Dragon Boat Festival Cancelled for 2026, New Race Schedule
Another signature event of summer in Vancouver, the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival will be cancelled due to the FIFA World Cup 26™, but will return in 2027. Dragon Boat BC has unveiled a refreshed 2026 race calendar, with a new race next year in late August and revised dates that align with international events and local community celebrations.
Dragon Boat Festival Cancelled for 2026, New Race Schedule
The FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival will shift to September rather than its usual August date, to accommodate the Concord Pacific Summer Regatta on August 22nd, a one-time festival supported by Concord Pacific and TD in False Creek.
These updates reflect collaborative discussions with public and private partners to ensure the calendar highlights the best of BC communities, while welcoming participants from around the world. With these enhancements, Dragon Boat BC aims to maximize community benefits and create unforgettable experiences for athletes, spectators and visitors. These major changes were made possible with the support of the Government of British Columbia, staff in event host cities, paddling community stakeholders, and private funding partners.
Adjusted Race Schedule for 2026
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | Burnwater Spring Sprint/Youth Regatta | Olympic Village, Vancouver |
| May 30, 2026 | Vessi 500 Championship | Olympic Village, Vancouver |
| July 25, 2026 | Harrison Dragon Boat Festival | Harrison Lake, Village of Harrison Hot Springs |
| August 22, 2026 | Summer Regatta* | Concord Pacific Place and False Creek, Vancouver |
| September 12, 2026 | FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival | Imperial Landing, Richmond |
| September 26, 2026 | Oddball Fall Classic | Olympic Village, Vancouver |
*A formal announcement on the name of the new Summer Regatta event, including its name, will be made during Lunar New Year celebrations in February.
All events are expected to return to their normal dates in 2027. Additional races and events will be announced in due course. All events are free to attend, with many events also featuring live cultural programming or music, food trucks, local artisan craft markets, and spotlights on non-profits in each community.
Related:
Follow Miss604 on:
