Join us at the starting line at Nanaimo Harbour’s biggest summer event
The Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival is the highlight of summer on the waterfront — two days of heart-pounding races, thousands of spectators lining the harbour, and an atmosphere like no other. Imagine the thrill of digging in with your crew as the drum pounds, the harbour echoes with cheers, and you cross the finish line to the roar of the crowd.
Beyond the races, the festival vibe is unbeatable: enjoy the beer gardens, take in live music, and experience the InFrinGinG Dance Festival with its bold, eclectic performances that spill out into the heart of downtown. It’s a celebration of sport, culture, and community all rolled into one unforgettable weekend.
And if paddling isn’t your forte, but community leadership is, we’d love for you to join the team behind the scenes. The Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival is looking for leaders and volunteers to help us shape an even bigger and better 2026 festival.
📧 For more information, reach out to Holly Wylie at nanaimopaddlingcentre@shaw.ca.