What a beautiful day at Sloan’s Lake as the 2026 Colorado Dragon Boat Festival kicked off with an incredible crowd and plenty of energy! 
As one of the largest dragon boat competitions in the United States and one of Colorado’s largest festivals, this annual celebration brings together communities through sports, culture, food, and friendship.
As one of the largest dragon boat competitions in the United States and one of Colorado’s largest festivals, this annual celebration brings together communities through sports, culture, food, and friendship.During the opening ceremony, Director General Debby Huang joined Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Edgewater Mayor Steven Conklin, Colorado lieutenant governor candidate Lesley Dahlkemper, and Consul General of Japan Hiroyuki Okajima as honored guests. Each guest was introduced on stage and welcomed with enthusiastic cheers and applause from the crowd!
Many thanks to the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Executive Committee for the warm invitation! Director General Huang and the other honored guests then climbed aboard a dragon boat and took to the water for a special demonstration paddle 
. With drums beating and spectators cheering from the shore, it was a wonderful way to experience the spirit and excitement of dragon boat racing firsthand!
. With drums beating and spectators cheering from the shore, it was a wonderful way to experience the spirit and excitement of dragon boat racing firsthand!Following the demonstration, Venerable Xing Jing and members of Dharma Jewel Monastery in Boulder offered Buddhist chants and blessings 
for the festival and all participating teams. Director General Huang and the other honored guests then took part in the traditional Dragon Eye-Dotting Ceremony 
, bringing the dragons to life and officially ushering in this year’s races!
for the festival and all participating teams. Director General Huang and the other honored guests then took part in the traditional Dragon Eye-Dotting Ceremony , bringing the dragons to life and officially ushering in this year’s races!
Festival Highlights:
One of the largest dragon boat competitions in the United States! One of Colorado’s largest festivals, attracting more than 200,000 visitors over two days! More than 40 teams competing on the water! A colorful celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cultures, with performances, food, and activities for everyone! 
August 29–30 at Sloan’s Lake!For your family and friends experience one of Colorado’s most exciting celebrations of culture, community, and dragon boat racing! 
Our heartfelt thanks to the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival for the invitation, and best of luck to all the teams! 
