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Penticton Dragon Boat Festival

Name: Penticton Dragon Boat Festival
Start: 2026-09-12
End: 2026-09-13
Location: Penticton

The 25th annual Penticton Dragon Boat Festival is a two-day paddling event held on Skaha Lake in Penticton, British Columbia. Taking place from September 12 to 13, 2026, this milestone festival features competitive dragon boat racing with approximately 80 teams and over 2,000 racers participating.

Date: Sep 12-13, 2026
Location: Penticton
Status: Recently ended

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Event summary

Highlights

Dragon boat races on Skaha Lake
Features approximately 80 teams and 2,000 racers
Includes a beer garden, concession stands, and vendors
Attracts teams from across Western Canada and the US

Hosted by Penticton Paddle Sports, the festival, which was first held in 2001, draws participants from across Western Canada and the United States, including teams from Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana. It serves as an end-of-season event for many paddling clubs, utilizing the freshwater lake for races that typically begin around 8 a.m.

Beyond the competitive races, the event at Skaha Lake Park offers public amenities. Attendees can enjoy a beer garden, various concession stands, and local vendors. Organizers have noted the festival's significant attendance, with close to 90 percent of participants traveling from outside Penticton, and it is regarded by some as "the biggest little festival in B.C."

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.