The Olympia Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration of tradition, teamwork, and community. Rooted in over 2,000 years of history from southern China, dragon boat racing is a sport that blends power, rhythm, and unity. The 2026 Olympia Dragon Boat Festival is scheduled for July 10-11, 2026 at the Port Plaza.
The celebration begins the evening before the races on July 10, 2026, with special community festivities in Olympia. At 5 p.m., the Mayor of Olympia will perform the traditional “Awakening the Dragon” ceremony, followed by a blessing from the Squaxin Island Tribe. The evening will also feature live music, family-friendly activities, and hands-on fun for kids hosted by the Hands On Children’s Museum. Dragon boat races will officially commence on July 11, 2026.
