Pawtucket to Host Annual Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races

Whichever side you favor in the political dispute between China and Taiwan, you'll want to experience the 23rd Annual Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival this weekend in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

The festival happens on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Festival Pier. The best part is the event is free.

DragonboatRI.com says the festival is "Action-packed all-day entertainment with exciting dragon boat races, cultural performances, authentic cuisine, and the popular dumpling eating contest all along the Pawtucket River."

Thousands have attended the Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival each year. Organizers say it's a "prime opportunity to learn more about Chinese and Taiwanese cultures."

The event's website says, "Our races continue to use the fiberglass Taiwanese-style dragon boats gifted to us from the Republic of China (Taiwan) and incorporate the skill of flag-catching in each race."

The site adds, "Under our giant tent, the Taiwan Day Festival presents some top-notch entertainment." The festival features "cultural performances, many art and craft tables, and the always-popular dumpling eating contest."

Organizers promise a "great selection" of vendors, interactive activities and food trucks.

Other activities include lion dancers, Yo-Yo performances, and the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe, founded in 1990.

Visit the Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival website for information about parking and shuttles to and from the Pawtucket River.

The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council produces the event.