The Insider's Guide To The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

Monday, June 20, 2016

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, the largest dragon boat festival in North America, is celebrating its biggest year ever from June 23 – 26 at Mooney’s Bay Park. Here’s an insider’s guide to take advantage of all of the festival fun. 

The party begins on Thursday, June 23 at 6:30pm when the festivals free concert series kicks off with headliner July Talk.

Friday, June 24 features RCAF Pipes and Drums who will lead the Parade of Champions, which consists of teams and charities, into the beach tent to participate in the official Opening Ceremony which precedes the Charity Challenge Cup Races. The evening will be highlighted by free concerts from Mother Mother, Juno-nominee Ria Mae and The Beaches.

Racing takes place all day on Saturday & Sunday with free entertainment continuing throughout the weekend:

HILLSIDE AMPHETHEATER SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

6:30 PM MODERN SPACE

8:00 PM THE MUSCADETTES

9:30 PM JULY TALK

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

6:30 PM THE BEACHES

8:00 PM RIA MAE

9:30 PM MOTHER MOTHER

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

6:30 PM PONY GIRL

8:00 PM NAP EYES

9:30 PM ALVVAYS

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

5:00 PM LOON CHOIR

6:30 PM YOUNG EMPIRES

8:00 PM A TRIBE CALLED RED

 

BEACH STAGE SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

5:45 PM KENNEDY CULT

7:15 PM THE LIONYLS

8:45 PM THE BALCONIES

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

9:00 PM DJ PPLMOVE

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

5:00 PM BACK POCKET

7:30 PM SASHAY AND THROB RESIDENT DJ ASHLEY GAUTHIER

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

7:00 PM DJ NOYPI 

 

The Children’s area will keep families happy throughout the weekend with a full line-up of spectacular entertainment and educational shows including a reptile show, magic show, puppets, bicycle stunts and so much more. Don’t miss the roaming dinosaur Russell T. Wrecks who will be stomping around the Festival from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25^th!

Don’t forget your sunscreen, your water bottle to refill at the free hydration station, and your appetite to experience many of the local treats in the vendors and exhibitors area. 

The action comes to a spectacular finish on Sunday with the closing ceremony which begins at 4:00 pm where participants bask in the glory of having joined with other competitors in a fun filled competitive weekend for a great cause. Simultaneously some awesome bands will be rocking out for attendees, with A Tribe Called Red bringing the festivities to a close at 10pm.

 

About the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is a not-for-profit event founded in 1993. The organization held its first inaugural festival in 1994 as a small half-day event that is now a multi-day celebration of the arts, sports, culture and heritage. The festival is North America's largest dragon boating event with over 200 teams in corporate, community and competitive categories. The festival offers free admission to multiple stages with world class entertainment, amusement attractions, a variety of artisans, exhibitors, delicious culinary treats, beach side bar, children’s area and non-stop racing. The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is made possible by the continued support of Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage, Celebrate Ontario and the City of Ottawa Partnership Program.