Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race

June 7-8, 2025

The Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race is an annual cultural event hosted by the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association (PKSCA) that is held in early June as a sanctioned event of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. The event features as many as 96 dragon boat teams from all over the world who race in Taiwan-style dragon boats. There are three divisions: Mixed, Women, and High School. The race is held on the Willamette River located at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. 

Held in Salem, Oregon, as part of the World Beat Festival, this race brings together regional teams to compete on the Willamette River. Hosted by the Salem Multicultural Institute, the event emphasizes cultural celebration and community unity. Races feature various divisions including mixed, women’s, and youth crews, complemented by global food vendors, cultural exhibits, and live performances across Riverfront Park. 

Olympia Dragon Boat Festival

July 12, 2025

The Olympia Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant community celebration hosted annually at Olympia’s scenic Port Plaza. Organized by the Olympia Dragon Boat Club and South Sound YMCA, this event showcases teams from across the Pacific Northwest competing in spirited races on Budd Inlet. The festival highlights teamwork, cultural heritage, and local entertainment, offering food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities along the waterfront. 

Held each September on the Willamette River, the Portland Dragon Boat Festival is hosted by DragonSports USA and draws up to 72 teams and over 1,400 paddlers from across the West Coast and beyond. Set against the scenic backdrop of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the event features 500-meter and 2000-meter races in traditional Hong Kong-style dragon boats. With a vibrant festival atmosphere including local food vendors, merchandise booths, and a popular beer garden, the event celebrates Portland’s paddling community and promotes the growth of the sport in the region.