Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race

Lake Norman explodes with color and drumbeats when dragon boats slice across the water during this high-energy spring celebration combining competitive racing with cultural immersion. Held on a Saturday in late May at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius, the festival runs 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and features 20–30 dragon boat teams racing in heats throughout the day while onshore booths showcase Asian cuisine, martial arts demonstrations, traditional dance performances, and children’s activities that teach cultural traditions through hands-on fun.

Racing heats begin at 10:00 AM, with finals typically scheduled for 3:00–4:00 PM when crowds are thickest and energy peaks. The best viewing spots line the shoreline near the race start and finish lines, so arrive by 9:30 AM to claim your territory with blankets or camp chairs. Admission is free, though food and vendor purchases require cash or card. Parking fills the main lot by 10:00 AM, triggering overflow parking 0.25 miles away with free shuttle service running every 15 minutes. Late May temperatures near Lake Norman typically hit the mid-80s, so bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water for full-day attendees. Food vendors serve Vietnamese pho, Korean barbecue, Chinese dumplings, and Thai spring rolls, with meal prices running $8–15.

Book a Lake Norman rental through Lake.com and extend this cultural celebration into a full waterfront weekend. Spend Friday exploring the lake by pontoon boat or stand-up paddleboard, attend the festival on Saturday, then use Sunday for lazy dock time and grilling at your rental. Cornelius and Huntersville properties put you minutes from Ramsey Creek Park while keeping you right on the water, perfect for families who want racing excitement and quiet lake mornings in the same trip.