About
The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is North America's largest dragon boat festival, taking place annually on the scenic Rideau River at Mooney's Bay. This free multi-day summer festival combines competitive racing with concerts, family fun, and local food vendors.
Festival Dates
June 19-21, 2026 at Mooney's Bay Park — daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Racing Schedule
Saturday, June 20: Teams compete in two 500m races across various Challenge Cup divisions
Sunday, June 21: Top teams advance to Grand Finals featuring:
- 100m races
- 200m races
- 500m races
Competition Divisions
- Community Division (all skill levels welcome)
- Corporate Division
- Competitive Division
- Special cups including Sue Holloway Cup, Panda Cup, Youth divisions, and more
Festival Features
- Free admission to watch the races
- Live concerts and entertainment
- Family activities
- Local food vendors
- Waterfront festival atmosphere
About Dragon Boat Racing
Teams include up to 30 members paddling traditional dragon boats. The festival is open to participants of all skill levels, from first-time paddlers to competitive athletes.
Getting There
Mooney's Bay Park is located on the Rideau River in south Ottawa, accessible by:
- OC Transpo bus routes
- Bike paths along the Rideau River
- Car (parking available)
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
I run 613today on my own and I'm not affiliated with this event or its organizer. Event info may not be perfectly up to date. Please double-check with the official website before heading out, or contact the organizer directly for any questions about the event. 613today doesn't sell tickets or process payments — always buy through the organizer's official channels and verify before paying. I'm not responsible for transactions with event organizers. If you spot anything wrong on this page, let me know.
Event Details
Upcoming Events
festivalOct 24Vegans Who Snack Food and Art Festival - Oct
Parkdale Public Market
An all vegan, small business food and art festival! Organised by Little Jo Berry's
musicNov 19Tree Lighting Ceremony
George Street Plaza
Lights, music, trees, wreaths… the holiday magic is transforming the ByWard Market into a place of wonder and awe. Fairy lights are taking over the streets, garlands are popping up on every corner,...
culturalOct 19Dog Man Afternoon
Ottawa Public Library — Beaverbrook
Calling all Dog Man fans! Unleash your inner hero and join us for games and cool crafts inspired by everyone's favourite canine cop. For ages 6-12. Please register online.
culturalOct 19Hibernation Hideaway / Refuge hivernal
Ottawa Public Library — Cumberland
Explore how animals hibernate through stories, animal trivia and a craft. Registration recommended; drop-ins are welcome as space permits. For children aged 4-8. Découvrez comment les animaux hiber...
culturalOct 19PD Day - Bracelet Making
Ottawa Public Library — Hazeldean
Come and make a variety of different bracelets. From diamond art to pony beads to embroidery. You choose. Keep for yourself or give it to a friend as a gift. Ages 7-12. 60 min. Registration required.
culturalOct 19Snow & Sparkle / La magie des Fêtes
Ottawa Public Library — Cumberland
Celebrate the festive season with stories, songs, and a craft. For children ages 4-8. Registration recommended. Drop-ins are welcome as space permits. ***** Célébrez le temps des Fêtes avec des his...
Want to add your event to 613today? It’s free!
Contact Us →