Chinatown
 Historian John Adams will be giving free hour-long tours of the historic Chinatown district. Highlights include Market Square, Fan Tan Alley, Chinese Temple and the Chinese Public School. Space is limited, and these tours fill up quickly! Sign up at the Information Booth. |
Paddlers' Air Band Contest • Beer Garden
 Teams take their rivalry from the water to the stage - battling it out to see who can perform the greatest air band! Paddlers try to convince our panel of judges that they have talent - ridiculous costumes, elaborate dance routines & hilarity ensues! |
Breast Cancer Survivors' Race & Pink Carnation Toss
Join us to celebrate the strength of these courageous survivors. The race will be followed by the ceremonial pink carnation toss as a tribute to those touched by cancer.
