20th Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival Returns July 30–August 1

(Bemidji, MN) (April 17, 2026) – The Bemidji Rotary and Bemidji Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce that the
Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival presented by Paul Bunyan Communications will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a
weekend full of racing, community spirit, and lakeside fun July 30 through August 1, 2026.
This milestone year promises all the excitement and tradition participants and spectators have come to expect over the past two
decades. Teams from across the region will once again gather on the waters of Lake Bemidji for thrilling dragon boat races,
while the surrounding festival grounds will feature entertainment, food, and family fun. The iconic festival is a big fundraiser
for various community organizations including the Bemidji Rotary, Bemidji Chamber, United Way of Bemidji, Beltrami County
Relay for Life, the Bemidji High School Track and Cross-Country teams, and more.
Early Bird Team Registration is now open, and teams can save $100 off the registration fee if they sign up by June 1st
.

20th Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival Schedule Highlights:
• Tuesday, July 28
Team Practices on the lake from 5-9 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 29
Team Practices on the lake from 5-9 p.m.
• Thursday. July 30
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sanford Health Taco Fest for the United Way of Bemidji Area
5-9 p.m. Team Practices on the lake
• Friday, July 31
Noon- Food Vendors open
6 p.m. Opening Cermonies/Parade of Teams
7 p.m. Dondelinger GM Sprint Cup Races
8:30-10:30 p.m. Live music in the Dragon’s Den
• Saturday, August 1: Race Day
8 a.m. Dragon Boat 5K for BHS Track & Cross Country Teams
8-10 a.m. Red Stu Race Day Breakfast with Mimosa/Bloody Mary Bar proceeds go to the Bemidji Chamber Young
Professionals Network
9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Dragon Boat Races
6-9 p.m. Annual Cornhole Tournament; All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society Beltrami County Relay for Life
The Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival continues to serve as a highlight of the summer season, drawing participants,
spectators, and visitors from across Minnesota and beyond.
For more information, team registration, event details or to volunteer, please visit bemidjidragonboat.com or follow the Lake
Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival on social media.