FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 Days to Go: Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival Returns to North Glenmore Park August 8–9

Calgary, Alberta — July 9, 2026 — In 30 days, the drums will sound, the paddles will hit the water, and North Glenmore Park will once again come alive for the 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival.

Taking place Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, the festival will bring together dragon boat teams, cultural performers, food vendors, community partners, volunteers, sponsors, families, and spectators for one of Calgary’s most energetic summer weekends.

Hosted by the Calgary Dragon Boat Society, the festival has become a long-standing Calgary tradition — built on sport, culture, teamwork, and community. For the teams, the final month is when practices get sharper, timing gets tighter, and the excitement starts to feel real. For the community, it is the time to start planning a weekend at the park.

“Thirty days out is when everything starts coming together,” said Danny Ng, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Calgary Dragon Boat Society. “The teams are training hard, the volunteers are preparing behind the scenes, and the festival site is starting to take shape. We are excited to welcome Calgary back to North Glenmore Park for a weekend of racing, culture, food, and community.”

The two-day festival will feature competitive dragon boat racing on the North Glenmore Reservoir, cultural performances, food trucks, marketplace vendors, community displays, and family-friendly activities. Spectators can expect close races, loud cheers, team spirit, and the unmistakable sound of drums carrying across the water.

This year’s festival will also feature the Sinopec Dragon Boat Charity Race, supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels. The Charity Race brings sponsors, community members, partners, and first-time paddlers into the boats for a meaningful race that raises awareness and support for an organization that helps Calgarians maintain independence, dignity, and connection through nutritious meal service.

Festival access will again be an important part of planning the weekend. There is no public festival parking at North Glenmore Park, and visitors are encouraged to use the free festival shuttle service. Public parking will be available at Mount Royal University, with free shuttles running to and from the festival site.

New this year, festival visitors can also access the event through Calgary Transit’s Anderson Station, where free festival shuttles will provide another convenient connection to North Glenmore Park. The added access point is intended to make it easier for more Calgarians to attend without adding traffic pressure around the park.

The Calgary Dragon Boat Society encourages spectators to plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the full festival experience — from the first races in the morning to the cultural performances, food, vendors, and community activities throughout the day.

Event Details
Event: 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Dates: Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: North Glenmore Park, Calgary
Admission: Free public festival admission
Parking & Shuttle: Public parking at Mount Royal University with free festival shuttles. New Anderson Station shuttle connection available this year.
Website: www.calgarydragonboatsociety.com

With 30 days to go, Calgary is invited to mark the calendar, gather family and friends, and be part of a weekend that celebrates racing, culture, community, and the spirit of dragon boating.

Paddles Up, Calgary!

Media Contact:
Danny Ng
Co-Chair and Co-Founder
Calgary Dragon Boat Society
Email: info@calgarydragonboatsociety.com
Telephone: 587-803-1888
Website: www.calgarydragonboatsociety.com

About the Calgary Dragon Boat Society
Established in 2010, the Calgary Dragon Boat Society is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organization promoting dragon boat racing, cultural awareness, recreation, teamwork and community participation in Calgary.

The Society delivers seasonal practices, introductory paddling programs, training opportunities and the annual Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival.

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