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Build Your Crew. Hit the Water. Make Waves.
Bring your team together for an unforgettable experience at the 2026 Dragon Boat Festival! Each team includes 16 paddlers and 1 drummer, with at least 6 female crew members, creating the perfect mix of teamwork, energy, and fun.
This isn’t just a race—it’s a chance to boost morale, strengthen connections, and create memories your team will talk about long after festival day. Your drummer keeps your crew in sync on the water and can show off their spirit in our Best Dressed Drummer contest, while teams can transform their tent space with a creative theme for a shot at Best Team Area.
Whether you're rallying coworkers, friends, or your community group, dragon boating is the ultimate team-building adventure—full of laughs, camaraderie, and shared victories. Space is limited, so gather your crew and sign up today!
Savor the Festival at the Riverfront
Make a day of it at the Paducah Dragon Boat Festival—cheer on the races, soak up the riverfront atmosphere, and enjoy a full day of great food, cold drinks, shopping, and community fun. Grab lunch from a variety of local food vendors, relax in the beer garden, and support amazing small businesses while you explore festival booths and unique finds in the gift shop. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with family and friends, whether you’re here for the racing or just the festival vibes.
Interested in joining the fun as a food vendor? We’d love to have you be part of the festival experience—click the link below to apply.
Fun for the Whole Family!
The Paducah Dragon Boat Festival is more than a race—it’s a full day of family fun on the riverfront! Sponsored by Mike Cappock & Family, our dedicated Kids Area is packed with excitement for children of all ages, featuring bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, and plenty of activities to keep little ones smiling all day long.
With Kids Area wristbands available for purchase the day of the event, children can enjoy unlimited access to the fun throughout the festival while parents take in the races, food vendors, and family-friendly atmosphere. Bring the whole crew and make a day of it—there’s something for everyone at the Dragon Boat Festival!
Celebrate the Champions!
There’s more than bragging rights on the line at the Paducah Dragon Boat Festival—there are awards, traditions, and plenty of reasons to bring your team spirit! Teams compete for a variety of honors that celebrate not just performance on the water, but creativity, camaraderie, and festival fun.
Our top prize is the large traveling championship trophy, awarded to the overall winning team to proudly display for the year until the next festival. Racing awards are presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place, along with Heat Winner awards recognizing standout performances throughout the day.
And because dragon boating is about more than racing, we also celebrate the teams who bring the most energy and personality to the festival. Awards include Most Team Spirit—honoring the best combination of tent décor, team shirts, and overall spirit—as well as the fan-favorite People’s Choice Award.
Whether you're paddling for the podium, showing off your team pride, or winning over the crowd, there are plenty of ways to leave your mark and take home festival glory.
2025 SPONSORS
Thank You!
