You don’t need a passport to soak up the culture and flavor of Asia at the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. The FREE family-friendly festival returns to Sloan’s Lake Park in northwest Denver on Saturday & Sunday, September 6 & 7, 2025. Festival hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This festival is one of the few of its kind in the U.S. with two full days of fast-paced dragon boat racing (boats start their match-ups at 8 a.m. each morning).
More than 42 dragon boat teams will race, including competitors returning fresh from winning gold medals at the 2025 World Dragon Boat Championships.
Colorful Flag-Catching Taiwanese-style boats are crewed by 18 paddlers, one drummer and one flag catcher. There will also be the Hong Kong-style division. On these slimmer boats there are 20 paddlers.
While the competitions are at the heart of the festival, there are plenty of other activities.
Sample culinary delights from 35+ vendors such as Rice Noodles, Bubble Yea, Eggrolls, Sushi, Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches and more at the Taste of Asia Food Court.
With 100+ merchants from every corner of Asia and the Pacific, shopping at the Marketplace is like shopping in Asia’s open-air markets. Find a fascinating array of art, jewelry, fashion, decor, and more.
Back by popular demand are live art demonstrations that showcase local AANHPI artists.
Dragonland returns with cultural, educational and family-friendly programming for kids of all ages.
Entertainment takes center stage, literally, with dozens of performances on three separate stages. Performances include Japanese Taiko drumming by Denver Taiko, martial arts demos, Mudra Dance, and much more.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival 2025 Map
Getting To The Dragon Boat Festival
There is NO PARKING onsite.
You can park at the Auraria Campus for $10 and take a FREE Shuttle to the festival. Use validation code 1102202 for $10 parking at the 5th Street Garage, Cherry, or Elm Lot. Address for 5th Street Garage: 1351 5th St. Denver, CO 80204
Shuttles run every 20 to 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Bike or walk to the festival. Bike lock stations will be available.
Use RTD/ Light Rail. The closest Light Rail Station and Light Rail Park and Ride is the Sheridan Station at 1198 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, 80204. It is a 25-minute walk to the site.
Ride Share. Dropoff at corner of Sheridan Boulevard and W Byron Pl.
Upcoming Events in the Denver Area
Look at our full events calendar, where you can type in any date, or check out what’s happening over the next few days right here:
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