The Event
About the Event
Each year, the Dragons on the Lake Dragon Boat Festival brings together more than 1,500 paddlers and spectators to the beautiful beach at Portage Lakes State Park for a day of community, camaraderie and competition. Teams of 20 paddlers compete for top honors in three different divisions: Corporate, Community and Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS). Proceeds from the event benefit the Dragon Dream Team, Ohio’s first all breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. Our next festival will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Interested in supporting our festival?
- Register your team here.
- Learn more about becoming a sponsor here.
- To find out more about supporting us, including making a donation, click here.
Your support is vital to the success of our program. Thank you for your support!
For questions about our festival, email dragonsonthelake@gmail.com.
Follow us on Facebook for the latest info.
Congratulations to our 2025 top finishers!
Schedule of Events
7 a.m. Teams Arrive at Park
7:30–8 a.m. Registration Check-in by Team Captains
8 a.m. Team Captains Meet with Race Officials
8:10 a.m. Team Warm-up
8:25 a.m. Teams Gather for Awakening of the Dragons
8:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
9 a.m. Round One Racing Begins
10:40 a.m. Round Two Racing
12:10 p.m. Staff Lunch/Teams Lunch at Their Convenience
12:30 p.m. Survivor Celebration and PastTime Band
1:30 p.m. Consolation Races
2:30 p.m. Championship Races
3:30 p.m. Awards and Closing Ceremonies
The Venue
Dragons on the Lake takes place at Portage Lakes State Park in New Franklin, Ohio, near Akron.
Explore the Area
Looking for other things to do while you’re in town for the race? Check out these resources for some ideas.
