Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Paddle: February 28, 2026 (new date!)

WHAT: Welcome the Lunar New Year with a one-of-a-kind Dragon Boat Paddle on the Willamette River! In partnership with Wasabi Paddling Club and DragonSports, this festive community experience invites paddlers of all levels to come aboard vibrant dragon boats and take part in a time-honored activity rooted in teamwork, rhythm, and celebration.

Rain or shine, we'll spend about an hour paddling together on the river, surrounded by winter scenery and the energy of one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. Afterward, we'll gather at Little River Cafe to connect over warm tea and traditional mooncakes. We invite you to come celebrate community, culture, and the turning of the lunar calendar.

Bring your family, friends, wool beanie, warm/waterproof layers, and festive spirit to celebrate the Year of the Horse in community.



WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 11AM - 2PM

We'll meet at the flagpoles in front of Klimpton RiverPlace Hotel at 1510 S. Harbor Way, Portland, OR 97201. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers, organize crews, and walk together to our dragon boats to begin at 11AM.

From our Dragon Boat partners: Welcome to your rain or shine Dragon Boat Paddling event! Please wear shoes (sneakers are fine) and synthetic or wool clothing that can get wet. Rain gear is helpful if we get heavy rain, but not necessary. Gloves are not as useful as it is hard to hold onto the paddle with gloves on. Please bring a warm hat, water bottles/thermos, and additional warm layers/change of clothing. Bring your cellphone in a water tight pouch or lockers are available for phones and other valuables that can't get wet. Street parking is available nearby or a Smart Park nearby on 1st/Jefferson and underground parking on Harbor.

This is a community gathering event that's designed to be safe, accessible, and engaging for all to celebrate the Lunar New Year on the Willamette. Willamette Riverkeeper and Dragon Boat partners will provide instruction, experienced crew, dragon boats, paddles and PFDs. Kids (ages 12+) accompanied by an adult who is responsible and authorized to sign their participation waiver are welcome. 

QUESTIONS? Reach out to event coordinator, Theresa Tran at theresa@willametteriverkeeper.org.

Willamette Riverkeeper thanks our partners at DragonSports, Wasabi Paddling Club and Little River Cafe for making this Lunar New Year event possible!