SF Dragon Boat Festival: 2026 Friendship Races on Lake Merced (June 20-21)

San Francisco Dragon Boat Festival

San Francisco’s 2026 Dragon Boat Festival spans two weekends in June, starting with an opening celebration in Chinatown on June 13 and followed by the Friendship Races at Lake Merced on June 20 and 21. The festival features dragon boat races, family-friendly activities, cultural programming, and local vendors, welcoming participants and spectators of all ages and backgrounds.

Friendship Races: June 20 to 21, 2026 –  8am to 5pm, Lake Merced (1 Harding Rd)

Original Event Description:
_an Francisco’s Dragon Boat Festival will take place this June, spanning two weekends of racing, culture, and community gathering across the city. The 2026 festival begins with an opening celebration in Chinatown on June 13, followed by the Friendship Races at Lake Merced on June 20 and 21. These events bring together teams, families, and community organizations in a shared tradition that reflects both cultural heritage and civic life. This year’s races at Lake Merced will also draw participants and visitors to the southwest side of the city, expanding the footprint of the festival and reconnecting more neighborhoods to this long-standing San Francisco tradition. Throughout the festival, local vendors will be present alongside family-friendly activities that introduce the cultural and historical significance of dragon boat racing and the holiday it represents. These elements offer accessible entry points for both first-time attendees and those returning to the tradition. Dragon boat racing continues to serve as a point of connection across San Francisco’s neighborhoods. The festival has grown into a citywide event that welcomes participants and spectators of all backgrounds. From first-time paddlers to experienced teams, it creates space for coordination, discipline, and collective effort on the water. CYC supports this year’s festival alongside community partners, continuing our work to connect young people with the broader life of the city. Events like this reflect a broader sense of momentum across San Francisco, with neighborhoods, public spaces, and cultural traditions coming back into fuller use. Details and additional programming will be shared in the coming weeks as June approaches. Festival Schedule Friendship Races: June 20 to 21, 8am to 5pm, Lake Merced (1 Harding Rd)_