The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event held in Ottawa, Canada. It is one of the largest dragon boat festivals in North America and has been taking place for over 25 years. The festival is typically held over a three-day period and attracts thousands of participants and spectators from around the world.
Here are some key features and aspects of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival:
- Dragon Boat Racing: The festival’s main attraction is the dragon boat races. Teams from various organizations, community groups, and corporations compete against each other in races held on the Rideau Canal. The races involve long, narrow boats adorned with decorative dragon heads and tails. Each boat consists of a team of paddlers, a drummer who sets the pace, and a steerer who guides the boat.
- Festival Atmosphere: The festival creates a vibrant and energetic atmosphere with live music performances, cultural displays, and a wide range of food and beverage options. There are multiple stages featuring local and international artists, providing entertainment for both participants and spectators.
- Community Engagement: The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is deeply connected to the local community. The festival actively engages community organizations and charities, promoting social causes and fundraising efforts. It has raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations over the years.
- Free Admission: The festival prides itself on being free to attend, making it accessible to everyone. This encourages a diverse audience to participate and enjoy the festivities without any financial barriers.
- Family-Friendly Activities: In addition to the dragon boat races, the festival offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. There are interactive games, inflatable structures, face painting, and other entertainment options for children and families to enjoy throughout the event.
- Cultural Celebrations: The festival celebrates Ottawa’s multicultural community by showcasing various cultural performances, displays, and exhibitions. Visitors can experience music, dance, and traditions from different cultural backgrounds, adding to the festival’s inclusive and diverse atmosphere.
- Sports and Wellness: Alongside the dragon boat races, the festival promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. It often includes additional sports events such as running races, yoga sessions, and fitness demonstrations.
The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival has become an iconic event in Ottawa, bringing people together to celebrate athleticism, community spirit, and cultural diversity. It offers an exciting and engaging experience for both participants and spectators, while also supporting local charitable initiatives.
Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival Saturday, June 24, 2023
Hillside Stage Free Concerts
9:30 PM ~ Bedouin Soundclash
8:00 PM ~ The Darcys
6:30 PM ~ Sister Swire
The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival returns June 22-25 with free all-ages concerts from headliners Dear Rouge, Tim Baker and Bedouin Soundclash.
Juno award winners Dear Rouge, (“Black & Gold”, “Live Through The Night”) will kick off the festival on Thursday, June 22, in support of their newest, most personal, vulnerable and intimate album to date, Spirit, featuring the number one hit song “Fake Fame”.
Prolific wild-eyed dreamer Tim Baker, who is best known as the songwriter and leader of Hey Rosetta!, a Juno-nominated, Polaris-shortlisted, and multi-award-winning band based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will headline night two on Friday, June 23. Baker is touring in support of his latest solo effort, the aptly titled, The Festival; a sonic embrace, a Call in for Love, and a cry out for Connection.
Canadian indie rock and reggae royalty, Bedouin Soundclash (“When the Night Feels My Song”) take the stage Saturday, June 24. Back better than ever, the Juno-winning Bedouin Soundclash returns with a brand new album titled We Will Meet in a Hurricane, out now on Dine Alone Records.
For the full festival schedule visit: dragonboat.net
