August 23, 2025  |  Imperial Landing, Richmond, BC


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


2025 Festival Schedule

On-LandRaces
Parking Lot Opens (Minimum $10 donation)6:00 AM ADMIN: Race Registrar Opens6:30 AM
Festival Marketplace and Site Opens10:00 AMMandatory Admin and Steers Meeting8:00 AM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Sichuan Face Changing Performance11:30 AMRACE COURSE: Preliminary Heat Races Begin9:00 AM
Red Truck Patio/Beverage Service Opens12:00 PMRACE COURSE: Semi Finals Begin11:30 AM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Coastal Wolf Pack12:00 PMRACE COURSE: Finals Begin2:00 PM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Sichuan Face Changing Performance12:45 PMLAND: Medal Presentations Begin2:30 PM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Hon Hsing Athletic Club Lion Dances1:00 PMRACE COURSE: FRDBF Women's Grand Final2:41 PM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Sichuan Face Changing Performance1:45 PMRACE COURSE: FRDBF Mixed Grand Final4:20 PM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Hon Hsing Athletic Club Lion Dances2:00 PM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Luc LeMans2:30 PM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Sichuan Face Changing Performance3:30 PM
METRO VANCOUVER STAGE: Luc LeMans4:00 PM
Festival Site Closes6:00 PM

Cultural Performances

Traditional Sichuan Face Changer - 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 3:30 PM

Coastal Wolf Pack - 12:00 PM

Hon Hsing Athletic Club - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Luc LeMans - 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM


Getting here

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.


At the Festival

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


Charity Partners

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.


Explore Around

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.

© 2025 Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society