Ready, set, row! 2026 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy returns to Ping Tom Memorial Park

The annual Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy will return Saturday, June 20, at Ping Tom Memorial Park, bringing teams to the South Branch of the Chicago River for an all-afternoon competition, according to the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation. The event is free and is designed to raise money for local schools and literacy organizations.

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Teams paddle in long boats to the beat of a drum as they race against one another on the river, according to the foundation. The races are part of a larger day that also includes vendor booths, live entertainment, dancers, and musicians for people watching from shore.

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What visitors can expect

The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St. in Chicago, the race listings confirm. The Chinatown Chamber has said the race has been held successfully for over 20 years, reflecting its long-running presence in the city. According to the website, the Chinese Dragon Boat Race has run for over 2,000 years throughout Asian communities.

Back on land, the festival atmosphere is part of the draw, with visitors able to watch from the park while teams compete on the river. The event blends sport, culture and fundraising in one of Chicago's best-known Chinatown summer traditions.