FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 Days to Go: 68 Teams Ready to Race at the 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Calgary is invited to plan ahead, arrive early and take the free festival shuttle to North Glenmore Park
CALGARY, AB — July 31, 2026 — The drums are getting louder, the boats are lining up and Calgary’s premier dragon boat celebration is only eight days away.
The 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival returns to North Glenmore Park on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, bringing together 68 dragon boat teams from Calgary, communities across Western Canada and the United States.
The free, two-day festival will fill the reservoir and surrounding park with competitive dragon boat racing, cultural performances, food trucks, marketplace merchants, family activities and community celebrations.
“After months of preparation, we are ready to welcome Calgary and the many visiting teams joining us this year,” said Danny Ng, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Calgary Dragon Boat Society. “With 68 teams ready to race, there will be excitement on the water throughout the weekend. We encourage everyone to plan their trip, arrive early, take the free shuttle and experience the racing, culture and community spirit that make this festival so special.”
Saturday Festival Highlights
The festival site opens Saturday morning, with the traditional Dragon Boat Eye-Dotting Ceremony at 7:45 a.m., followed by the start of racing at 8:30 a.m.
The morning will also feature the inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor Race at 11:10 a.m., followed by the Pink Flower Ceremony at 11:20 a.m. The ceremony honours those who have experienced breast cancer, remembers those who have been lost and celebrates the courage of survivors and their supporters.
The official Opening Ceremonies begin at 11:45 a.m., featuring a land acknowledgement, the national anthem, official greetings and a colourful dragon and lion dance performance.
Sunday Festival Highlights
Dragon boat racing resumes Sunday morning at 8:45 a.m.
At 11:40 a.m., representatives from government, business, media and community organizations will take to the water for the Sinopec Dragon Boat Charity Race, supporting the festival’s 2026 charity recipient, Calgary Meals on Wheels.
The weekend will conclude with the Albert Wong Memorial Cup Race, followed by the race awards presentation, dragon and lion dance performances and closing remarks.
More Than Racing
Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore the Dragon Marketplace, enjoy a wide selection of food trucks, bring their children to the Trico Homes Kids’ Play Zone, visit the Sinopec Community Zone and relax in the family-friendly Beer Gardens presented by Marda Loop Brewing Company.
Main-stage entertainment and cultural programming will add to the festival atmosphere as paddlers, families, volunteers and spectators gather for one of Calgary’s most energetic summer weekends.
Admission to the public festival on Saturday and Sunday 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 weekend.
Everyone attending the festival should use one of the designated shuttle access points:
- Mount Royal University, with free festival parking and shuttle service to the festival entrance.
- Anderson Station, where attendees can arrive by CTrain, Calgary Transit bus or Park and Ride and connect with the free festival shuttle.
Free shuttle buses will transport attendees between the designated locations and North Glenmore Park throughout both festival days.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and allow additional travel time, particularly before the first races and during the busiest periods of the day.
Pets are not permitted on festival shuttle buses, except qualified service animals.
Plan Your Festival Weekend
Before leaving home, visitors should review the official:
- Festival schedule.
- Parking and shuttle information.
- Festival location and site map.
- Race grid and team racing information when posted.
- Latest festival announcements and updates.
All official information is available through the Calgary Dragon Boat Society website.
Event Details
Event: 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Public festival dates: Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: North Glenmore Park, Calgary
Admission: Free
Parking: No public parking at North Glenmore Park
Transportation: Free festival shuttles from Mount Royal University and Anderson Station
Media Contact
Danny Ng
Co-Chair and Co-Founder
Calgary Dragon Boat Society
Email: info@calgarydragonboatsociety.com
Telephone: 587-803-1888
About the Calgary Dragon Boat Society
Established in 2010, the Calgary Dragon Boat Society is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting dragon boat racing, cultural awareness, recreation, teamwork and community participation in Calgary.
The Society organizes the annual Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival and provides opportunities for paddlers of different ages, abilities and experience levels to participate in the sport.
Paddles Up, Calgary!
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