Photo of opening ceremony

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.

Congratulations to our 2023 top finishers!

Schedule of Events

Race schedule

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.

Directions to Portage Lakes State Park.

Photo of the Portage Lakes State Park entrance sign

Explore the Area

Looking for other things to do while you’re in town for the race? Check out these resources for some ideas.

Akron Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau logo
Downtown Akron Partnership logo
Portage Lakes State Park logo