May 4. The 2023 Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival Race and Charlotte Asian Festival are set for Saturday, May 13 at Ramsey Creek Park.

This annual family-oriented event is a celebration of Asian cultures. The festival celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history.

One of highlights, along with the food vendors, is the Dragon Boat race, 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.

Schedule

Dragon boat team registration begins on 7:30 am with time trials at 9 am.

10 am, the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce tent opens.

10:15 am, International Parade of Nations

10:50 am, Festival opening ceremony followed by the opening of the cultural showcase, vendor booths and food stands.

The Dragon Boat Race semifinals will be held.

Noon, “Search for the Best” of Asian Festival Performing Arts

1:30 pm, Dragon Boat Race finals

2 pm, cultural program.

4 pm Dragon Boat Race Awards Ceremony (Team Village)

4:30 pm, Awards & Trophies “Search for the Best”

4:55 pm, closing remarks

Parking

There is no public parking for the Asian Festival at Ramsey Creek Park.

Parking is available at 8900 North Pointe Executive Park, Huntersville, with complimentary shuttle service to the festival site. 

The lot is open to festival visitors at 9 am, with continuing free shuttle service to and from the venue.

Directions from Charlotte, I-77 Northbound: Take Exit 25 ramp and make left at light on to Sam Furr Road (Hwy. 73). At second light, with gas station on right, turn right onto Northcross Drive. Follow signs for about 0.2 miles for parking entrance on left to North Pointe Executive Park Drive.

Traffic attendants will guide you to the appropriate section to park and board shuttle bus to Ramsey Creek Park.