Sat 9/6 @ 8AM-3PM
The Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival started out on the Cuyahoga in the Flats, before moving out to Lorain’s Black River for several years. It’s now back in downtown Cleveland, making it easier for observers to come down to Merwin’s Wharf in the Flats and watch as the rowers take to the water.
Each of the colorful boats is powered by a team of 20, which has been practicing since the spring. The boats, sporting dazzling carved dragon figureheads, include a drummer whose percussion helps propel the rowers. While dragon boating is a Chinese tradition dating back thousands of years, it enjoyed a modern resurgence and now you’ll see people of all backgrounds, skill levels and ages taking part, enjoying a sport that involves teamwork and offers the chance to be outdoors and get some exercise in a social setting.
It’s free to come watch.