Charlotte Asian & Dragon Boat Festivals May 16

Charlotte Asian & Dragon Boat Festivals take place at Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, NC, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free.

This popular annual event features the racing of colorful dragon boats by various local teams, and a cultural festival with vendor booths, performances and food stands.

Schedule

• Dragon boat races throughout the day
• 10 a.m.: Parade of Nations
• 10:45 a.m.: Festival Opening Ceremonies
• 10:45 a.m.: Opening of the Culture Showcase
• 10:45 a.m.: Opening of the marketplace, vendor booths, food stands and food trucks
• 11:30 a.m.: “Search for the Best” of Asian Festival Performing Arts
• 12:30 p.m.: Cancer survivors/tribute ceremony
• 1:30 p.m.: Cultural Show
• 1:30 p.m.: Dragon Boat Race Finals
• 4 p.m.: Awards and Trophies
• 4:15 p.m.: Tae Kwan Do demonstration
• 4:30 p.m.: Dragon Boat Race melads ceremony
• 5 p.m.: Festival ends

Culture Showcase

• Demonstrations
• Calligraphy
• Henna Art
• Face Painting
• Games
• Wellness Booths: Taichi, Reiki, Yoga, Meditation
• Immersive cultural activities
• Children’s Arts & Crafts
• Atrium Health- Vaccinations

Parking

There’s no parking for the festival at Ramsey Creek Park. Park at 8900 North Pointe Executive Park, Huntersville, NC. The lot opens to festival visitors at 9 a.m., with free shuttle service.