Date Of Event: June 11, 2017 (annually every second Sunday of June)
Location: Charles River, Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: Dragon boat races, Asian art/music, food trucks, cultural events
Website: Boston Dragon Boat Festival
Thousands of people converged on the Charles River last weekend to celebrate the 38th annual Dragon boats festival. Over 30 teams raced 39 foot Hong Kong along a 500 meter course (CYPN Storm won the Club Challenge, “A” Division).
These rowers were getting amped up for their next race.
While these rowers stretched for their next event.
This rower had just finished a successful race. The writing on his paddle translates to “Dragon Block.”
Kayakers also like to utilize the Charles for their own recreation and, for the most part, they were able to paddle around without interfering with the racers.
But, there weren’t just boats and kayaks at the event.
There were also cultural events.
Martial arts demonstrations
The grace and beauty of the participants were matched by the grace and beauty of the Charles River and Cambridge in the background. And there is lots of beauty along the Charles.
This spectator got a chance to try out a seat on a dragon boat. I think she liked it.
There were also a variety of musical and artistic performers.
Memorial Drive, where the event was located, is always closed part of the day on Sundays from April until November so that joggers, cyclists dog walkers and anyone else can move freely on the roadway without worrying about traffic. This road closure made it easy for for trucks to do business. There were dozens of food trucks and vendors stationed along the road.
Dogs are also welcome at the event.
Riley showed up with his ball.
Pitko, a Finnish name pronounced “Pete-co”, had a fun time at the festival.
Guy was all smiles as he watched the festivities.
“Princess”, a Himalayan cat, wasn’t afraid to show up at the race even if there dogs there.
Below are some videos of the race and cultural performers.
Please click on the link below to connect with me on Facebook at New England Nomad to view videos, photos and other media not included in this blog. Thank you!
New England Nomad 
June 17th, 2017 at 5:46 am
It looks like everybody, people and animals, had a really great time!
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June 17th, 2017 at 11:43 pm
Yes, it was enjoyed by all! Thank you ( :
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June 17th, 2017 at 10:40 am
And rice dumplings. Did you have them?
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June 17th, 2017 at 11:38 pm
No, unfortunately I didn’t eat anything there! I always think that if I stop to eat or do anything, I will miss some photo opportunity, especially at an event like this. I’ll try them next time!
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June 18th, 2017 at 5:34 am
Oh well, get them in the Chinatown, they are available all year round anyways. The only thing is that the idea of eating dumplings was to commemorate the poet who died. That’s why the boats were racing – to save him from drowning!
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June 19th, 2017 at 9:13 pm
Now you got me hungry for dumplings! I guess I know what’s for dinner tonight! ( :
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June 17th, 2017 at 11:38 pm
Oh, I love this festival! Good job capturing it!
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June 18th, 2017 at 12:47 am
Thank you!
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June 18th, 2017 at 2:10 am
I like that ☺
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June 18th, 2017 at 2:17 am
Thank you!
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June 20th, 2017 at 4:38 am
That looks like Korean fan-dancing in the middle but it’s Chinese characters in the background.
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June 20th, 2017 at 10:43 am
Thank you for the info! The festival was a celebration of all Asian cultures and traditions. I had a hard time hearing the announcements of the performers and when I came across this performance it had already begun. So, I didn’t hear who the performers were. It was a beautiful display of art.
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