Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival returns in September
The festival is free to attend and promises a full day of exciting dragon boat racing, live entertainment, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities
The Rotary Club of Stratford is excited to announce the return of the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, along the beautiful Avon River in downtown Stratford.
A beloved community tradition that welcomes thousands of participants and spectators each year, the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival is free to attend and promises a full day of exciting dragon boat racing, live entertainment, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities in one of Ontario’s most picturesque settings.
This year’s Festival will feature 48 dragon boat teams competing on the Avon River in a spirited day of friendly competition, teamwork, and community celebration. With only a few team spaces remaining, organizations, businesses, families, and community groups are encouraged to register today before the final spots are filled.
Since its inception, the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival has raised more than $1 million in support of vital local charities, making a lasting difference in Stratford and surrounding communities. Proceeds this year will benefit local charitable initiatives supported by the Rotary Club of Stratford.
“The Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival is about far more than racing,” said Robert Ritz, Event Chair. “Every team that takes to the water, every volunteer who gives of their time, and every person who comes out to cheer contributes to something much bigger than a day of racing. Together, we are creating community, supporting local charities, and making a lasting difference. That is the true spirit of the Rotary Club of Stratford and the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival.”
The Rotary Club of Stratford extends its sincere gratitude to our Presenting Sponsor – Gilly’s Pubhouse. This community event is possible because of the long-standing commitment and generosity of business sponsors like Gilly’s Pubhouse.
“The Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival is one of those special events that brings the entire community together. At Gilly’s Pubhouse, we are proud to be the presenting sponsor and to support an event that combines fun, teamwork, and community impact,” said Mike and Cathy Bayer, Owners, Gilly’s Pubhouse. “Seeing thousands of people come together on the river, while raising funds for local charities making a real difference in our community, is something we are thrilled to be a part of. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great day on the Avon River.”
The Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival is planned and delivered by a dedicated team of volunteers whose passion and commitment create an extraordinary day year after year. The Rotary Club of Stratford extends heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers whose dedication, enthusiasm, and countless hours of planning make the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival one of our community’s most popular events.
New for 2026 is the Community Team Challenge, a peer-to-peer fundraising initiative that empowers local registered dragon boat teams to raise additional funds in support of two important Rotary Club of Stratford community partners: The Local Community Food Centre and Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. Funds raised through the Community Team Challenge this year will be shared equally between these two organizations, helping expand their impact and the essential services they provide. To donate to a team or a race participant visit www.CanadaHelps.org with this link Community Team Challenge – Paddle with Purpose.
Whether you are racing, cheering from the shoreline, enjoying the entertainment, or supporting local food vendors, there is something for everyone.
Event Details
Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival presented by Gilly’s Pubhouse
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Location: Avon River, Downtown Stratford, Ont.
Admission: Free to the public.
Register Your Racing Team: Register to Race
Register Your Racing Team Today—only a few racing spots remain—and join us on September 19 for a day of community spirit, friendly competition, and giving back.
By StratfordToday Staff
