The highlight of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Tuen Ng Festival, on June 19, 2026, are the races that will be held across the city. These events are seen as the culmination of multiple practices meant to drive away evil energy and invite clean energy into one’s life.
We bring you a list of dragon boat races that you can watch in Hong Kong in 2026. Most of the competitions are on the day of the festival, which is a Friday, while some are on weekends preceding it or following it.
Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade — June 18–19
The Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade has been held for more than a century. During the festival, three fishermen’s associations tow sacred sampans carrying deity statues from local temples through Tai O’s waterways to bless the community. T
he tradition was added to China’s national intangible cultural heritage list in 2011, making it a special local ritual.
📅 When : June 18–19, 2026
⏰ Time : 9am–1pm on June 18; 8:30am–3pm on June 19
📍 Where : Tai O Creek and Pier (Dragon Boat Parade), Tai O Promenade (Dragon Boat Races)
🔗 Website : https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/event.id86982.tai-o-dragon-boat-water-parade.html
Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race — June 19
Aberdeen’s dragon boat race has a history of more than 100 years and is said to be one of Hong Kong’s earliest dragon boat racing sites. The event keeps many traditional Tanka and fishing harbour customs alive, with the big dragon boat race remaining its most intense and distinctive highlight.
📅 When : June 19, 2026
⏰ Time : 9am–6pm
📍 Where : Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, Aberdeen
🔗 Website : www.had.gov.hk
Sai Kung District Dragon Boat Race — June 19
Sai Kung’s dragon boat carnival will bring the action to the waterfront, with an around 400-metre race course set up along Sai Kung Pier.
More than 100 teams are expected to take part, while Sai Kung Waterfront Park will host carnival activities and interactive experiences introducing visitors to traditional dragon boat history and culture.
📅 When : June 19, 2026
⏰ Time : 8am–2pm
📍 Where : Sai Kung Promenade and Sai Kung Waterfront Park, Sai Kung
🔗 Website : www.had.gov.hk
Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race — June 19
Sha Tin’s race brings the action to Shing Mun River, where spectators can watch from both sides of the riverbank as crews power between Banyan Bridge and Sha Yin Bridge. with the finish line and ceremony area at the spectator stand outside Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre, known as the Dragon Boat Pavilion.
📅 When : June 19, 2026
⏰ Time : 8am–1pm
📍 Where : Shing Mun River, between Banyan Bridge and Sha Yin Bridge, Sha Tin
🔗 Website : www.stsa.org.hk
Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships — June 19
Stanley is one of the most iconic places to watch dragon boat racing on Hong Kong Island, with teams charging across the water at Stanley Main Beach.
This year’s event also brings the Dragonbeat festive programme, with a food market and DJ party adding a more energetic, party-like atmosphere to the traditional seaside race day.
📅 When : June 19, 2026
⏰ Time : 8am–4pm, DJ beach party from 4:30pm-7:30pm
📍 Where : Stanley Main Beach, Stanley, Hong Kong
🔗 Website : www.dragonboat.org.hk/media-championships
Tai Po District Dragon Boat Race — June 19
Tai Po’s dragon boat race and carnival will take over the promenade at Tai Po Waterfront Park, where the long, open shoreline makes it a great spot to watch the races. The event includes 300-metre and 500-metre courses, while the carnival at Fong Ching Garden will feature game booths, workshops and a food street.
📅 When : June 19, 2026
⏰ Time : Race from 8:30am–3:30pm; carnival from 9am–4pm
📍 Where : Promenade of Tai Po Waterfront Park, Dai Fat Street, Tai Po
🔗 Website : www.tpsa.org.hk/event_details.php?id=1
Tuen Mun District Dragon Boat Race — June 19
Tuen Mun’s dragon boat race will be held at Castle Peak Bay Typhoon Shelter, bringing the festival to the western New Territories. While many races nowadays use lighter fibreglass boats, Tuen Mun still keeps its traditional Chinese teak dragon boats, handmade by craftsmen and valued for their stability, history and powerful presence on the water.
📅 When : June 19, 2026
⏰ Time : 9am–1pm
📍 Where : Castle Peak Bay Typhoon Shelter, Tuen Mun
🔗 Website : www.had.gov.hk
Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races — June 19
The Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races return to Victoria Harbour for a milestone 50th anniversary edition, with elite teams racing along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
Visitors can watch from the Kowloon Shangri-La to the Bruce Lee Statue, then explore the Dragon Boat Food Lane, Beer Garden and Chill Zone with cultural workshops, live performances and race broadcasts.
📅 When : June 27–28, 2026
⏰ Time : 8am–6:15pm on June 27; 8am–5pm on June 28
📍 Where : Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui
🔗 Website : www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/dragon-boat-festival
From Tai O’s ritual-filled waterways to Stanley’s beach crowds and Victoria Harbour’s international showcase, Hong Kong offers many ways to feel Dragon Boat Festival up close. Whether you want tradition, family-friendly viewing or full race-day noise, the city will have a shoreline ready for you.
During the long weekend, families can also find plenty of other activities around town, from cultural events to watching the world cup.
Header image credits: Tuen Mun District Dragon Boat Race Committee, Hong Kong Tourism Board