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COUNTDOWN TO THE 2026 CHARLESTON DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Nearly 1,000 paddlers are coming together to raise funds for Dragon Boat Charleston's mission programs, nourishing the minds, bodies, and spirits of lowcountry cancer survivors. It's the fundraising that supports our mission! Team registration fees offset the cost of the festival, so the fundraising can directly support our mission!
FAQs are updated as needed. Please check back to ensure you've got the latest info!
REGISTRATION and PARTICIPATION
1What does it cost to participate in the festival?
Early bird team registration is $900 per team and is open through Jan. 15.
After Jan. 15, the registration fee is $1,100 per team.
Each paddler also commits to raising a minimum of $200.
After Jan. 15, the registration fee is $1,100 per team.
Each paddler also commits to raising a minimum of $200.
2What does registration include?
The registration fee includes 2 team practices prior to the festival, a 10'x10' tent at the festival, lifejackets, paddles, and steers-person.
Teams raising more than $5,000 by April 1, 2026, may request a 20'x20' tent. Tents are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Teams raising more than $5,000 by April 1, 2026, may request a 20'x20' tent. Tents are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
3How does a TEAM register?
The TEAM CAPTAIN registers the team using the link provided and pays the registration fee. The registration fee can be paid in one of two ways: 1) online via credit card or 2) by mailing a check within two weeks of registering. If you need to split up payments, please contact Sarah before starting the registration process.
NOTE: There will be no option for individual paddlers to make payments towards the team registration fee.
After registering, the team captain will receive a confirmation email. The team members should then be notified that they can register. Note that no codes are required for individual registrations this year.
After registering, the team captain will receive a confirmation email. The team members should then be notified that they can register. Note that no codes are required for individual registrations this year.
4How do TEAM MEMBERS register?
Team captains will notify their team members when their team is open. To register, you'll need to complete two steps- sign a waiver and join a team. Before starting the registration process, make sure you know your team's current name. Your team's name may have changed.
1. Complete the waiver by clicking the link provided.
2. Click the bottom of the Festival Home Page and scroll to "Join a Team". Fill out the information, submit the form, and ta-da, you're ready to go!!
NOTE: If you do not see your team listed, contact your team captain. Please don't create a new team.
1. Complete the waiver by clicking the link provided.
2. Click the bottom of the Festival Home Page and scroll to "Join a Team". Fill out the information, submit the form, and ta-da, you're ready to go!!
NOTE: If you do not see your team listed, contact your team captain. Please don't create a new team.
5How are teams made up?
All teams, except men's, should have 20 paddlers and one drummer. Men's teams should have 18 paddlers and a drummer. To ensure a full boat for the festival, we recommend 25 team members. This allows for alternates should you lose a paddler.
The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival is a community festival for amateur paddlers to raise money for cancer survivor programs. To keep things fair, each team is allowed only two traveling paddlers. Traveling paddlers are defined as, 1) individuals who regularly practice with a dragon boat team or club, 2) individuals who have participated in organized dragon boat races, 3) anyone who has attended a dragon boat clinic or camp. This rule does not apply to cancer survivor teams on which a minimum of 12 paddlers must be cancer survivors.
The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival is a community festival for amateur paddlers to raise money for cancer survivor programs. To keep things fair, each team is allowed only two traveling paddlers. Traveling paddlers are defined as, 1) individuals who regularly practice with a dragon boat team or club, 2) individuals who have participated in organized dragon boat races, 3) anyone who has attended a dragon boat clinic or camp. This rule does not apply to cancer survivor teams on which a minimum of 12 paddlers must be cancer survivors.
6How do practices work?
All paddlers are required to attend at least one practice to ensure they receive safety and paddling instruction. Practices are about an hour. All paddlers must have completed the waiver before paddling. No waiver = no paddling.
Practices are held during the two weeks leading up to the festival. About a month before the festival, the team captain will receive a sign-up link for scheduling practices. They will choose two sessions from the list.
Sponsors and top fundraising teams may have additional options for practice dates. Those teams will be contacted directly.
If a team member cannot attend any of their scheduled practices, they can show up during the practice weeks and join another team’s practice. There's no need to notify us.
Practices are held during the two weeks leading up to the festival. About a month before the festival, the team captain will receive a sign-up link for scheduling practices. They will choose two sessions from the list.
Sponsors and top fundraising teams may have additional options for practice dates. Those teams will be contacted directly.
If a team member cannot attend any of their scheduled practices, they can show up during the practice weeks and join another team’s practice. There's no need to notify us.
7Are there any age restrictions for team members?
Yes, all team members must be 15 years old or older. Parental permission is required for paddlers under the age of 18.
QUICK LINKS
FESTIVAL HOME PAGE
Registration Page (opens Dec. 16)
Donation Page and Leader Board (coming soon!)
FESTIVAL CONTACTS
Registrations, donations, and practices: Sarah Evans, Executive Director
Donations, sponsorships, and festival management: Lucy Spears, Mission Director
FUNDRAISING and DONATIONS
1Why should I fundraise and how is the money used?
Dragon Boat Charleston provides cancer survivors with a support system unlike any other, nourishing the mind, body, and spirit. We've earned Candid's Platinum seal of Transparency, so you know where the funds go!
All donations support the mission programs of Dragon Boat Charleston. These funds allow cancer survivors to participate FREE OF CHARGE in paddling, health and nutrition programs, and social events throughout the year.
All donations support the mission programs of Dragon Boat Charleston. These funds allow cancer survivors to participate FREE OF CHARGE in paddling, health and nutrition programs, and social events throughout the year.
2How can I put the FUN in FUNdraising??
Fundraising should be FUN! Of course, you can just ask for donations, but here are some other ideas to consider:
1) Contribute to the festival online auction. Whatever your item raises will be credited to your team's fundraising goal. Details to come.
2) Have a yard sale
3) Host a fabulous private party or oyster roast with a small fee for attending
4) Ask a business to put up a donation jar or have a Dine to Donate evening
5) Use your talents and donate sales from crafts
1) Contribute to the festival online auction. Whatever your item raises will be credited to your team's fundraising goal. Details to come.
2) Have a yard sale
3) Host a fabulous private party or oyster roast with a small fee for attending
4) Ask a business to put up a donation jar or have a Dine to Donate evening
5) Use your talents and donate sales from crafts
3Are there awards for fundraising?
Absolutely! The festival is Dragon Boat Charleston's largest fundraiser every year, and we know how hard the teams work to support our mission programs for cancer survivors.
The top team and the top three individuals raising the most money win glory, accolades, and free registration the following year!
We know some teams like to fundraise during the festival, and we love that!! We'll have special prizes for the teams that raise the most during the festival.
The top team and the top three individuals raising the most money win glory, accolades, and free registration the following year!
We know some teams like to fundraise during the festival, and we love that!! We'll have special prizes for the teams that raise the most during the festival.
4How do I make a donation?
Donations may be made online by credit card, by mailing a check to DBC, or by cash.
Online donations can be made on the festival web page.
Checks should be made to Dragon Boat Charleston and mailed to 1643 Savannah Hwy #261, Charleston, SC 29407. Be sure to include the name of the fundraiser to credit.
All checks must be mailed prior to April 15th. After April 15th, checks may be dropped off during practice weeks.
Cash donations are accepted at packet pickup and on the day of the festival.
Online donations can be made on the festival web page.
Checks should be made to Dragon Boat Charleston and mailed to 1643 Savannah Hwy #261, Charleston, SC 29407. Be sure to include the name of the fundraiser to credit.
All checks must be mailed prior to April 15th. After April 15th, checks may be dropped off during practice weeks.
Cash donations are accepted at packet pickup and on the day of the festival.
5What's the deadline for festival donations?
The Fundraising Awards presented on festival day will be based on the donations received by 7 PM on May 1.
Cash and online donations must be received by 7 PM on Friday, May 1, to be included in the totals for fundraising recognition at the festival.
Any cash or checks received after April 16th should be turned in at practice days or at packet pickup on May 1.
Encourage your donors to mail checks early to ensure you're credited for them in time for the festival fundraising awards.
Festival donations are accepted through May 31, and count towards your fundraising goal.
Cash and online donations must be received by 7 PM on Friday, May 1, to be included in the totals for fundraising recognition at the festival.
Any cash or checks received after April 16th should be turned in at practice days or at packet pickup on May 1.
Encourage your donors to mail checks early to ensure you're credited for them in time for the festival fundraising awards.
Festival donations are accepted through May 31, and count towards your fundraising goal.
6Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! Dragon Boat Charleston is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and your donation may be deductible. Check with your tax advisor.
Our Tax ID # is 32-0253953.
Our Tax ID # is 32-0253953.
7Will donors receive a thank you?
All online donors will receive an automatic thank you note with tax information via email.
If the donor pays by check, they will receive an acknowledgment based on the information provided by the donor (for gifts over $200).
If you receive a cash donation, you can email staff to send a thank-you note for donations over $100 .
If the donor pays by check, they will receive an acknowledgment based on the information provided by the donor (for gifts over $200).
If you receive a cash donation, you can email staff to send a thank-you note for donations over $100 .
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
1When and where is the festival?
May 2, 2026, at Brittlebank Park.
Plan on a full day of fun from about 8 am-4 pm.
The address is 185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403.
The address is 185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403.
2Where do we park?
Parking for the festival will be available at the Fishburn St. parking lot for $10/day. Just let them know you're with the dragon boat festival. Maps will be available online and sent to team captains prior to the festival. Team captains and major sponsors will receive VIP parking passes for spaces closest to the site.
3When can we set up?
Drop off and set up as much as possible on Friday, May 1, after 1 p.m. There will be overnight security. There will be no drop-offs on Saturday.
4How do I find my team's tent?
Festival maps will be sent to the team captains, posted online, and available at the Welcome tent.
5Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Sure! Plus, we'll have some great food trucks and a beer garden on site! Teams can bring food, drinks, etc. to the race venue. No coolers larger than 48-quart size and no grills or open fires.
6Will there be entertainment?
Yes, and plenty of it, starting with the Children's Dragon Parade! In addition to the dragon boat races, there will be live performances by our friends from the Chinese Association in Greater Charleston and Charleston Chinese Academy. Stop by the Community Resource tent—your one-stop spot for fun tips and tools to stay on top of your health. And we're adding the Wellness Village this year, so you can experience some of the great things our local businesses have to offer!
7What awards are presented?
Fundraising is the heart of the festival! It helps cover the costs for cancer survivors to participate free of charge in year-round activities.
Awards are given to the top fundraising team and the top three individual fundraisers.
The Dragon Spirit Award is given out for best team spirit. Decorate your tent, wear team or themed shirts, and celebrate the day!
Awards are given to the top fundraising team and the top three individual fundraisers.
The Dragon Spirit Award is given out for best team spirit. Decorate your tent, wear team or themed shirts, and celebrate the day!
8Who can come to the festival?
The festival is free and open to the public. We love a crowd!
Please leave your furry friends at home.
Please leave your furry friends at home.
9A word about weather
Festival and festival practices are rain or shine. In the case of high winds and/or lightning, all water activity will be canceled. Team captains will receive notification via their selected method (text, email, or both) in the event of cancellation. They are responsible for notifying their team of the cancellation.
STAY ALERT! Weather may impact the race schedule. Make sure you're able to hear the announcer so you don't miss your race.
STAY ALERT! Weather may impact the race schedule. Make sure you're able to hear the announcer so you don't miss your race.
10A note on over celebrating
The City of Charleston Police Department joins us in ensuring the safety of all. All paddlers must be sober while participating in races. Safety is our top priority, and intoxicated individuals are strictly prohibited from paddling.
ABOUT THE DRAGON BOAT RACES
1How many paddlers should be on a team?
Each boat holds 20 people plus one drummer. We recommend a team of approximately 25 people so you have alternates in case of illness or injury.
Your team can paddle “light” with as little as 16 people, but it is not recommended.
Mixed teams must have a minimum of 8 women on a team of 20 (40% of the team). Men's teams should have 18 paddlers and a drummer.
All Team Captains must sign a team waiver (available during practice week) that lists everyone on your final roster.
Intoxicated paddlers will not be allowed to enter the marshaling area or to race.
Mixed teams must have a minimum of 8 women on a team of 20 (40% of the team). Men's teams should have 18 paddlers and a drummer.
All Team Captains must sign a team waiver (available during practice week) that lists everyone on your final roster.
Intoxicated paddlers will not be allowed to enter the marshaling area or to race.
2When are the Captains' Meetings?
There will be two very important Captains' Meetings. The first is the Captains Spring Meeting, when we'll review the details for the event, fundraising strategies, and more! The date, time, and location will be announced soon.
The second meeting is the Captains' Race Meeting on Friday, May 1, at 6:30 pm. All team captains are required to attend. We'll review the race rules and share any last-minute information.
The second meeting is the Captains' Race Meeting on Friday, May 1, at 6:30 pm. All team captains are required to attend. We'll review the race rules and share any last-minute information.
3What's the drummer do?
The drummer sits at the bow of the boat and beats to the rhythm of the boat, cheering the team to victory! Many choose to wear a costume, adding to the pageantry of the festival.
All teams must have their own drummer. We will offer two drumming clinics prior to the festival. Team captains will be notified of the dates and times for those clinics
All teams must have their own drummer. We will offer two drumming clinics prior to the festival. Team captains will be notified of the dates and times for those clinics
4Are there medals for racing?
Absolutely! The Festival Champions will be crowned, and the top three teams in each division will receive a medal.
5What if the weather's bad?
In the case of high winds and/or lightning, all water activity will be canceled. Team captains will receive notification via their selected method (text, email, or both) in the event of cancellation. They are responsible for notifying their team of the cancellation.
STAY ALERT! Weather may impact the race schedule. Make sure you're able to hear the announcer so you don't miss your race.
STAY ALERT! Weather may impact the race schedule. Make sure you're able to hear the announcer so you don't miss your race.
6A safety reminder
Only paddlers and race volunteers will be allowed on the docks, and everyone on the dock must wear a life jacket.
All paddlers must be sober. Intoxicated individuals will not be permitted to paddle.
All paddlers must be sober. Intoxicated individuals will not be permitted to paddle.
7How does the Team Challenge work?
To place the challenge, simply donate $200 and name the team you're challenging. That team can accept your challenge or buy their way out of it for $100. We'll go over all the details in the Spring Captain's Meeting.
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