DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
What Is Dragon Boat?
Dragon boating is a team paddling sport with a rich history that dates back more than 2,000 years. It is a fun sport for all ages and abilities that encourages leadership, team building, and an active, healthy lifestyle while contributing to your community through charitable initiatives and it is a great way to introduce large groups to water sports in a safe and inclusive way on Winnipeg’s scenic Red River.
At the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Centre there is opportunity to paddle dragon boat regardless of your age, skill level, or experience , as we have programs and events for beginners, recreational paddlers, and even competitive and National team level paddlers.
The Dragon Boat Team consists of:
Paddlers (10-20): Propel the boat using paddles while seated on benches in the boat.
Drummer (1): Keeps the rhythm of the paddle strokes by playing a drum or counting out loud while sitting at the bow.
Steersperson (1): Steers the boat from the stern using an oar-rudder.
Paddling Technique: Paddlers pull water along each side the boat, similar to canoes and kayaks. Paddling in unison as a team, is key to moving the boat forward with speed.
The Manitoba Paddling Association's Dragon Boat Festivals showcase the excitement, teamwork, and community spirit of the sport. Teams compete in a variety of race formats while enjoying a fun, inclusive, and well-organized event experience. From first-time participants to seasoned competitors, our festivals provide an opportunity for everyone to get involved and experience the thrill of dragon boat racing.
All competing teams will be provided with the equipment needed to race, including the dragon boat, paddles, and required safety gear. Each team will also receive a scheduled practice sessions prior to race day, these practices must be booked in advance by the teams captain / supervisor.
Spectators are encouraged to join us for an exciting day of dragon boat racing! Cheer on your favourite teams as they compete on the water and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Food truck vendors will be on-site throughout the event, offering a variety of delicious food and refreshments, making it a fun outing for family, friends, and the community.
All Manitoba Paddling Association Dragon Boat Festivals are held at the Manitoba Canoe & Kayak Centre at 80 Churchill Drive, Winnipeg, MB, located along the beautiful Red River. Please check each festival's page for specific event details and schedules.
September Dragon Boat Festival
Round and round and round we go! This Festival is different from our others, instead of our normal 4 to 8 boat straight-line race this festival is in pursuit format in 10 person boats. Races are held at the Manitoba Canoe & Kayak Centre, and, as always, come out to watch teams pursue each other around the course.
The September Festival is unique for its pursuit format. Teams start across from each other and race in opposite directions chasing each other, in a circle, back to where they started. It's an incredible race for spectators and paddlers alike!
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This years event will take place on September 13, 2026, starting at 9AM.
Every team will be provided with a coach/steers person, as well as PFD’s and paddles for their practices and races.
Every team will have two practices leading up to the event (August 31st to September 10th/ Monday-Friday)
The Captain is responsible for booking the individual teams practice and ensuring that all members sign their Activity Consent Form prior to the event.
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EARLY BIRD PRICING AVAILABLE UNTIL July 19, 2026
Regular - $600 / Early Bird - $550 per boat
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How to register:
Find 8-12 people per team.
Team Captain will reach out to company or individuals to collect funds and book practices times that work for most of the group.
Have the Captain communicate to team members when to arrive, and what to bring.
Where are we located?
80 Churchill, Drive
How long are the races?
500m (pursuit style)
Team Captains will be provided further instruction on how to book practice upon registration
*Please contact us at mckcwpg@gmail.com if you have any questions.
River City
Dragon Boat Festival
Our classic “Big Boat” Dragon Boat festival is open to all types of teams, from corporate to community, or ones made of family and friends.
The River City Dragon Boat Festival started in 1996 and has since grown to a 50-team event every year! Come out and participate or even see what the festival is all about!
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This years event will take place during May 2027, starting at 9AM.
Every team will be provided with a coach/steers person, as well as PFD’s and paddles for their practices and races.
Every team will have two practices leading up to the event
The Captain is responsible for booking the individual teams practice and ensuring that all members sign their Activity Consent Form prior to the event.
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EARLY BIRD PRICING AVAILABLE SOON
Regular - $1200 / Early Bird - $1100 per boat
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How to register:
Find 16-22 people per team.
Team Captain will reach out to company or individuals to collect funds and book practices times that work for most of the group.
Have the Captain communicate to team members when to arrive, and what to bring.
Where are we located?
80 Churchill, Drive
How long are the races?
500m and 200m (charity race)
CLOSED - See you again in 2027!
Register early to avoid disappointment!
(practice schedule for Team Captain’s only).
*Please contact us at mckcwpg@gmail.com if you have any questions.
VENDORS***
Please complete our Vendor Registration Form to book your spot that the Festival!
Manitoba School
Dragon Boat Festival
In 1990, the Manitoba School Dragon Boat Challenge started as a war canoe event for teams to test their speed and skill against over schools in the province. Grades 7-12 teams race 500m in a battle to the finish to be named the fastest boat on the water. At the end of the day, there is always an exciting 8-boat final race to crown the Provincial Champions!
As the largest school dragon boat event in the country, this festival is open to all schools across the province, with 50 teams coming, some as far as Cross Lake, to compete! Races are held at the Manitoba Canoe & Kayak Centre. Family and friends are welcome to cheer on these outstanding teams.
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This years event will take place during May 2027, starting at 9AM.
Every team will be provided with a coach/steers person, as well as PFD’s and paddles for their practices and races.
Every team will have two practices leading up to the event. These practices will be led by trained instructors.
The classroom teacher is responsible for booking the individual teams practice and ensuring that all students sign their Activity Consent Form prior to the event.
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EARLY BIRD PRICING AVAILABLE SOON
Regular - $600 / Early Bird - $550 per boat
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How to register:
Find 16-22 people per team.
Talk to your admin to book transportation.
Have the teacher in charge book practice time and communicate to students when to arrive, and what to bring.
Where are we located?
80 Churchill, Drive
How long are the races?
500m and 200m (charity race)
CLOSED - See you again in 2027!
Spots fill up quick, register quick!
(practice schedule is for Teachers only)
*Please contact us at mckcwpg@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Vendors***
*Please complete our Vendor Registration Form if you're interested in joining our event!
Community
As a not-for-profit, Provincial Sport Organization, we take our Mission, Vision and Values to heart! We work hard to develop the skills of athletes at all levels. We are unmatched by anyone or any organization in Manitoba to promote paddling as a way to enhance the lives of those who participate.
Safety
MPA makes safety our number one priority. We have an excellent reputation and superior safety record. We ensure that individuals, as well as teams, complete their races in the safest manner possible. That can only be possible because of the training, knowledge, experience, and dedication of our staff and volunteers!
Coaching
All teams entering our Dragon Boat events are coached by experienced paddlers who have competed nationally as well as internationally. We pride ourselves in the fact that our coaches know what it takes to work with the teams to reach their potential.
The Never Alone Cancer Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people affected by cancer.
The Never Alone Cancer Foundation has partnered with the Manitoba Paddling Association to keep dragon boating a big part of Manitoba summers (and winters)!
These festivals are so important to us because they will enable us to support cancer patients and their families in Manitoba. This can include groceries for a single mom too sick to work during treatment. A Brave Barbie for a little girl who’s lost her hair from chemo. For another person, it’s transportation to their medical appointments or the cost of medications. Sometimes it’s just a visit and a small gift to someone who is frightened, so they know they are never alone on their cancer journey.
Donations and pledges gathered through the festivals support our mission to provide emotional, financial and informational support to patients, families and caregivers affected by cancer and all money raised stays in Manitoba.