Image via Kaytoo/Shutterstock
Get immersed in Edmonton’s vibrant cultural community.
The Edmonton Dragon Festival is a premier cultural and sporting event celebrating the rich traditions of dragon boating, lion dancing, and Asian heritage.
For ten whole days in the heart of Edmonton, this festival will be taking guests through high-energy competitions, culinary delights, and cultural performances in Edmonton’s Chinatown and River Valley.
Over the 10 days and unlimited options, the Chinatown Transformation Collaboration promises endless fun.
The Chinatown Transformation Collaboration will be hosting food tours both in the lead up to and throughout the festival. These food tours cost $10 and showcase the rich and diverse flavours of Chinatown, whether that be sweet, savoury, or both.
The festival kicks off with its first major event, the 2025 Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival. From Aug. 15 to 17, teams will participate against each other in dragon boat races held at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park.
These exhilarating three days not only feature dragon boat races, but also several Dragon Dance performances.
With this festival, the performances never end. In Chinatown’s Kinistinâw Park, the festival continues with the Canadian National Lion Dance Championships on Aug. 23 and 24.
At this event, teams will be competing to become Canada’s top Lion Dance team. For two days, the park will be bustling with various teams all there to celebrate their shared passion for the incredible art form.
This is the first time the championships have ever been held in Western Canada.
At the end of the 10 days, the Chinatown Transformation Collaboration will be throwing a Dragon Ball Gala and Celebration Dinner. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress for this night of glamour and dragon-themed entertainment.
With an anticipated turnout of over 50,000 visitors, this festival promises a dynamic cultural event you’ll never forget.
When: Thursday, Aug. 15, 2025, to Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Where: Edmonton Chinatown and River Valley
Time: Varies
Cost: Varies
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