Can I vent for a second? Finding events around here is HARD! I found a cool thing called the Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival online and it said it was held in Cornelius on March 13. I clicked the link to find it’s really held in Huntersville but didn’t offer a time or an exact location. So I kept at it for a while to discover it’s really called The Charlotte Dragon Boat Race and Asian Festival, it really IS held in Cornelius (at Ramsey Creek Park), and it looks even funner than I originally thought!

Then I found out it’s not even in March! It’s on MAY 23! I’ve got too much skin in the game so I’m posting about it now anyway. You’re welcome! Hahaha. Here’s why I pursued this so doggedly…

The Dragon Boat race is an exciting team competition. An important part of the Chinese traditional calendar, dragon boat racing originated over 2,300 years ago on the life-sustaining rivers of southern China. The Charlotte race is an open competition to anyone 15 years of age or older.

Throughout this day long festival, expect dragon boat races that bring teams from the greater Charlotte region and several states together to compete along the banks of Lake Norman. Boats line up to launch from the shore of the lake to race for the finish, while onlookers get a close up of what it takes to win! The rhythm of the drum keeps the rowers on beat and after they finish, relax on the lawn while other teams prepare at the start line for another round. The adrenaline from the dragon boat teams and festival goers makes this event a favorite for all.

There's also no better way to experience anything than with food. Numerous vendors are set up with various Asian countries being represented with favorite signature dishes. See some of the most talented performers on the stage during the Asian music and dance fest and experience heritage and tradition while meeting locals and visitors from all over!

Parking: 8900 North Pointe Executive Park

The lot is open to festival visitors at 9am, with continuous free shuttle service to and from the venue. Traffic attendants will guide you to the appropriate section to park and board shuttle bus to Ramsey Creek Park.