2025 Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival starts the party, and raises money for 23rd Veteran

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The 2025 Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival (LSDBF) is here!

Kicking off with an opening ceremony and 5k tonight, this family friendly event is an iconic tradition in the twin ports.

This year’s charitable partner, 23rd Veteran, helps veterans adjust to civilian life after serving.

The Boat Races begin at 8am Saturday August 22nd.

Teams of 22 paddlers will compete to take home the win.

Throughout the day visitors can enjoy activities, food, music, and more.

This event is organized by the Superior Rotary Club.

Each year they donate proceeds to local charitable causes.

They’ve raised over $1.3 million though the LSDBF since it began in 2002.

The full line up of events is found below, donations and other info can be found on the Superior Dragon Boat Festival website.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. (Festival Park on Barker’s Island)
• 4 p.m.: Beer Garden & Food Trucks open
• 5 – 8 p.m.: Cornhole Tournament
• 5 p.m.: “It’s 5K Some Where” Run
• 6 p.m.: Kids Fun Run
• 6:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremony & Parade of Teams
• 7 – 7:30 p.m.: Captain’s Meeting (Registration Tent)
• 7 – 11 p.m.: Some Sh*tty Cover Band

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• 8:00 a.m.: DRAGON BOAT RACES BEGIN! (Barker’s Island Beach)
• 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast PASS
• 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Sterling Silver Studio (Festival Park Bandshell)
• 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: 23rd Veteran DJ/Emcee (Festival Park)
• 10 a.m.: Beer Garden
• 10 a.m – 3:00 p.m.: Cornhole Tournament
• 11:00 a.m.: Food Trucks
• 11:15 a.m.: Rose Petal Ceremony (Barker’s Island Beach)
• 11:30 a.m.: Tug-of-war Tournament
• 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Lake City Smoking Section (Festival Park Bandshell)
• 4:00 p.m.: CHAMPIONSHIP RACES (Barker’s Island Beach)
• 5:00 p.m.: Closing Ceremony with Medals awarded
(Festival Park Bandshell)