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Over 2,250 racers set to line it up in Steveston on August 24 at the FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival

The FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival returns to Steveston on August 24 with thrilling races, vibrant cultural performances, and a bustling craft market—all for free!

Richmond, BC (August 7, 2024) — In just a few weeks, the FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival makes its grand return to Imperial Landing in Steveston on August 24! This year’s event promises a thrilling day of fierce competition, vibrant cultural performances, and community celebration, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Fraser River.

FreshCo continues as the Festival’s title partner for the second year, helping ensure this community event continues to deliver benefits for the community. The Festival is free to the public, helping continue Richmond’s only dragon boat event while providing high-quality programming to enjoy.

Event Highlights:

  • Dragon Boat Races: From 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 80 teams featuring more than 2,250 racers will compete in thrilling races every 11 minutes on the Fraser River. This event draws approximately 80 teams from across BC and the Pacific Northwest region in a community-oriented racing environment.
  • Cultural Performances: Steveston will come alive with an impressive lineup of local talent and cultural acts. Highlights include Luc LeMans captivating audiences with his acoustic and folk music, William Zhao performing traditional face-changing tricks, Coastal Wolf Pack presenting Musqueam protocol, and Hon Hsing Athletic Club bringing dynamic lion dances to the community.
  • Exhibitor Marketplace: Explore a diverse craft market offering a variety of goods and services. From artisanal crafts to unique products, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
  • Food Trucks and Licensed Patio: Delight in delicious offerings from local food trucks, including the ever-popular Lee’s Doughnuts and The Frying Pan. Unwind at Richmond’s largest licensed outdoor patio, enjoying local craft beers from Red Truck Beer.

The Festival is supported by FreshCo, Oddball Workshop and the Oddball Community Grant, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Richmond, BC Arts Council, Metro Vancouver, and Richmond Sport Hosting.

 

About the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society

Community, culture and competition, all in one boat. The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society (dba Dragon Boat BC) is the non-profit organizer of North America’s flagship dragon boat festival – the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, and runs Dragon Zone Paddling Club – Canada’s largest paddling club. The Society also produces a series of races, cultural programming, and community initiatives centred around the traditional Chinese cultural sport of dragon boat. Through its All Access and youth programs, supported by the Milton K. Wong Legacy Project, the Society makes paddling experiences accessible regardless of any barriers to participation.

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Contact Information
For all media inquiries, availabilities, and backgrounder requests, please contact:

Dragon Boat BC Info Desk
info@dragonboatbc.ca

© 2025 Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society