FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Four Days to Go: Calgary’s Dragon Boat Festival Brings Racing, Food, Culture and Family Fun to North Glenmore Park
The free two-day festival offers an exciting waterfront experience for visitors of all ages
CALGARY, AB — August 4, 2026 — Only four days remain until North Glenmore Park comes alive with the sound of drums, cheering spectators and dragon boats racing across the Glenmore Reservoir.
The 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival returns on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, welcoming 68 teams and thousands of visitors for two energetic days of racing, food, culture, entertainment and community celebration.
While dragon boat racing will be at the heart of the weekend, organizers are inviting Calgarians to come early, explore the festival grounds and enjoy everything the event has to offer.
“The festival is about much more than what happens on the water,” said Danny Ng, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Calgary Dragon Boat Society. “From the moment visitors step off the shuttle, they will hear the drums, feel the energy and discover food, entertainment, family activities and people from across the community coming together. We invite everyone to bring their family and friends and spend the day with us.”
An Exciting Festival Experience
Visitors arriving at North Glenmore Park will enter a lively waterfront festival filled with activity.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can watch dragon boat teams compete on the reservoir while exploring the festival grounds at their own pace.
Festival attractions include:
- Exciting dragon boat racing throughout Saturday and Sunday.
- Food trucks serving a wide selection of meals, snacks and festival favourites.
- The Dragon Marketplace featuring businesses, artisans and community organizations.
- Live cultural performances and entertainment.
- Dragon and lion dance presentations.
- The Trico Homes Kids’ Play Zone.
- The Sinopec Community Zone.
- Family-friendly Beer Gardens presented by Marda Loop Brewing Company.
- Sponsor, partner and community displays.
Public admission is free on both festival days.
Racing, Teamwork and Celebration
The festival will bring together 68 teams representing competitive clubs, corporations, community organizations, recreational paddlers, youth participants and breast cancer survivor crews.
The traditional Dragon Boat Eye-Dotting Ceremony will take place Saturday morning, symbolically awakening the dragons and officially opening the racing weekend.
Races will continue throughout both days, giving spectators many opportunities to gather along the shoreline, support the teams and experience the speed, teamwork and excitement of dragon boat racing.
Sunday will conclude with championship racing, the Albert Wong Memorial Cup Race, medal presentations and closing celebrations.
Festival medals are proudly sponsored by Budget Builder, recognizing the commitment and achievements of paddlers competing throughout the weekend.
Meaningful Community Moments
Saturday’s program will feature the Breast Cancer Survivor Race, followed by the moving Pink Flower Ceremony.
Presented in partnership with the Sistership Dragon Boat Association, the ceremony honours those affected by breast cancer, remembers those who have been lost and celebrates survivors, families, caregivers and supporters.
On Sunday, representatives from business, government, media and community organizations will participate in the Sinopec Dragon Boat Charity Race in support of Calgary Meals on Wheels, the festival’s 2026 charity recipient.
These special events reflect the festival’s commitment to teamwork, inclusion, remembrance and community service.
Take the Free Shuttle to the Festival
There will be no public festival parking inside North Glenmore Park during the festival weekend.
Visitors are encouraged to leave the driving and parking stress behind and use the free festival shuttle service.
Shuttle access is available from:
Mount Royal University
Visitors can park in the designated festival parking areas and board the free shuttle to North Glenmore Park.
Anderson Station
Attendees can arrive by CTrain, Calgary Transit bus or Park and Ride and connect with the free festival shuttle.
Once visitors step off the shuttle, the racing, food trucks, marketplace, entertainment and family activities are all within walking distance.
Attendees should arrive early and allow additional time for shuttle travel, especially before major races and ceremonies.
Pets are not permitted aboard the shuttle buses, except qualified service animals.
Plan to Spend the Day
Festival visitors are encouraged to review the schedule before leaving home and plan for a full day at North Glenmore Park.
Recommended items include:
- Sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A hat or personal sun protection.
- A mobile phone or camera for festival memories.
- An enthusiastic cheering voice for the teams.
Visitors should follow onsite signs, announcements and directions from festival volunteers.
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
Participating teams: 68
Parking: No public festival parking at North Glenmore Park
Transportation: Free festival shuttles from Mount Royal University and Anderson Station
Festival schedules, parking information, shuttle details, maps and race updates are available at:
www.calgarydragonboatsociety.com
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, recreation, cultural awareness, teamwork and community participation.
The Society organizes the annual Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival and creates opportunities for paddlers of different ages, abilities and experience levels to participate in the sport.
Bring your family. Invite your friends. Come for the racing and stay for the complete festival experience.
Paddles Up, Calgary!
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