Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival 2026

Event Details

📅 Date
Saturday, July 25, 2026

📍 Location
Busse Woods (Ned Brown Preserve)
Elk Grove Village, IL

💲Admission
Registration fees apply for racing teams. Spectators can check the official event website for admission details and the latest information.

🔗 Official Website
https://gwndragonboat.com/festivals/chicago-international-dragon-boat-festival/

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About the Festival

The Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival returns for its 13th year, bringing together the thrill of high-performance racing and the rich heritage of dragon boat culture in one of the Midwest's most scenic and accessible locations.

Held at Busse Woods (Ned Brown Preserve), this premier event is part of the Major League Dragon Boat (MLDB) circuit and attracts elite teams, community crews, and international participants from across the United States and Canada.

The festival has a long history of excellence. In 2015, Great White North Dragon Boat hosted the USDBF Club Crew National Championships, where the nation's top teams competed for a spot at the 2016 IDBF Club Crew World Championships. Since relocating to Busse Woods in 2018, the festival has become known for its beautiful setting, well-organized races, and welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy exciting dragon boat races alongside the Cultural Village, Health & Wellness Village, Athletes' Village, local vendors, and community activities. The festival also supports Adaptive Adventures, a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive sports opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities.

Whether you're competing, cheering from the shoreline, or exploring the festival grounds, the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival offers an unforgettable day of sport, culture, and community.

About the Fees

Only include a Fees section if you have confirmed pricing. If the official website doesn't list spectator admission or registration fees, avoid guessing. You can simply write:

Admission: Visit the official event website for the latest registration fees and spectator information.

That keeps the page accurate and avoids outdated pricing.

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