Cultural Programs and Concord Community Zone

Dragon boat comes from an ancient Chinese tradition that is equal parts racing and culture, but also a showcase of the local community. Join us on Championship Weekend and explore the interactions between tradition and the current-day multicultural communities that make up our social fabric.

June 22-23, 2024

NEW FOR 2024: Light up the Night – Vancouver’s first public drone show  |  June 22  |  ~9:30 PM in the skies above False Creek

The skies above False Creek come alive with Vancouver’s first public drone show in a celebration of local culture and music. Celebrating the first weekend of summer, the family-friendly show will begin as the sun sets over the Vancouver skyline, and can be viewed from around the North East False Creek basin and screens throughout the site.

Make it an full day at the Festival; catch dragon boat racing on the water until 6:30 PM, then grab a bite from one of the 25+ food trucks and a drink on the biggest waterfront licensed patio in the city, and catch Hey Ocean! and other artists on the TD Main Stage!

NEW FOR 2024: Concord Community Zone  |  Concord Pacific Presentation Centre/Finish Line

Draw for the Future Colouring Contest

Concord Pacific is bringing back its popular colouring contest, where children from ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 12 will have the chance to win one of two $3,600 RESP contributions. Advance registration recommended to participate: click here to sign up now!

Concord Community Zone Stage

Featuring a range of activities and shows, the Concord Community Stage’s two full days of programming will be sure to surprise and delight with musicians, dancers, magicians, and more! Concord Community Zone Stage schedule published in early June.

Family Activities

Visit the Concord Community Zone for complimentary face painting, balloon twisting, and other field games. Plus, grab a bite and catch the races from the food truck area in the zone and the new race livestream screen!

Bike Parking and Tune Ups

Leave the car at home; ride your bike down to the Festival, park it on-site, and get it tuned up while you’re here! Please note: tune up services are subject to technician availability and bookings. Additional bike parking is available at the Festival’s Quebec Street entrance, and at Creekside Community Centre.

Pavilion Programs –  |  TD Main Stage Zone

Chinatown Pavilion  |  With the support of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Learn about the deep traditions behind the dragon boat festival, and its origins in Vancouver’s Chinatown with family-friendly arts and craft activities, and displays from local community partner organizations based in Chinatown.

• Activities and Demonstration Times (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Dragon Boat Festival Themed Arts and Crafts
• Interactive calligraphy demonstrations with Buddha Boards 
• Traditional Chinese Calligraphy Master demonstrations
• Tea Ceremony Demonstrations
• Fortune Telling Demonstrations
• Merchandise created by local Chinatown artists
• Guessing and matching games to test your knowledge of Chinese culture
• Community engagement booths from the Chinese Canadian Museum, Chinatown Storytelling Centre, Hon Hsing Athletic Club
• Hon Hsing Athletic Club Performances (roaming the site from 12:00-2:30 PM)
  

Indigenous Pavilion

The Festival is hosted on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations. As part of our ongoing work to share our space with Indigenous communities and to honour the centuries of interconnection between Chinese and Indigenous communities, we are pleased to work with local Indigenous artists, elders, and organizations to program the Indigenous Cultural Pavilion. 

Activities and Demonstration Times (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)

• Live wood carving demonstrations with Squamish artist knakweltn/Darren Yelton
• Public mural painting with Miska Creative Society
• Indigenous designed and printed clothing/jewelry  
• Sweetgrass weaving and products 
• Wellness and self-care items made using local ingredients 

NEW FOR 2024: Pride Pavilion  |  In partnership with Vancouver Pride Society and community partners

Paddle with pride; we’re proud to add the Pride Pavilion for 2024 to our programming on-site. Paddling has been a place where the queer community can come together, including through teams and the Pride Cup. And as Vancouver gets set to host Canada Pride in August at Concord Pacific Place, the Festival is working with Vancouver Pride Society and its community partners to showcase queer sports leagues and teams operating in our community.

Activities and Demonstration Times (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)

• Canada Pride celebration information and ticket sales
• Pride button making and prize giveaway
• Drag queen photo booth
• Drawing station
• Pride merchandise
• Community engagement booths from Freerunners and Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours

Medal Presentations  |  June 23  |  Medal Podium, TD Main Stage Zone

Join us starting at ~1:00 PM as the medals are awarded for the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in each division and for each Grand Final race! New for 2024, racers can visit the Oddball tent after winning their medal to pick up a medal patch to add to their jersey to commemorate their results at the Festival.

Dragon Boat Public Art Program  |  TD Main Stage Zone and Olympic Village Zone

A special public art program is on display at the Festival, showcasing 9 different artists that created artwork around the theme of community, culture, and competition for the boats being used exclusively once a year during the Festival’s races. See the boats race on land, and see the artwork up close on land around the site! Artists include:

• Bagua Artist Association: Bedecked with Pearls and Glimmering Jade
• Carmen Chan: Rice and Rain
• Chairman Ting: Billion Buns
• Chepximiya Siyam/Chief Janice George and Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph: Midnight Lightning
• Debra Sparrow: A Hundred Years of History
• Derek Tam: Convergence
• Joslyn Reid: Good Sport
• Kari Kristensen: Paper Boats
• Ocean Hyland: People of the Inlet

Expo 86 Original Teak Dragon Boat Display  |  With the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

See one of the original teak boats used at Expo 86 to launch dragon boat racing in Canada! After being restored in 2017, the boat now returns to Vancouver and False Creek as part of a mobile display to reconnect paddlers to their heritage. The display will also feature archival clippings from when the boats were originally unveiled in 1986, as well as information on dragon boat’s evolution in Vancouver.

Festival Protocol and Ceremonial Programs

2024 Festival Blessing Ceremony – Awakening of the Dragons |  Saturday June 15, 1:30 PM  |  1 Athletes Way

An ancient ceremony conducted on the shores of False Creek. Join us as we carry on an important tradition into the modern era.  

The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society is honoured to invite you to witness an ancient Taoist blessing and eye-dotting ceremony. Be present as our dragon boats come to life for the first time, and the spirit of the dragon is summoned to the water in advance of the Festival. This event is conducted by the International Taoist Church of Canada.

Click here to learn more.

• FREE ADMISSION
• Creekside Paddling Centre/Dragon Zone Paddling Club, 1 Athletes Way
• For media inquiries, please email [email protected]

Cultural programs presented with the support of:

Cultural Displays and Pavilions

Dragon boat comes from an ancient Chinese tradition that is equal parts racing and culture, but also a showcase of the local community. Join us on Championship Weekend and explore the interactions between tradition and the current-day multicultural communities that make up our social fabric.

We’re getting set for our 2024 event- information on our pages is getting updated right now. The 2024 Festival’s full program will be published May 21- we can’t wait to see you over the first weekend of summer very soon!

Championship Weekend –  June 24-25, 2023

Chinatown Pavilion  |  TD Main Stage Zone  |  With the support of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival recognizes the deep roots of the Festival in Chinese tradition and culture. As part of an overall effort to ground the Festival in equal parts culture and sport, we are delighted to work with cultural partners to present the Chinatown Pavilion. 

Activities and Demonstration Times (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)

• Arts and Crafts: Dragon Boat Festival Theme
• Buddha Boards: practice your calligraphy
• Chinese Calligraphy demonstration by Master Jiangang Su (Time TBA)
• Tea Ceremony Demonstrations
• Traditional Chinese Incense Demonstrations
• Hon Hsing Athletic Club Golden Dragon Performances (12:00-3:00 PM)

Indigenous Cultural Pavilion  |  TD Main Stage Zone

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is hosted on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations. As part of our efforts to engage with Indigenous communities and to highlight the deep culture of the territories we now occupy, we are pleased to work with local Indigenous artists, elders, and organizations to program the Indigenous Cultural Pavilion.

2024 programming TBA

35th Anniversary Activities  |  June 24, Medal Podium, TD Main Stage Zone

What’s a big birthday without a big party? To reconnect with our roots and celebrate this anniversary, we’re pleased to host two special events on June 24 at the Medal Podium.

Birthday Cake presented by Concord Pacific, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

We’ve got the biggest cake in the city to celebrate our 35th birthday! Join us at the medal podium for a free slice of cake starting at 1:00 PM, made by Chinatown’s The Boss bakery. This cake is presented by Concord Pacific.

Citizenship Ceremony, 10:30 AM-11:30 AM

Join us as we reconnect with our roots as an organization started in Chinatown to bring people together, as we host a special Citizenship Ceremony as part of the 35th Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival.

Wear red and white to get in the spirit of the day, then join us for a special protocol presentation on the TD Main Stage by Squamish Nation’s Eagle Song Dancers at 11:30 AM, as well as the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office International Cup at 12:00 on the race course!

Medal Presentations  |  June 25, Medal Podium, TD Main Stage Zone

Join us starting at ~1:00 PM as the medals are awarded for the 35th Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in each division and for each Grand Final race!

Dragon Boat Public Art Program  |  TD Main Stage Zone

A special public art program is on display at this year’s Festival, showcasing 9 different artists that created artwork around the theme of community, culture, and competition for the boats being used at the Festival’s races. See the boats race on land, and see the artwork up close on land around the site! Artists include:

• Bagua Artist Association: Bedecked with Pearls and Glimmering Jade
• Carmen Chan: Rice and Rain
• Chairman Ting: Billion Buns
• Chepximiya Siyam/Chief Janice George and Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph: Midnight Lightning
• Debra Sparrow: A Hundred Years of History
• Derek Tam: Convergence
• Joslyn Reid: Good Sport
• Kari Kristensen: Paper Boats
• Ocean Hyland: People of the Inlet

Expo 86 Original Teak Dragon Boat Display  |  TD Main Stage Zone by Main Street Skytrain Entrance
With the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto).

See one of the original teak boats used at Expo 86 to launch dragon boat racing in Canada! After being restored in 2017, the boat now returns to Vancouver and False Creek as part of a mobile display to reconnect paddlers to their heritage.

The display will also feature archival clippings from when the boats were originally unveiled in 1986, as well as information on dragon boat’s evolution in Vancouver.

Pre-Festival Activities

2024 Festival Blessing Ceremony  |  Saturday June 15, 1:30 PM  |  1 Athletes Way

An ancient ceremony conducted on the shores of False Creek. Join us as we carry on an important tradition into the modern era.  

The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society is honoured to invite you to witness an ancient Taoist blessing and eye-dotting ceremony. Be present as our dragon boats come to life for the first time, and the spirit of the dragon is summoned to the water in advance of the Festival. This event is conducted by the International Taoist Church of Canada. Click here to learn more.

• FREE ADMISSION
• Creekside Paddling Centre/Dragon Zone Paddling Club, 1 Athletes Way
• Pay parking lots available under Creekside Community Centre and neighbouring buildings

Cultural programs presented with the support of:

Cultural Displays and Pavilions

Dragon boat comes from an ancient Chinese tradition that is equal parts racing and culture, but also a showcase of the local community. Join us on Championship Weekend and explore the interactions between tradition and the current-day multicultural communities that make up our social fabric.

Championship Weekend –  June 25-26, 2022

Chinese Cultural Pavilion  |  Creekside Park North

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival recognizes the deep roots of the Festival in Chinese tradition and culture. As part of an overall effort to ground the Festival in equal parts culture and sport, we are delighted to work with cultural partners to present the Chinese Cultural Pavilion.

Saturday June 25 Participating Organizations and Demonstration Times

• Arts and Crafts: Dragon Boat Festival Theme (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Buddha Boards: practice your calligraphy (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Lion and Dragon Dance mini display (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Guzheng Performance (10:00 AM-2:00 PM)
• Hon Hsing Athletic Club Golden Dragon Performances (12:00-3:00 PM)
• Tea Ceremony Demonstrations (1:30-6:00 PM)
• Chinese Seal Carving demonstration by Master Jiangang Su (Time TBA)

Sunday June 26 Participating Organizations and Demonstration Times

• Arts and Crafts: Dragon Boat Festival Theme (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Buddha Boards: practice your calligraphy (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Lion and Dragon Dance mini display (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Tea Ceremony Demonstrations (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Hon Hsing Athletic Club Golden Dragon Performances (12:00-3:00 PM)
• Chinese Gongbi Fine Art Painting demonstration by Master Jiangang Su (Time TBA)

Indigenous Cultural Pavilion  |  Creekside Park North

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is hosted on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations. As part of our efforts to engage with Indigenous communities and to highlight the deep culture of the territories we now occupy, we are pleased to work with local Indigenous artists, elders, and organizations to program the Indigenous Cultural Pavilion.

Note: Spoken Treasures tour themes include: The Story of the Land, Salish People and Culture, Canoe Culture,  The history of Vancouver Through Indigenous Eyes, History, Indigenous Trade, Travel, War and Peace. Please sign up ahead of time at the Talaysay Tours table in the Indigenous Cultural Pavilion.

Saturday June 25 Participating Organizations and Demonstration Times

• Squamish Pole Carving Demonstration: Darren Yelton (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Spoken Treasures (10:00 AM)
• Spoken Treasures (12:00 PM)
• Spoken Treasures (2:00 PM)

Sunday June 26 Participating Organizations and Demonstration Times

• Squamish Pole Carving Demonstration: Darren Yelton (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Spoken Treasures (10:00 AM)
• Spoken Treasures (12:00 PM)

Dragon Boat Public Art Program  |  Creekside Park North and South
With the support of the BC Arts Council.

To celebrate the arrival of a new era in dragon boat racing in BC, we have a special public art program on display at this year’s Festival! Thanks to the support of the Province of British Columbia and Concord Pacific, this year’s Festival will see the debut of 18 new dragon boats.

Marking this extraordinary occasion, the Festival has commissioned 9 different artists to create artwork around the theme of community, culture, and competition. See the boats race on land, and see the artwork up close on land around the site!

Participating artists include:

• Bagua Artist Association: Bedecked with Pearls and Glimmering Jade
• Carmen Chan: Rice and Rain
• Chairman Ting: Billion Buns
• Chepximiya Siyam/Chief Janice George and Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph: Midnight Lightning
• Debra Sparrow: A Hundred Years of History
• Derek Tam: Convergence
• Joslyn Reid: Good Sport
• Kari Kristensen: Paper Boats
• Ocean Hyland: People of the Inlet

Expo 86 Original Teak Dragon Boat Display  |  Creekside Park North by Main Stage
With the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto).

See one of the original teak boats used at Expo 86 to launch dragon boat racing in Canada! After being restored in 2017, the boat now returns to Vancouver and False Creek as part of a mobile display to reconnect paddlers to their heritage. The display will also feature archival clippings from when the boats were originally unveiled in 1986, as well as information on dragon boat’s evolution in Vancouver!

Pre-Festival Activities

2022 Festival Preview and Unveiling  |  Thursday June 9, 10:00 AM  |  Concord Pacific Place

Meet us at the intersection of sport and culture.  

Join us as we launch the 2022 Festival, with race program information and introduction of our cultural program. Plus, watch as we unveil the Festival’s BIGGEST ever addition, supported by Concord Pacific and the Government of British Columbia!

• FREE ADMISSION
• Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard
• Parking at Concord Pacific Place (entry from Carrall Street and Pacific Boulevard)

Public Art Program Preview  |  Friday June 10, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday June 11, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM |  Concord Community Park

Community, culture, and competition. All in one boat.  

Get a sneak preview of our new public art program as you view our new racing boats up close at Concord Community Park!

• FREE ADMISSION
• Concord Community Park, 50 Pacific Boulevard

2022 Festival Blessing Ceremony  |  Saturday June 11, 2:00 PM  |  Concord Community Park

An ancient ceremony conducted on the shores of False Creek. Join us as our newest dragon boats come to life.  

The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society is honoured to invite you to witness an ancient Taoist blessing and eye-dotting ceremony. Be present as our dragon boats come to life for the first time, and the spirit of the dragon is summoned to the water in advance of the Festival. This event is conducted by the International Taoist Church of Canada. Click here to learn more.

• FREE ADMISSION
• Concord Community Park, 50 Pacific Boulevard
• Parking at Concord Pacific Place (entry from Carrall Street and Pacific Boulevard)

Cultural programs presented with the support of:

Championship Weekend –  September 25, 2021

Indigenous Cultural Pavilion  |  Concord Community Park

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is hosted on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations. As part of our efforts to engage with Indigenous communities and to highlight the deep culture of the territories we now occupy, we are pleased to work with local Indigenous artists, elders, and representatives to program our pilot Indigenous Cultural Pavilion.

Chinese Cultural Pavilion  |  10:00 AM-6:00 PM  |  Concord Community Park

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival recognizes the deep roots of the Festival in Chinese tradition and culture. As part of an overall effort to ground the Festival in equal parts culture and sport, we are delighted to work with the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens and other cultural partners to present our pilot Chinese Cultural Pavilion. 

Storytelling

• 10:30 AM: Stories of the Dragon Boat Festival
• 12:00 PM: Stories of the Mid Autumn Festival
• 1:30 PM: Stories of the Dragon Boat Festival

Skill Demonstration and Craft Activities

• 10:30 AM onwards: Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Making
• 10:30 AM onwards: Arts and Crafts Activities and Workshops
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Calligraphy Demonstration
• 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Great Chinese Inventions: Build a Rocket!
• 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Great Chinese Inventions: Build a Rocket!

Dragon Dance

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Hon Hsing Athletic Club Golden Dragon Dances

Displays and Films

• 10:30 AM onwards: BC Sports Hall of Fame Chinese Canadian Athlete Featured Artefacts
• 10:30 AM onwards: 2021 Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival Medal Display
• 10:30 AM onwards: “Paddles Up! The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Exhibit” Paddler Interview Short Film Series Display
• 10:30 AM onwards: “Keys to Living Heritage – Chinatown’s Society-Owned Buildings” Short Film Series Premiere

Canoe Cultures  |  10:00 AM-7:00 PM  |  Concord Community Park
Supported by Concord Pacific

Join us at Canoe Cultures where Canoe Carvers from Squamish, Musqueam and Snuneymuxw First Nations honour the strong cultural connection the canoe has to the lands and the waters.  Carvers will be working on their newest design, a cedar strip family canoe. They will also be working on paddles and other associated artwork.

The experience of crafting a dugout from a massive single red cedar log or red cedar strip is a rare opportunity as there are few canoe carvers left in Canada to pass the knowledge on to their communities. As part of the Canoe Culture Program, Lead Carver Mike Billy Sr. addresses the cultural transmission of Indigenous knowledge from one generation to the next. Artists include Mike Billy, Michael Billy, Barrett Martin, and Alvin Martin Jr. Visit www.canoecultures.com to find out more about the artists.

Expo 86 Original Teak Dragon Boat Display  |  10:00 AM-7:00 PM  |  Concord Pacific Place
Display supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

See one of the original teak boats used at Expo 86 to launch dragon boat racing in Canada! After being restored in 2017, the boat now returns to Vancouver and False Creek as part of a mobile display to reconnect paddlers to their heritage. Panels also feature the story of the boats, as well as clippings from the day that the boats were originally unveiled to the public in 1986 in Vancouver!

Display generously supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto). Learn more about the roots of dragon boat in Canada, and its evolution in Vancouver at “Paddles Up! The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Exhibit” at the BC Sports Hall of Fame, with free admission September 24-26.

Plus, meet at the Teak Dragon Boat at 11:00 AM for Cross Cultural Walking Tours to explore the intertwined histories of DTES communities. Pre-registration is required; visit ccwtdragonboat.eventbrite.com to sign up now!

Beautiful China: Chinese Culture and Tourism Pavillion
Presented by CNTO and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM-9:00 PM  | Main Stage Zone
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00-6:00  | Main Stage Zone

China National Tourist Office in Toronto (CNTO) is one of the overseas offices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, aiming at promoting China tourism within Canada and strengthening bilateral exchanges in tourism.

Visit the China Culture and Tourism Pavilion during the Festival, where you can see presentations of Chinese traditional handcrafts, and pick up souvenirs and information about travelling in China. Learn more about Chinese culture and tourism, and discover China at the China Culture and Tourism Pavillion!

False Creek Stage
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  11:00 AM-5:00 PM  |  Olympic Village

Come by the False Creek Stage and enjoy activities and music!

International Saturday:

• Sam Chimes: Music Looper (11:00 AM)
• Sam Chimes: Music Looper (12:30 PM)
• Jennifer Moersch: Cello Soloist (1:30 PM)
• Bubble Magic: Science World Demo (2:00 PM)
• Kat and Kim Duo: Juggling Duo Pop Up Show (2:30 PM)
• Bubble Magic: Science World Demo (3:00 PM)
• Jennifer Moersch: Cello Soloist (3:30 PM)
• Bubble Magic: Science World Demo (4:00 PM)

Championship Sunday:

• Sam Chimes: Music Looper (11:00 AM)
• Jennifer Moersch: Cello Soloist (12:00 PM)
• Sam Chimes: Music Looper (12:30 PM)
• Balloon Dragons: CircusWest (1:00 PM)
• Jennifer Moersch: Cello Soloist (1:30 PM)
• Chibi Taiko: Taiko Performance (2:00 PM)
• Concord Community Circus Show: CircusWest (3:00 PM)
• Learn to Juggle: CircusWest (3:30 PM)
• Kat and Kim Duo: Juggling Duo Show (4:15 PM)

Concord Community Stage presented by Creative BC
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  11:00 AM-5:00 PM  |  Concord Community Park

Fire, acrobats, jugglers, and more all come together at the Concord Community Stage presented by Creative BC. Click here for the full Concord Community Stage schedule.

Dragon Boat Exhibition
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Main Stage Zone
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00 AM – 7:00 PM  | Main Stage Zone

Longboats (or longships) are found in almost every culture. This exhibition will demonstrate our connections to each other, with the goal of building bridges of cultural understanding.

We will be exhibiting a fully restored teak dragon boat, one of six of the original dragon boats donated by Hong Kong to Vancouver, and used for the first time at Expo ’86. In addition, see one of the boats that was recently built through Dragon Boat BC’s job creation program, as well as a boat from the same style that will be racing on the water during the Festival!

Family Zone
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Concord Community Park
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00 AM – 7:00 PM  | Concord Community Park

The Family Zone overlooking the Concord Community Stage, is a place where everyone from kids to families of all ages and backgrounds can call their own. Hear stories about dragons and myths, watch performances that showcase local culture, learn how dragon boat became part of our local community, and enjoy art and craft activities!

Hon Hsing Athletic Club Lion and Dragon Dances
Lion Dance: All Access Friday  |  6:15 PM  |  Main Stage Zone
Dragon Dances: International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  12:30-2:30  |  Creekside Park/Red Truck Patio/Concord Pacific Place

In traditional Chinese culture, lion and dragon dances are held on particularly significant events to mark and celebrate the occasion, and to bring together the community in a powerful demonstration of strength, culture, and skill. The rhythmic drums accompanying the lions and dragons herald the arrival of these lucky omens. We are pleased to support Vancouver’s Chinatown and youth programs with Hon Hsing Athletic Club, who will be performing thrilling acrobatic performances at the Festival this year.

Hon Hsing Athletic Club is a non-profit community organization founded in 1939 as a lion dance team to raise funds during World War II. In the nearly eighty years since then, they have become one of the Lower Mainland’s premier Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Troupes, having performed for royalty and heads of state. As one of Chinatown’s oldest private community clubs still in active service, they are proud of their roots in Vancouver’s Chinatown, and their community and charitable work. In addition to physical curriculum, students are taught aspects of Chinese culture, history and tradition and on how these are useful in everyday Canadian life, creating intercultural bridges and guiding Canadian youth in becoming leaders and to contribute towards Canadian society.

Paintillio Community Mural
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Concord Community Park
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00 AM – 7:00 PM  | Concord Community Park

Tap into your inner artist and help paint a giant paint-by-numbers mural with creative mentors from Paintillio.The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival Pantillio painting will be based on a photo of the Blessing Ceremony from last year’s festival! The Paintillio paint-by-numbers event is free for all ages, so join in the fun and help make art history.

China Culture and Tourism Pavillion
Presented by CNTO and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM-7:30 PM  | Main Stage/Chinatown
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00-6:00  |  Main Stage/Chinatown

China National Tourist Office in Toronto (CNTO) is one of the overseas offices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, aiming at promoting China tourism within Canada and strengthening bilateral exchanges in tourism. This year is the Canada-China Year of Tourism.

On this spectacular year, CNTO will present the China Culture and Tourism Pavilion during the Festival, where you can see presentations of Chinese traditional handcrafts, and pick up souvenirs and information about travelling in China. Learn more about Chinese culture and tourism, and discover China at the China Culture and Tourism Pavillion!

Concord Stage
All Access Friday  |  5:00 PM-7:30 PM  | Concord Pacific
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  1:00-5:00 PM  |  Concord Pacific

Fire, acrobats, jugglers, and more all come together at the Concord Stage. Click here for the full Concord Stage schedule.

Dragon Boat Exhibition: The Original 1986 Teak Boats
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Creekside Park
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00 AM – 7:00 PM  |  Creekside Park

Longboats (or longships) are found in almost every culture. This exhibition will demonstrate our connections to each other, with the goal of building bridges of cultural understanding.

In honour of our 30th Anniversary and thirty-three years of dragon boating in Vancouver, we will be exhibiting a fully restored teak dragon boat, one of six of the original dragon boats donated by Hong Kong to Vancouver, and used for the first time at Expo ’86. All six of the boats have have been restored as part of a work creation project for Aboriginal Youth.

Family Zone
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Creekside Park
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00 AM – 7:00 PM  |  Creekside Park

The Family Zone in the heart of Creekside Park, overlooking the stage and the races, is a place where everyone from kids to families of all ages and backgrounds can call their own. Hear stories about dragons and myths, watch performances that showcase local culture, learn how dragon boat became part of our local community, and enjoy art and craft workshops.

Hon Hsing Athletic Club Lion and Dragon Dances
Lion Dance: All Access Friday  |  6:15 PM  |  Main Stage/Blessing Ceremony
Dragon Dances: International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  12:30-2:30  |  Creekside Park/Red Truck Patio/Concord Pacific Place
We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia.

In traditional Chinese culture, lion and dragon dances are held on particularly significant events to mark and celebrate the occasion, and to bring together the community in a powerful demonstration of strength, culture, and skill. The rhythmic drums accompanying the lions and dragons herald the arrival of these lucky omens. We are pleased to support Vancouver’s Chinatown and youth programs with Hon Hsing Athletic Club, who will be performing thrilling acrobatic performances at the Festival this year.

Hon Hsing Athletic Club is a non-profit community organization founded in 1939 as a lion dance team to raise funds during World War II. In the nearly eighty years since then, they have become one of the Lower Mainland’s premier Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Troupes, having performed for royalty and heads of state. As one of Chinatown’s oldest private community clubs still in active service, they are proud of their roots in Vancouver’s Chinatown, and their community and charitable work. In addition to physical curriculum, students are taught aspects of Chinese culture, history and tradition and on how these are useful in everyday Canadian life, creating intercultural bridges and guiding Canadian youth in becoming leaders and to contribute towards Canadian society.

Organic Music Experience
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  11:00 AM – 4:00 PM  |  Creekside Park

Let our volunteers help you make your own drum, tambourine or other percussion instrument and then join the professional Organic Music musicians for some impromptu jam sessions.

Paintillio
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Concord Pacific Place
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00 AM – 7:00 PM  |  Concord Pacific Place

Tap into your inner artist and help paint a giant paint-by-numbers street mural with creative mentors from Paintillio at the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival.

A new entry into Vancouver’s art scene, Paintillio creates custom paint-by-number paintings turning favourite photos into works of art for friends, families, co-workers, and the community to complete together. The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival Pantillio painting will be based on a photo of a dragon boat race from last year’s festival! The Paintillio paint-by-numbers event is free for all ages, so join in the fun and help make art history.

Vancouver Whitecaps Interactive Game Zone
All Access Friday  |  4:00 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Concord Pacific Place
International Saturday and Championship Sunday  |  10:00 AM – 7:00 PM  |  Concord Pacific Place

CircusWest is proud to present a series of Pop Up Performers on the festival site. Since 1984, CircusWest has been a circus leader in training and performance inspiring children of all ages through circus arts. Based at the PNE Gardens, CircusWest offers comprehensive programming from 3 years to adult to professional circus development. CircusWest is excited to work with Dragon Boat to bring performances to the World Stage, Creekside stage, through Pop Up Performances and through a series of Workshops. You will also see Circus West, Arial Amara, Neezar Joseph, the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism, Cosmo the Clown, and the Mighty Quinn on the grass and the boardwalk at various times throughout the day.

Unicycle Dragon
Saturday and Sunday  2pm and 3pm
Watch CircusWest’s young unicycle performers animate a 45-foot unicycle dragon all throughout the Dragon Boat Festival grounds while riding unicycles. Get your cameras ready!

Bouncy Boy Jugglers
Saturday and Sunday 12:00 and 1:30
Be amazed at the juggling prowess of Elliot and Merlin as they pass juggling clubs from one to the other all while bouncing on acrobatic stilts. This is something you do not see every day.

Poi Sisters
Saturday 12:00 and 1:30, Sunday 12:30 and 1:30
Kaia, Rose and Chloe blend dance and juggling in an intricate display of coordination and precision manipulating poi — and having a great time while doing it!

The Lost Paddlers
Saturday  1:30pm, 3:00pm and 4:30pm, Sunday 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Keep an eye out for some lost Dragon Boat Paddlers in a makeshift boat and plans of mischief on their way to the starting line.

Acrobatica
Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm and 1:00pm
Ashara and Georgia will delight onlookers with their unique blend of acrobatics, partner balance and choreography as they traverse the Dragon Boat boardwalk. Be sure to say hi and be amazed at their acrobatic prowess.

Partner Pyramids
Be entranced by the daring artistry of Anthony and Daisy as they build human pyramids and perform precarious balances with one another. Throughout the Dragon Boat Festival there will be numerous pop up performances to entertain an delight. Keep your eyes peeled for a 45 foot unicycle dragon, a ceremonial Lion Dance, and a who lot more.

Shao Lin Hun Gar Kung Fu and Lion Dance
Saturday and Sunday, 2:00pm and 3:30pm
The Shao Lin Hung Gar Lion Dance Team is based in Vancouver and is well known to the community. The team has participated in the Chinese New Year’s parade in Chinatown for over 10 years and also participated in many charitable events, such as taking part in the “Walk with the Dragon” in Stanley Park, visiting old folks’ homes and fund raising for the flooding victims in China. Founded by Sifu Raymond Cheung in 2004, these teams have entered in lion dance competitions, received many special awards and performed demonstration in many big events and martial arts tournaments. They have also been invited to do the performances for many major malls, public markets, schools, universities, and the grand opening of stores and businesses throughout the lower mainland