EVENT DETAILS
So what is the actual event like? Think of this as the ultimate family-friendly tailgate party…
On Friday, June 7th, teams will arrive at Lake Willastein to set up and decorate their tents starting at noon. Most teams will bring a tent, lawn chairs, tables, grills, and ice chests. Don’t be afraid to bring the entire family, including pets!
The party starts at 6 pm, and there will be music from 7pm – 9pm. There will be food trucks, teams will be grilling at their tents, meeting other teams, and just enjoying the start of this great event. Shortly after sunset, there will be a professional firework display to officially kick off the event! Police officers will be stationed in the festival area all night, so teams can leave their tents, chairs, etc. will be safe overnight.
On race day, the fun will resume at 8 am, with team dressed in a variety of wild costumes, performing in the first heat of races. This is when corporate and community teams race for glory and prizes. During races, there will be a number of things for folks to enjoy onshore including a DJ, food trucks, and a children’s activity area (arts, crafts, and more!) There will also be a number of prizes awarded throughout the day for things such as best dressed drummer, best decorated tent, and more! It’s a great family-friendly day of outdoor fun!
Click below to see an event map for this year’s River City Dragon Boat Festival!
Click below for Google Maps directions to Lake Willastein!
Entertainment Zone
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360° Photo Booth
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Children’s Zone
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Illumination Extravaganza
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Music
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Pet Adoptions
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Food Trucks
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Much More!
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Entertainment Zone 〰️ 360° Photo Booth 〰️ Children’s Zone 〰️ Illumination Extravaganza 〰️ Music 〰️ Pet Adoptions 〰️ Food Trucks 〰️ Much More! 〰️
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(Times are approximate and subject to change, depending on weather and venue conditions)
FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH, 2025
12:00 pm: Athlete’s Village team set up begins!
4:45 pm: Athlete’s Village closes to ALL vehicles
5:00 pm: Team check-in begins; Team practices on the water; Food Trucks open; Yard Games open;
Entertainment Area opens
6:00 pm: Emcee opens the Kickoff; Children’s Area opens; Music; Fun from the Stage
7:00 pm: Music & Entertainment continues; Sponsor & Team Shout Outs
8:30 pm: Practices finish
9:10 pm: Fireworks show
SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH, 2025
7:30 am: Athlete’s Village opens; All paddlers arrive, sign waivers, and receive wrist bands
8:45 am: Opening Ceremony, Flag Presentation and National Anthem
8:55 am: Round 1 teams marshal
9:15 am: Round 1 begins
11:00 am: Drummer’s Parade – All drummers meet at front of stage; Lunch break for teams
11:45 am: Round 2 teams marshal
12:00 pm: Round 2 begins
1:50 pm: Dragon Cup & Non-Racing Awards; Announcement of Top 12 Teams; Coaches Auction
2:15 pm: Championship Round begins
3:00 pm: Awards Ceremony
FOOD TRUCKS
Hungry? Need a snack? Never fear, we’ll have a great lineup of food trucks ready and waiting to serve all your favorites. We are thankful for their support, so make sure you show them some love!