Each summer, the dragons awaken at Sloan’s Lake Park in northwest Denver. The annual bash includes exciting dragon boat races, tons of food vendors and a packed lineup of entertainment, all of which celebrate the rich heritage of Colorado’s Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
More than 200,000 people attended the free festival in 2024 and navigating the vast event can be overwhelming—but we’re here to help. Read on for tips on how to make the most of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival.
Check the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival’s website for event dates and read on for tips on how to make the most of the epic event.
Get There Early
More than 40 teams from across Colorado and beyond compete in the dragon boat races. You can watch them paddle to victory on Sloan’s Lake in Hong Kong–style and flag-catching boats at various times on both days of the festival. But the best time to watch the action is in the morning when it isn’t as hot.
The other festivities—food and craft vendors, performances, art demos, etc.—run throughout the weekend at Sloan’s Lake Park at 25th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard. Those who arrive early often enjoy the widest selection of food since many of the most popular vendors tend to run out of dishes later in the day.
Plan Parking or Transportation
Since there is no parking on-site at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, organizers recommend biking or walking or taking a rideshare to and from the event. You can also park in the neighborhoods surrounding Sloan’s Lake Park and stroll to the festival.
Check the Entertainment Lineup
In 2025, the Dragon Boat Festival will celebrate the Year of the Fire Snake in alignment with the Chinese zodiac calendar. To kick off the festivities, a Chinese dragon is paraded through Sloan’s Lake Park to bring good luck to all of the attendees and get rid of any negative energy. Then the opening ceremony—which often includes speeches, a history of the festival and dragon boat racing, blessings from Buddhist monks, and the “awakening of the dragon boats” with a traditional eye-dotting ceremony—takes place later that morning.
In addition, there are dozens of other shows to look forward to during the two-day event, from performances by local dance studios and taiko teams to live music from traditional and contemporary bands.
Come Prepared
Because weather in the Front Range can be unpredictable, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and a rain jacket in case an afternoon storm rolls in. Bringing a reusable shopping bag is also helpful. Then you can carry home all of the treasures you pick up at the Asian Marketplace, where a bounty of local businesses and artists display their best goods for sale, including snacks, home decor, clothing and other items.
Don't Forget to Eat
One of the best parts of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is eating your way around the Taste of Asia food court. Whether you’re craving sushi, noodles, dumplings or shaved ice, there will be more than 30 culinary businesses to satisfy your cravings. Past vendors include local favorites such as inventive Vietnamese fusion fare from Pho King Rapidos, Korean corn dogs from Mukja, Korean fried chicken from Angry Chicken and Filipino coffee from Coffee Sarap.
Mark Your Calendar
To learn more about Denver’s AANHPI community, plan to attend the Dragon Boat Film Festival at Denver’s Sie Film Center in March 2025 and the Riverdale Dragon Boat Regatta in Brighton (north of Denver) in September 2025.