PANDA CUP CELEBRATES CULTURE, UNITY, AND FRIENDSHIP AT 2026 TIM HORTONS OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Friday, February 20, 2026

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is excited to welcome back the Panda Cup, a signature cultural highlight presented by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.

Taking place on Saturday morning, June 20, at scenic Mooney’s Bay, the Panda Cup is a spirited competition that celebrates Chinese cultural heritage while promoting the enduring values of unity, cooperation, and friendship between communities and nations. Teams will face-off in local and out-of-town divisions.

This vibrant event will begin with an energetic performance by traditional Chinese drummers, echoing the historical roots of the Dragon Boat Festival and setting an electrifying tone for the race to follow. The Panda Cup will feature teams composed of members from Ottawa’s Chinese-Canadian community as well as representatives from the diplomatic corps, symbolizing cross-cultural partnership and mutual respect.

As the sports flagship festival, events like the Panda Cup reinforce its commitment to inclusivity and cultural appreciation, featuring world-class racing and a weekend of unforgettable waterfront excitement.