Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! The drummer at the helm of the boat beats the drum to set the pace, as 20 team members heave in time with each beat, slicing their paddles into the water, propelling the 46-foot-long dragon boat towards the finish line. The atmosphere is electric. The competition is heated. The boom of the drum, the glistening lake, the yell of the steerer’s commands to the team, the fireworks, the food trucks, the children’s activities, the cheering of the crowd, and multiple brightly colored dragon-scaled boats neck and neck in fierce pursuit of the finish line… all for a great cause! This is NOT your average fund raiser.

WHERE IS THIS AMAZING EVENT?

Hyde Lake in Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN

Google Map of Shelby Farms Park

WHEN DOES THE FUN BEGIN?

The Memphis Dragon Boat Festival is a one-day celebration that starts with set up and a kick-off ceremony on  June 1st and culminates with a full day of racing and fun on June 1st.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

The Memphis Chinese Community Center is a non-profit, child advocacy and safety center to help children education.  With more teams getting involved, we plan to raise even more this year! The Memphis Dragon Boat Festival is not only a total blast, it helps out the ones who need it the most. It’s a win-win!

With origins dating back 2,300 years, dragon boat racing is the most fun, unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action. Teams race in authentic 46-foot-long, Hong Kong-style dragon boats. They rave about the excitement, friendly competition, and community spirit surrounding the sport.

Never paddled a boat? No problem! Our team of experts will show you everything you need to know. Your team will have fun laughing and learning together. All ages, skill levels, and physiques perfect their stroke and timing for the ultimate teamwork experience!

People love it – the thrill, the teamwork, the adrenaline, the costumes, the interaction in the boat – everything. People are drawn to this sport, to each other in a setting that exemplifies human connectivity on a level comparable to nothing else. People who never thought of themselves as athletes can thrive in a dragon boat, and people who are athletes discover a challenging alternative to general sports.