FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
62 Teams Set to Race as Calgary Dragon Boat Festival Reaches 15-Day Countdown
Calgary, Alberta — July 24, 2026 — In just 15 days, North Glenmore Park will once again come alive with the sound of drums, cheering spectators and paddles hitting the water at the 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival.
The Calgary Dragon Boat Society is pleased to confirm that 62 teams are registered to compete during the festival, taking place Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9.
Teams from Calgary and beyond are now making their final preparations after weeks and months of training. For many paddlers, the festival is more than a race. It is an opportunity to reconnect with teammates, represent their communities and share the spirit of dragon boating with thousands of spectators.
“Every team brings its own story, energy and sense of pride to the festival,” said Danny Ng, Co-Chair of the Calgary Dragon Boat Society. “With 62 teams joining us this year, we are looking forward to an exciting weekend and to welcoming Calgarians back to the shoreline to cheer them on.”
Throughout the weekend, spectators can enjoy competitive dragon boat racing, live cultural performances, food trucks, festival merchants, family activities, the Kids Zone and Beer Gardens.
The festival will also feature two of its most meaningful traditions: the Sinopec Dragon Boat Charity Race and the Breast Cancer Survivor Race and Pink Flower Ceremony. These special events bring paddlers and spectators together in support of community, courage, remembrance and hope.
Admission to the festival is free.
Plan Ahead: No Public Parking at North Glenmore Park
There will be no public festival parking inside North Glenmore Park during the festival.
Visitors are asked to park at one of the two designated locations and take the free festival shuttle:
- Mount Royal University
- Anderson CTrain Station
Free shuttle buses will run between these locations and the festival grounds throughout the public festival weekend.
Guests are encouraged to allow extra travel time, arrive early and follow festival signs and directions when approaching the shuttle locations.
The public festival takes place on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9. Friday, August 7 is reserved for event setup, team practices and activities for registered paddlers, sponsors, partners, merchants and food vendors.
With 62 teams preparing to race, the Calgary Dragon Boat Society invites Calgarians and visitors to gather along the shoreline, support the paddlers and enjoy a weekend filled with sport, culture and community.
Event Details
2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026
North Glenmore Park, Calgary
Free admission
No public parking inside North Glenmore Park
Free shuttles from Mount Royal University and Anderson CTrain Station
For festival schedules, transportation information and event updates, visit CalgaryDragonBoatSociety.com.
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 and community participation in Calgary.
Paddles Up, Calgary!
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