Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/S Pakhrin
This free family festival brings together dragon boat racing, live performances, hands-on activities, and international cuisine.
At a Glance:
A free family festival with dragon boat races, live music, martial arts performances, arts and crafts vendors, and food from around the world.
It’s one of NYC’s biggest summer traditions and one of the largest dragon boat festivals in the U.S.
Take the 7 train if you can—parking is limited and requires a permit.
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Dragon Boat Races, Food, and Family Fun
It wouldn’t be August in New York without the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, and this summer, it’s back for its 36th year.
The 36th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York takes over Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday and Sunday, August 8–9, with racing, live performances, and family fun from 9 am into the early evening both days.
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This festival happens every year at the old 1964 World’s Fair grounds. It’s become one of the biggest multicultural celebrations in NYC and one of the largest dragon boat festivals in the country. This year, they’re celebrating the Year of the Horse, which represents strength, independence, and good energy in the Chinese zodiac.
The main attraction is the dragon boat racing on Meadow Lake. The festival keeps the tradition alive with a mix of classic wooden teak boats and modern fiberglass boats. Each boat is decorated with a colorful hand-painted dragon head and tail. Teams of up to 20 paddlers work together to move the beautifully colored boat in sync, following the beat of a drummer while a steerer guides them from the back. Part of the fun, and a great lesson for kids, is watching the teams work together.
And there’s a lot more to do besides watch the races. You’ll also find plenty to do between races, including live music, martial arts performances on the Main Stage, arts and crafts vendors, and an international food court filled with dishes from around the world.
To get there, take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point Station and then take a shuttle bus to the festival. If you’re coming from the E, F, or R, just switch to the 7 at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue. If you’re driving, parking’s limited, and you’ll need a permit, so the subway is likely your best bet.
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