
The FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival is back this Saturday! Soak in the sun on the shores of the Fraser River, and watch as 60 teams face off at Richmond’s only dragon boat race.
We’re very excited to bring back one of the most anticipated events of Steveston! This year’s event promises a thrilling day of fierce competition, vibrant cultural performances, and community celebration, all set along the Fraser River.
When: August 23, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Imperial Landing
Cost: FREE ADMISSION!
What: Dragon boat racing, live music, cultural demonstrations, and much more!
Click here for the Festival Site Map
On-Land | Races | ||
---|---|---|---|
Parking Lot Opens (Minimum $10 donation) | 6:00 AM | ADMIN: Race Registrar Opens | 6:30 AM |
Festival Marketplace and Site Opens | 10:00 AM | Mandatory Admin and Steers Meeting | 8:00 AM |
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Sichuan Face Changing Performance | 11:30 AM | RACE COURSE: Preliminary Heat Races Begin | 9:00 AM |
Red Truck Patio/Beverage Service Opens | 12:00 PM | RACE COURSE: Semi Finals Begin | 11:30 AM |
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Coastal Wolf Pack | 12:00 PM | RACE COURSE: Finals Begin | 2:00 PM |
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Sichuan Face Changing Performance | 12:45 PM | LAND: Medal Presentations Begin | 2:30 PM |
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Hon Hsing Athletic Club Lion Dances | 1:00 PM | RACE COURSE: FRDBF Women's Grand Final | 2:41 PM |
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Sichuan Face Changing Performance | 1:45 PM | RACE COURSE: FRDBF Mixed Grand Final | 4:20 PM |
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Hon Hsing Athletic Club Lion Dances | 2:00 PM | ||
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Luc LeMans | 2:30 PM | ||
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Sichuan Face Changing Performance | 3:30 PM | ||
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Luc LeMans | 4:00 PM | ||
Festival Site Closes | 6:00 PM |
Public Transit
We’re a short walk away from multiple bus routes! Head over to www.translink.ca to plan your trip.
Driving
GPS/Google Maps: Fentiman Place Parkade
Parking is available at the Fentiman Place parkade, a short walk away from the race site. Please enter the area on Fentiman Place off Garry Street, proceed to the end of Fentiman Place, and follow signage on site. Parking is available for a minimum donation of $10 (all proceeds to Richmond Food Bank and Learning Buddies Network). Parking is limited, so please plan to carpool. The parking lot will open at 7:00 am.
Exploring the Festival while on wheels or walking your dog can be difficult because of the crowds. We strongly encourage you to lock up your bike, carry your board, and leave your pup at home.
Amenities
Washrooms: throughout site
Festival Merchandise: Imperial Landing: Oddball Workshop Tent
First Aid: Ask any staff/volunteer for assistance
Red Truck Patio Bar Service: Main Plaza
Water Stations: by Marshalling Tents
Food Trucks: by Main Plaza
Richmond Food Bank: Richmond Food Bank is the charity partner of the FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival. Serving on average 2,200 people per week, the Richmond Food Bank is a dynamic hub that connects people, food, and services essential to health and well-being. Visit richmondfoodbank.org to donate and learn more. On-site programming and partial proceeds from the Festival will benefit the Richmond Food Bank.
Learning Buddies Network:Learning Buddies Network is the charity partner of the FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival. Learning Buddies Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping elementary school students develop essential literacy and math skills through free one on one, after school mentoring in a fun group setting who otherwise would not have the help they need. Visit www.learningbuddiesnetwork.com to donate and learn more. On-site programming and partial proceeds from the Festival will benefit Learning Buddies Network.
We encourage all visitors to please visit the Maritime Festival as well on August 23 and 24.
More information can be found at richmondmaritimefestival.ca
The FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival is held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands and waters of the Musqueam peoples.