Mississippi Valley Dragon Boat Festival

What you need to know as a Spectator!

We highly encourage the community to come to this event and watch. Bring a lawn chair and the family for a day of fun! Races begin at 9AM near the beach area of West Lake– enter Gate 1 and pass the campground. The races will wrap up at 2:30PM. 

Vendor Village: Open 9:00AM-4:00 PM, featuring food and craft vendors offering local favorites and handmade treasures.

• Family-Friendly Activities: Interactive fun for kids, a cancer survivor doing face painting donating a portion to Gilda’s, opportunities to meet paddlers, and a welcoming atmosphere make the festival ideal for families and friends.
• Beer Tent: Sponsored by Bent River Brewery, providing refreshments for adult guests. Suggested donation of $3 per beer. 
• Flower Ceremony at lunch break to honor those in community navigating a diagnosis or honoring those we may have lost. $3 per flower.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation to support CSC at Gilda’s Club’s free programs for those living with cancer. Cash, check, card or venmo. 

This high-energy, visually stunning event is unlike anything else in the Quad Cities—and we expect it to draw strong community interest.

It’s a thrilling team sport and a fantastic team-building experience for employees, friends, or any group ready for a unique challenge. We are thrilled to be working with 22Dragons one of the largest dragon boat racing clubs in Canada, and with 22Dragons USA Inc, North America’s leading dragon boat racing event service providers.

What’s Dragon Boating?

It’s an adrenaline-pumping race where teams paddle in perfect unison—guided by the beat of a drum—to power a sleek boat across the water. Teams can include up to 16 paddlers (minimum of 9), and to keep things inclusive and fun, at least a third of the crew must be women. (Club Teams up to 20 paddlers)

Each team receives a coached practice session the day before, and on race day, will compete in three heats—offering plenty of chances to connect, compete, and celebrate together.

Any ability can participate in Dragon Boating, participants must be 16 years of age. 

What Do We Need to Bring?
Nothing but your energy and team spirit! Boats, paddles, life jackets, and all required safety equipment are included.

Fundraising Your Team Rate
Each team pays a registration fee, but you don’t have to cover it alone. We’ll set up a fundraising page for your team so friends, family, and coworkers can contribute toward your team rate.

If your group doesn’t need to fundraise to cover the cost, you can still use your page to raise additional funds in support of the free programs and mission of Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club. Click here to get started.