There’s something electric about watching a team of paddlers surge in unison across the water. This year, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival returns to Queens, transforming Flushing Meadows-Corona Park into a river of color and excitement on August 9-10. If you’ve never experienced the roar of the crowd as 50-foot-long dragon boats slice through Meadow Lake, you’re in for an unforgettable weekend of tradition, competition, and community spirit.
A Legacy of Courage and Celebration
The tradition of dragon boat racing began over 2,000 years ago in ancient China. It was inspired by the poet Qu Yuan, whose followers raced out on their boats to try to save his body from being eaten by “water dragons.” Today’s festival honors that legacy with dazzling teak boats, complete with fierce dragon heads and tails, piloted by teams of 20 athletes racing for glory. But the event is more than a contest of speed; it’s a living tribute to resilience, teamwork, and cultural heritage.
What To Expect at the 2025 Festival
Epic Races: With over 180 teams competing in open, mixed, and youth divisions, plus corporate and nonprofit invitational heats, excitement builds from the first paddle stroke. Each race lasts just minutes, but the thrill lingers all day.
Global Flavors: Take your taste buds on a world tour. A “Famous Hong Kong Street Food Corner” will serve up siu mai, bubble tea, and egg waffles. You’ll also find Filipino pancit, Korean BBQ skewers, and Mexican elote—plus local food trucks dishing out every global comfort food you crave.
Cultural Performances: Between races, enjoy traditional lion and dragon dances, kung fu exhibitions, and live music. Storytellers will share dragon legends with young adventurers, while dance troupes swap steps—from Chinese folk dances to Irish reels woven into Queens’ multicultural tapestry.
Family Fun: From face painting and interactive arts stations to information booths hosted by community nonprofits, there’s something for every age. Kids can craft mini dragon boats, and parents can connect with local organizations making Queens thrive.
Plan Your Visit—Stress-Free
Getting There: Take the 7 train to Mets–Willets Point. Free MTA shuttle buses run from the station to Meadow Lake all day. Parking is limited, so public transit is your best bet.
When to Arrive: Gates open at 9 AM. Early birds catch the best viewing spots by the shoreline. Races and performances run until 5 PM both days—plan for a full day of fun.
Admission: The festival is free. Bring a picnic blanket, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure.
It’s loud. It’s joyful. It’s Queens in its truest form: full of movement, flavor, and pride in every direction.
Why This Festival Matters
In a borough as vast and dynamic as Queens, events like the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival are touchstones of community. They remind us that diversity is our strength and that moments shared (rooted in ancient tradition) can unite hundreds of cultures in celebration.
Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just moving to Queens, sinking your toes into the grass at Meadow Lake, paddles thumping, laughter echoing, you’ll feel something special. That sense of belonging is exactly what makes this festival, and this borough, so extraordinary.
Let Me Guide You Home in Queens
If the thrill of dragon boat racing and the warmth of community gatherings resonate with you, imagine calling this vibrant borough home. I’m here to help you find a neighborhood that offers not just a residence but a lifestyle, where every season brings its own magic.
See you on the shore at Flushing Meadows. Let’s make Queens your next unforgettable neighborhood.
Feel free to reach out or check my current listings.
Photo Credit: Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival