Dragon Boat Festival returns to Oakland

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A 2,500 year-old Chinese competitive sport is coming to Oakland’s Lake Merritt for the second consecutive year, and it’s going to be a party. The two-day festival packed with cultural art performances is one you won’t want to miss.

Catch the 40-foot colorful fleets racing to the beat of Chinese drums with visuals that are sure to enrapture the spectators which fill the parameter of the lake on September 23 and 24. The meet is part of the 22nd annual Hong Kong - Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival.

It’s the largest festival of its kind and thousands of paddlers from throughout the U.S. and across the globe will gather for two days to put on a show that’s filled with fierce competition. Racers from all levels, including a large quantity of local kids, will join to display world-class racing.

“The City of Oakland is thrilled to host the Hong Kong - Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival for its second year at Lake Merritt," said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “Last year was truly inspiring to see so many families and audiences of all ages coming together to share in the experience of this deeply rooted and inspiring cultural tradition.

The festival offers a wide array of additional activities that range from lion dancing and martial arts, to food vendors and family-friendly activities. And this year will see appearances from Bay Area sports teams.

Both days the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For more information, visit www.sfdragonboat.com