Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival
Paddles up! Dragon boat races return to the riverfront on August 19! Come cheer on your favorite team and celebrate Asian and Pacific Island cultures through traditional music and dance, hands-on arts activities, food, and martial arts at our free, family-friendly annual event.
Corner Stage:
11 am: Asian Performing Arts
12 pm: Malee’s School of Tai Chi & Kung Fu
1 pm: Connecticut Chinese Culture Center
1:30 pm: Jinling Dance Group
2:30 pm: All Connecticut Chinese Chorus
3 pm: East Culture Arts
Lily Stage:
11 am: Tat Wong Kung Fu
12 pm: Mountain River Taiko
1 pm: Long River Budo
2 pm: Phoenix Performing Arts
3 pm: Julong Wushu
Free Origami Making:
11 am – 4 pm, behind the Lily Stage
Food Vendors:
- Banh Mee
- Bori Express
- Satang 1322
- Cousin’s Maine Lobster
- Kona Ice
- New England Coffee Guy
- Thai Kitchen
Paddler Information:
- Race Schedule PDF
- Download the 2023 Rules & Regulations here.
- Reserve your room at the Hilton here.
- Learn more about Team Composition, Divisions, and Frequently asked questions here.
Sponsors:
Thanks to Travelers, Foxwoods, The Hartford, Hartford Steam Boiler, Lincoln Financial, CVS Health/Aetna, Nassau, Hartford HealthCare, Pratt & Whitney and Price Chopper for supporting this event.
Parking
Garage Parking
Parking is available at several nearby garages for a fee, and from there it’s a short walk to the plaza. Please be sure to check garage operating hours before exiting the garage.
- Connecticut Science Center Garage, 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT, 06103
- Connecticut Convention Center Garage, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
- Front Street North Garage, 24 Front Street, Hartford, CT 06103
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available on both sides of the river. Information about meter kiosks can be found on the Hartford Parking Authority website, but on-street parking in Hartford is free after 6 pm and on weekends.
Handicapped Parking
The closest handicap-accessible parking for events at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is the Connecticut Science Center Garage. Take the elevator from the garage directly to the plaza.
Season Sponsor
