Festival FAQs

When is the festival? June 18th-20th, 2010 (races held on Saturday & Sunday)

Where is it held? Mooney’s Bay Park on Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario 

Is there a fee to attend the festival? No, there is no site admission fee and it is open to the public.

Is there entertainment on site? Yes, various entertainers are performing throughout the weekend in the Main Tent and other locations on site. Past performers have included Skydiggers, Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards, The Arrogant Worms, Lynn Miles, Lonesome Paul, Amanda Rheaume and Mighty Popo. We also present various cultural and heritage activities including Six String Nation, Taiko Drummers, Lion Dancers and local ethnic folklore groups who bring colour, sound and rich texture to our event. For a complete list of 2010 entertainment please click here.

Is this a family event? Yes, we offer various family/children focused activities including the Tim Hortons Children’s Area and Roving Entertainment including a Children’s Area Stage. Past entertainers have included Chris Pilsworth, Little Ray’s Reptiles, Radical Science and Circus Montreal. For a complete list of 2010 children's entertainment please click here.

Where can I park? The festival offers free parking and uses OC Transpo buses. The shuttle stops are at the Rideau Centre/Mackenzie King Bridge Upper Deck, with stops at Metcalfe & Albert, Bronson & Somerset, and at Carleton University Lot #7 (Bronson & University). Free parking is available at Carleton University Lot #7 and Canada Post Headquarters (Riverside & Heron). On festival weekend visit www.octranspo.com or phone 613-741-4390 for full schedule details. PLEASE NOTE: There is no public parking available on site.

Can I park my bicycle on site? Free bicycle parking is available on site.  Help us help the environment and consider riding your bike to this year’s festival.  Help even more by making a donation to the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation in its onsite Pledge Tent.

Can I carpool with other participants or spectators who are visiting the festival? Yes, absolutely! We encourage carpooling and you can connect with other attendees by visiting www.ottawaridematch.com or www.ottawacarpool.ca.

Where is the best view of the races? Bleachers will be available on the beach area near the finish line to allow spectators an opportunity to view the entire race from start to finish.

When is the Opening Ceremonies? The Opening Ceremonies will be held at 12:30pm in the Main Tent on Saturday, June 19th, 2010. Entertainment and dragon boating traditions will be a part of this ceremony.

Will there be food and refreshments available on site? Yes, numerous food vendors offer a variety of food and beverages throughout the weekend. A Beer Garden is also set up next to the Main Tent. Patrons must be 19 years of age or older to access this area. Proof of ID is required.

Is there an ATM available on site? Yes, an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) is available on site in the exhibitor area.