Dragon Boat Festival

Event Details:
August 22, 2026 from 9am to 3pm*
Rowan Shrine Club - 6480 Long Ferry Road, Salisbury

Cost:
This event is free to attend, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

No pets, coolers, or outside food are permitted.

Transportation and Parking:
Parking will be available for $10 or preferred parking for $20 (proceeds benefit East Rowan High School). Carpooling is encouraged. Trolley and shuttle vans will provide transportation between parking areas and the Shrine Club property.

Boats are welcome to view from the main channel or can dock behind the Shrine Club to enjoy the food and festivities.

Food and Drinks:
The Dragon Boat Festival features a wide variety of food and drink vendors—there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy! Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

DRAGON BOAT FAQs

*Event timing is largely dependent on race progression.

Pan Am Dragon Boat Company oversees the competition and provides each team with all the necessary equipment (boat, paddles, life vests). Teams learn how to paddle during an introductory practice session.

Each team must have 20 paddlers (a minimum of eight must be female), and a drummer or team mascot. On race day, each team will compete in three heats on a 300m straight course, with individual races lasting between two and 3.5 minutes.

Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division, with an overall champion crowned at the end.

Want to be a vendor?
We have a limited number of Food/Beverage and services-related vendor spots available. Preference will be given to outdoor recreation/water-related businesses for vendor placement.

No more than two (2) of the same type of food vendor will be allowed. Preference will be given to Rowan Chamber members.

Vendors must adhere to all applicable North Carolina and Rowan County regulations for your business category, i.e. health inspections.

Fees for a 10’ x 10’ space: Chamber Members’ Vendor Space $175; non-members $275.

Download the fillable vendor form HERE.

*Please note: Festival timing is dependent on race schedules, weather, and participant flow. We cannot control race progression or when teams and attendees choose to depart.

Sign Up to Volunteer!

You are invited to be an official Dragon Boat Volunteer! Volunteers receive a free t-shirt and two drink tickets.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email info@rowanchamber.com.

With 3,000+ attendees, the Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat Festival offers an outstanding sponsorship opportunity that will give your business high visibility and community exposure.

Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Community sponsor opportunities are available. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $10,000. For more information on sponsorships, please contact the Chamber at info@rowanchamber.com or 704-633-4221.