The second annual North Hempstead & Ohana Paddling Association Dragon Boat Festival takes over North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington on Saturday, July 25, bringing color, competition, and community to the western Long Island waterfront.

Nearly 40 teams will race brightly decorated dragon boats across Hempstead Harbor, powered by the rhythmic beat of drums and the coordinated paddling of up to 20 athletes per boat. The free, all-day event has quickly become one of the more distinctive cultural gatherings on Long Island, blending centuries-old Chinese tradition with modern community celebration.

In addition to the races, the festival features cultural performances, a large food marketplace with more than 20 vendors, family activities, merchant booths, and a lantern release that lights up the water at the end of the day. New for 2026 are open divisions and all-cancer-paddler divisions, expanding participation beyond traditional mixed and corporate teams. The Athlete's Parade and Best Team Jersey Contest add extra energy to the schedule.

North Hempstead Beach Park, located on the Port Washington waterfront, has proven an ideal setting. The combination of open water, park space, and easy access from both Nassau and western Suffolk has helped the event grow quickly since its debut. Town of North Hempstead officials formally partnered with the Ohana Paddling Association this year, elevating the festival from a permit-based gathering to an official town-supported event.

For Long Island families looking for something beyond the usual beach day or street fair, the Dragon Boat Festival offers a different kind of summer experience. The visual impact of the boats, the sound of the drums, and the communal energy of the races create an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and rooted in tradition. Spectators can watch from the shoreline, explore the marketplace, and enjoy the waterfront setting that defines so much of western Long Island life.

Organizers have emphasized accessibility. Admission is free, and the event is designed to welcome both competitive paddlers and casual visitors from across Long Island. The lantern release, which concludes the day, has already become a favorite moment for many who attended last year.

As Long Island continues to host an expanding calendar of cultural and community events throughout Nassau and Suffolk, the Dragon Boat Festival stands out for its combination of athleticism, heritage, and pure visual spectacle. On July 25, Port Washington and the Town of North Hempstead will be the place to experience it.