Fall Regattas and Dragon Boat Festivals

They might not have the history and glamour of the America’s Cup races, but these fall regattas are still a wonderful time on the water. Whether you enjoy sailing or rowing, these boat races will make you wish that winter wasn’t approaching. Or, in the case of the Pumpkinfest Regatta, will leave your face with a magnificent smile.

So head out to the water for a day of racing at these Fall regattas:

Head of the Schuylkill Regatta - Philadelphia, PA - Oct 26 to Oct 27, 2024
The Schuylkill River near Boathouse Row will have world champions and Olympic medalists competing for the Gold Cup trophy.

Head of the Charles Regatta - Boston, MA - Oct 18 to Oct 20, 2024
Hundreds of thousands come to the banks of the Charles River to row or watch the Regatta since it was started in 1965.

Harvest Moon Regatta - Seabrook, TX - Oct 17 to Oct 20, 2024
Yachts sail to Port Arsansas under an October full moon.

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta - Damariscotta, ME - Oct 11 to Oct 14, 2024
Pumpkinboats (400-700 pound, hollowed out pumpkins) are paddled or motor powered in this famous regatta on the Damariscotta River. Also includes giant pumpkin weigh-off, parade, pumpkin drop, pumpkin pancake breakfast and other activities. Main events are over Columbus Day Weekend. In 2017, Travel and Leisure called this one the “Best Fall Festival in Maine!” (https://goo.gl/W3Pdse)

Oklahoma Regatta Festival - Oklahoma City, OK - Oct 4 to Oct 6, 2024
Three days of rowing, kayaking, dragon boats, whitewater rafting, and family fun.

Campbell Regatta - Lake Havasu City, AZ - Sep 20 to Sep 22, 2024
A fun filled weekend on the water at Lake Havasu. One of its premier boating events of the year.

Textile River Regatta - Lowell, MA - Oct 1 to Oct 1, 2023
Annual event on the Merrimack River.

SRA Tail of the Fish Regatta - Saratoga Springs, NY - Sep 30 to Sep 30, 2023
A regatta on Saratoga State Lake Boat Launch

For a fun twist on a boat race, enjoy these dragon boat races, where competitors race long boats decorated with dragon heads. This tradition dates back over 2000 years and is still enjoyed by racers and crowds across the country.

San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival - Oakland, CA - Oct 19 to Oct 20, 2024
Enjoy the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival by watching teams compete on Lake Merritt in 40-foot long dragon boats.

Shoals Dragon Boat Festival - Florence, AL - Oct 12 to Oct 12, 2024
Traditional Hong Kong style dragon boat racing at McFarland Park.

Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival - Nashville, TN - Oct 5 to Oct 5, 2024
Hosted at Riverboat Park. Thousands will watch 40 dragon boats compete. Through a series of four-boat heats that race a 200-meter stretch of the Cumberland River between the Woodland Street Bridge to the Shelby Street Walking Bridge, the Cumberland River Compact has the opportunity to promote the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River first hand.

Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival - Lorain, OH - Sep 21 to Sep 21, 2024
A day of dragon boat races on the Black River

Portland Dragon Boat Festival - Portland, OR - Sep 7 to Sep 8, 2024
A DragonSports USA organized dragon boat race held annually in September. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors and a beer garden, plus beautiful views of the Willamette River while watching a 500m dragon boat race.

Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival - Alexandria, KY - Sep 7 to Sep 7, 2024
Teams race dragon boats on Campbell County Lake.

Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival - Gainesville, GA - Sep 7 to Sep 7, 2024
Georgia’s biggest Hong Kong cultural event of the year. Enjoy a fun, family day of watching the dragon boats sail through the waters of Lake Lanier. Indulge in cuisine from around the world.

Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival - Pawtucket, RI - Aug 31 to Aug 31, 2024
Fun for the whole family as you watch Taiwanese-style dragon boats race by. Under the giant tent, the Taiwan Day Festival is filled with cultural performances, arts & craft tables, interactive activities, a dumpling eating contest and more!

Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta - Sugar Land, TX - Oct 10 to Oct 11, 2020
Canceled for 2021, look for their return in 2022. Normally: Held at Brooks Lake at Fluor in Sugar Land, Texas.

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