Belleville Dragon Boat Festival returns to Victoria Park Aug. 22

Get ready for plenty of waterfront excitement as the Belleville Dragon Boat Festival returns to Victoria Park on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.

Hosted by the Belleville Dragon Boat Club, the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free for spectators.

Visitors can spend the day beside the Bay of Quinte watching colourful dragon boats race along Belleville’s waterfront as teams of paddlers compete through a combination of power, rhythm and teamwork.

What to expect at the Festival

This year’s festival will feature eight teams, all taking part in a full day of racing and waterfront activities, according to organizer Heather Poirier.

“There are eight teams that are coming from as far as Toronto all the way to Ottawa,” Poirier said.

The main attraction is the fast-paced dragon boat racing.

Each team will complete four preliminary races starting at 9 a.m., continuing until all heats are finished.

Based on rankings and times, three final races will take place after lunch to determine overall standings.

Poirier noted that each race is quick and intense.

“The races are only approximately 250 metres so it only takes around a minute to complete a race.”

Races will begin near the train bridge and finish close to the Belleville Yacht Club, giving spectators multiple vantage points along the waterfront.

Bleachers will also be set up near the finish line for optimal viewing.

Local restaurant Burger Revolution will have a food truck at the event, while craft vendors will have a variety of items for sale.

The Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward will have an information booth at the festival with some furry friends for adoption, as well as some merchandise for attendees to purchase.

“We will be collecting donations on their behalf so if attendees have items that they would like to donate we can bring the donations to them,” Poirier said.

Previous charitable partners have included United Way Hastings & Prince Edward, Campfire Circle, Gleaners Food Bank and The Salvation Army.

The annual festival also allows the club to give back by raising money for local charities.

This year, a portion of festival proceeds will support Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward, helping animals in need throughout the region.

Fun, fitness and community on the Bay of Quinte

Formerly known as the Belleville Paddling Club, the Belleville Dragon Boat Club is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization offering recreational, fitness and competitive programs for participants ranging from age 14 to seniors.

The club trains at Victoria Park and provides instruction for paddlers of varying experience levels.

Its focus extends beyond competition to include fitness, friendship, skill development and team-building.

Poirier said that the club hosts team building events and offers a trial drop-in session.

“However, we know that once you try it, you are hooked,” she said.

For newcomers, the event offers an opportunity to discover a sport in which coordination can matter more than individual strength.

For spectators, it is a chance to cheer on local and visiting paddlers, experience the energy of race day and enjoy one of Belleville’s most picturesque waterfront settings.