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The Oriental Dragon Boat Festival is August 9, 2025 at River Dunes. Teams get in practice sessions Friday, August 8. Arrive early Sat August 9 for the parade of teams around 9a.

It is free to attend, with covered seating to watch the races, golf carts to get you down to the race area, parking attendants to direct you where to park. They run from 10a-12noon and 12:30p – 3:00p Saturday, all in Grace Harbor @ River Dunes. For those not in the boats, there’s vendors, kid’s activities, and live music.

Dragonboat Racing has been called “the ultimate team sport” by the sport’s ability to accommodate a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels. Crews vary in makeup, style, intensity, experience, age and purpose. This festival has had racers from 12 to 87. This year, four divisions: Military (Chesty Pullers, Devil Dogs, Neuse Wind Freedom Riders, Salty Serpents and Golden Koi from Fort Bragg,) Community (River Dunes, Dragline Dragons, Oriental Dragon Masters and New Kids on the Dock), Survivor 1 (JoJo Working, Hospice of Pamlico, Babes in a Boat and New Beginnings with Pamlico Partnership for Children) and Survivor 2 (Kentucky ThoroughBreasts, Dragons with a Cause, Healing Dragons Charlotte with Healing Dragons of Lake James).

For more info contact festival organizer Flora Moorman at 252-675-9424 or email: info@orientaldragonboat.com.