Guide To Dragon Boat Festival In Singapore 2026: When It Is & How We Celebrate It

This year, the Dragon Boat Festival takes place on 19 June 2026. From the origin story to key Dragon Boat races and events in Singapore, here’s everything you need to know.

Ever wondered what the Dragon Boat Festival (also known as Dumpling Festival) is all about? More than just a day to satisfy your craving for rice dumplings (a.k.a. bak chang or zong zi), this Chinese festival is full of traditional customs surrounding the protection against disease, evil spirits and poisonous creatures. From eating sweet and savoury rice dumplings to exciting dragon boat races or using five-coloured strings for protection, the Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore is steeped in rich history. From the origin story to exciting dragon boat racing events to look forward to, read on to get the scoop on this popular Chinese festival.

Jump to: Dragon Boat Races & Events In Singapore

Read more: Where To Find Delicious Rice Dumplings In Singapore

When is the Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is also known as the ‘Double Fifth Festival’ or ‘Duanwu Festival’, or more casually, ‘Dumpling Festival‘. This year, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on Friday, 19 June 2026. Though this festival is widely observed in Singapore, it is not a public holiday.

What is the story behind the Dragon Boat Festival?

This Chinese festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a poet, scholar and government minister from the ancient state of Chu during China’s Warring States period. When his political rivals accused him of conspiracy, he was exiled and subsequently caught. In despair, he drowned himself in the Miluo River as a symbol of loyalty to his homeland. According to legend, villagers threw rice into the river after his death to deter fish from eating his body. Over time, people threw sticky rice dumplings instead. The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates Qu Yuan’s patriotism and sacrifice.

Traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon boat racing is the most popular tradition during the Dragon Boat Festival. Athletes sit in boats that are decorated with dragon heads and tails and race across the Singapore River. Another key tradition is eating rice dumplings (or zong zi). Wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, the sticky rice dumplings are filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. Other rituals include hanging mugwort and calamus leaves around the home or wearing colourful silk threads, perfume sachets or charms to protect them from illness, insects and evil spirits during the unlucky fifth month of the year.

Find all the best places to get rice dumplings in Singapore.

Why are there dragon boat races?

Dragon boat racing began when the villagers rushed out into boats in an attempt to save Qu Yuan or retrieve his body from the river. In the legend, the villagers beat drums and splashed the water to scare away fish and evil spirits. Today, dragon boat racing continues to keep the story alive and remember what the villagers did for Qu Yuan.

Dragon Boat Festival races & events in Singapore

Keen to witness the action? Here are all the Dragon Boat races and events taking place in Singapore:

1. Dragon Boat Sprint @ The Kallang

Taking place at the iconic Kallang Basin against the Singapore skyline, the Dragon Boat Sprint invites athletes to hop in their boats and hit the waters after sunset. As the only night race of the year, this Dragon Boat Festival event promises gorgeous evening views of the Kallang and Marina Bay area. More info here.

When: 22 – 24 May 2026
Where: Water Sports Centre, The Kallang, 10 Stadium Lane, Singapore 397774

2. National Inter-School Dragon Boat Competition 2026

Keen to watch up-and-coming dragon boat athletes? The National Inter-School Dragon Boat Competition is a premier dragon boat race featuring student teams from secondary schools, junior colleges and Millenia Institute. This exhilarating event gives athletes the chance to develop teamwork, leadership and racing skills, while showcasing the dragon boat talent of the next generation. More info here.

When: 22 May 2026 
Where: Water Sports Centre, The Kallang, 10 Stadium Lane, Singapore 397774

3. Singapore Dragon Boat Festival

Organised by the Singapore Dragon Boat Association, this is the largest dragon boat racing event in Singapore! Competitive teams across Singapore gather to showcase their strength, stamina and teamwork, as they compete across multiple race categories at Bedok Reservoir. From clubs to schools, corporate teams and high-performance teams, this is a one-stop event to witness some of the best dragon boat racing teams in Singapore. More info here.

When: 27 & 28 June 2026 
Where: Bedok Reservoir

4. Singapore Sea Regatta 2026

Every year, dragon boat racers gather at Marina Bay for the Singapore Sea Regatta. This allows teams to compete on an international stage. Look forward to witnessing the stamina of teams across sectors from healthcare to breast cancer survivors, seniors and more. Beyond a display of athleticism, teamwork and showmanship, the Regatta also raises awareness of important social and health issues. More info here.

When: 5 – 6 September 2026 
Where: The Promontory@Marina Bay, 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940

5. SBDA-Austcham 10km Challenge

For teams that are ready to put their fitness and technique to the test, this dragon boat race will do the trick. The SBDA-Austcham 10km Challenge offers a 10km 22-crew challenge and a 5km 12-crew challenge. At this expedition-style dragon boat race, teams will have to work together to navigate the waters along a designated route, challenging their physical and mental limits. More info here.

When: 17 October 2026 
Where: Marina Reservoir, 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951

6. Singapore Regatta WaterFest

The Singapore Regatta WaterFest is the ultimate way to celebrate and gather with the dragon boat community. Watch impressive teams take on the water to showcase their teamwork and skill at the final race of the year. At this thrilling dragon boat race, there’s something for everyone. Look forward to games along the waterfront and family-friendly activities for all ages. More info here.

When: 14 – 15 November 2026 
Where: Water Sports Centre, The Kallang, 10 Stadium Lane, Singapore 397774

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