Paducah Dragon Boat Festival returns to riverfront Saturday

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — Dragon boats will take over the Paducah riverfront Saturday as teams hit the Ohio River for the 2026 Paducah Dragon Boat Festival.

The River Discovery Center will host the annual event Saturday, Aug. 29, with racing beginning at 9 a.m.

Teams will compete throughout the day in 40-foot dragon boats as spectators watch from the riverfront.

In addition to racing, the festival will feature food and drinks, a children’s area and beer garden.

Teams also will compete for awards including Best Dressed Drummer, Most Team Spirit and People’s Choice.

Admission to the festival is free.

The Dragon Boat Festival serves as a fundraiser for the River Discovery Center and its educational programs.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the foot of Broadway in downtown Paducah.

For more information visit: Dragon Boat Festival | RiverDiscoveryCenter.