Five Ways to Enjoy The Dragon Boat Festival

You don’t have to get on a boat to take full advantage of Vancouver’s Annual Dragon Boat Festival because fun for all ages will be taking over Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park and the waters of False Creek, near Science World from June 17-19th. Here are our top five things to see and do at the festival!—Michelle Gadd

1. Check out the World Beat Stage for a melting pot of musical performances with bands who focus on a fusion of international styles. From Buckman Coe’s blend of soul, folk, Americana, rock, and reggae, to the Latin Jazz of Gabriel Palatchi Band, to the Western and Hindustani inspired music of Lapis, there’s bound to be a beat to get you grooving.

2. Don’t miss the Family Fun Zone for an opportunity to participate in a Circus West workshop or learn to defy gravity with a lesson in Acroyoga. The Family Fun Zone includes bouncy blowups galore with a new Wipe Out game, a climbing wall and a fire escapade adventure.

3. Be inspired by some amazing street art such as the 3D sidewalk chalk creations of artist Ian Morris. Also keep your eyes open for pop-up performances throughout the festival.

4. Take in a beautiful view of False Creek and catch a dragon boat race from the Granville Island Brewing Beverage Zone. If you’re looking for eats, no Vancouver event would be complete without a myriad of mouthwatering food trucks to choose from.

5. Throughout the festival don’t forget to watch the water! There will be plenty of dragon boat races featuring teams from around the globe as well as a little bit of comedy on the creek (Hint: Look for some lost paddlers and a makeshift boat).