FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival Returns August 8 and 9
New Anderson Station shuttle connection added; public parking remains at Mount Royal University
CALGARY, AB – June 23, 2026 – The Calgary Dragon Boat Society will welcome paddlers, families and spectators to North Glenmore Park for the 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival, taking place Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The free two-day festival will bring together dragon boat teams, performers, food vendors and community organizations for a weekend of racing, culture and celebration.
Park at Mount Royal University
After years of organizing the festival at North Glenmore Park, we know transportation can shape a visitor’s experience. The park is an excellent racing venue, but its limited road access cannot accommodate thousands of vehicles. Routes must remain open for shuttles, emergency vehicles, paddlers, volunteers and festival operations.
There will be no public festival parking at North Glenmore Park on August 8 or 9.
Visitors should park free at:
- Mount Royal University Lots A and B; or
- Mount Royal University’s East Gate Parkade.
Free shuttles will operate between Mount Royal University and the festival throughout the weekend. Visitors should go directly to Mount Royal University. In past years, drivers expecting to park at North Glenmore Park have had to turn around and travel back through festival traffic.
New for 2026: Anderson Station Shuttle Access
Festivalgoers can also take Calgary Transit to Anderson Station and connect with a free shuttle to North Glenmore Park. This option provides a practical transit connection while helping reduce traffic near the festival site.
Visitors have two main options:
- Park at Mount Royal University and take the free shuttle; or
- Take Calgary Transit to Anderson Station and connect with the shuttle.
Schedules and pickup locations will be posted on the Calgary Dragon Boat Society website before the festival.
“We want people arriving ready to enjoy the races, not circling the park looking for parking that is not available,” said Danny Ng, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Calgary Dragon Boat Society. “Start at Mount Royal University or Anderson Station and let the shuttle complete the trip.”
Two Days of Racing and Celebration
Racing will take place throughout Saturday and Sunday on the Glenmore Reservoir.
The festival will also feature:
- Cultural and community performances;
- Food trucks and the Dragon Marketplace;
- The Trico Homes Kids’ Play Zone;
- Family-friendly beer gardens;
- The Breast Cancer Survivor Race and Pink Flower Ceremony; and
- The Sinopec Dragon Boat Charity Race supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels.
There are no public festival events on Friday, August 7.
Celebrating 34 Years in Calgary
Dragon boat racing has been part of Calgary for 34 years.
Since the Calgary Dragon Boat Society was established in 2010, new paddlers and teams have joined the sport, while experienced paddlers have become coaches, steers persons and volunteers. Behind the races are months of preparation involving boats, practices, volunteers, safety plans, schedules and transportation. “The public sees the racing, but the festival is built through months of work,” Ng said. “Every paddler, volunteer, sponsor, vendor and community partner contributes to the weekend.” Dragon boat racing comes from a Chinese cultural tradition more than 2,000 years old and continues to represent teamwork, discipline and perseverance.
Festival Information
Event: 2026 Sinopec Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Dates: Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: North Glenmore Park, Calgary
Admission: Free
Festival Parking: Mount Royal University Lots A and B and East Gate Parkade
Transit Access: Calgary Transit to Anderson Station, followed by a free shuttle
Important: No public parking at North Glenmore Park
Full details and shuttle information:
www.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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