The Boston - Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, held each year in June, features sleek 39-foot long Hong Kong-style fiberglass boats with dragon heads and tails racing down the Charles River. 

On the Cambridge side of the Charles, drum dances, yo-yo performances, music, and Lion dances entertain crowds of spectators, making this one of the biggest Boston Chinese cultural events of the year.

Dragon boat races began around 2,300 years ago as a ceremony to commemorate the life and death of Chinese poet-political leader Qu Yuan (340-278 B.C.). 

Today, the races take place around the world and have become sporting events and celebrations of Chinese culture.

The Boston Chinese Dragon Boat Festival attracts racers from Boston and the rest of New England, other East Coast locations from New York to Florida, and Canada, making it the biggest dragon boat race in the U.S. and the longest-running festival in North America. 

Everyone is welcome to participate, from first-time paddlers to dragon race experts.

Traditionally held on the 5th day of the 5th moon on the lunar calendar (late May to mid June on the solar calendar), the Festival usually takes place a week or two after Memorial Day - check the Boston Events Calendar for June for the exact date.

Teams sporting names such as the Dragon Boat Club of Boston, MIT Transgenic Dragons, The Boat for Kids Who Don't Paddle Good, the Wellness Warriors, and MathWorks Chinese represent clubs, businesses, schools, and communities.

Although races start early in the morning, cultural activities begin at noon with the "Eye-Dotting Ceremony."

Accompanied by traditional Chinese drums, painters apply dots around the eyes of each boat's dragon.  According to ancient legend, this ritual gives the dragons the power to soar.

Check exact dates/times for the Dragon Boat Festival

Photo credit:  Dragon Boats on the Charles River by Michael Naselroad; courtesy of Boston Dragon Boat Festival

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Map Showing Where to Watch Boston's Dragon Boat Race


Boston Dragon Boat Race seeding trials take place on Saturday at the MIT Pierce Boathouse dock.

Races on Sunday take place in the Charles River, at docks on the Boston side. 

The length of the race course is about 500 meters.

The races start between the River and Western Avenue Bridges, near Western Ave, and end near the Weeks Footbridge.  Those bridges also provide excellent spots for viewing the Dragon Boat races.

Although you can also watch the races from either side of the river, you'll probably want to be on the Cambridge side because that's where the festival takes place. 


More about the Boston Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon dance at the  Boston Dragon Boat Festival - photo courtesy of Madeleine Ball
Dragon Dance at the Boston Dragon Boat Festival - Photo credit: Mad Ball

In addition to all of the performances, the festival includes activity areas for children, arts and crafts sponsored by the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association (GBCCA), informational booths set up by local Chinese community centers and similar organizations.

Dragon boats participating in Boston Dragon Boat Festival - photo courtesy of Madeleine Ball
Food vendors on the Cambridge side of the Charles River

You'll also find lots of delicious food for purchase, thanks to many of Boston's top Chinese and other Asian restaurants. 

About 20,000 people typically attend the Boston Dragon Boat races and festival.

Dragon boats participating in Boston Dragon Boat Festival - photo courtesy of Madeleine Ball
Dragon boats in the Charles River - Photo credit:  Madeleine Ball

Essentials: Boston Dragon Boat Festival

Location: Charles River, between Harvard Bridge (JFK Street) and the Western Ave Bridge, with most of the Festival activities on the Cambridge side of the river
Closest T station: Red Line/Harvard Square
Date:  Check Boston Events Calendar for June for details
Admission:  Free
For more information:  617-259-0286 for information in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English; Dragon Boat Festival website
Hotels:   These Cambridge hotels are close to the Dragon Boat race site:

Restaurants:  Head into Chinatown after the races for dinner at one of these fun Chinatown restaurants



See Boston by Water:  Harbor Sightseeing Cruises

Boston sailing and yacht cruises

Tour Boston by boat - the best way to see the city!   Check out these fun sightseeing, music, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III:

 Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:

  • Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
  • Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
  • Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience!  Food and beverages available for purchase at the bar - Starts March 10

Fun St Patrick's Day Brunch Cruise:

  • St Patrick's Brunch Cruise - Savor a delicious 3-course Irish breakfast and Irish drink as you enjoy a live Irish music on board the Northern Lights on this cruise around Boston Harbor - March 16 & 17 - don't wait to book!

Sailing on the Adirondack III:

  • Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands - Starts May 2
  • Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors - Starts May 2
  • Adirondack III 90-Minute Mimosa Day Sail - Soak up the sun on this afternoon sail through the Inner Harbor and Harbor Islands with drinks available for purchase at the bar - Starts July 6

Mothers Day Cruise


Dragon boats
Dragon boats - Photo credit: Laura

Need a Boston Hotel or Apartment?

Use this handy map from Booking.com to find the perfect place to stay.  Just enter your dates to find what's available, see the best rates, and make your reservations.

Booking.com

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