Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Ever seen a dragon boat race? Check out this local festival on August 9 for food, fun + a great cause
Reading time: 4 minutes

Ready to witness an epic race, devour delicious bites from your favorite food trucks and support an amazing cause? The Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival, presented by Medical Properties Trust, is back for its fifth annual event on Saturday, August 9, and it’s set to be bigger, bolder and boatier than ever.
Read on for why this event matters—plus five things you’ll want to experience while you’re there.
Why the Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival is important

All the fun happening on the water and onshore during the Dragon Boat Race & Festival supports Mitchell’s Place, a Birmingham-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.
Your Dragon Boat Race & Festival to-do-list
While supporting a great cause is the main reason to attend the event, you’ll also find lots of exciting experiences to enjoy throughout the day.
Here are five things you must do while soaking up the action at East Lake Park:
1. Food trucks: fuel up with Birmingham favorites

You’ll need plenty of energy to cheer—or paddle—at this event. Fortunately, a variety of popular Birmingham food trucks will be on site to fill you up with great eats, such as:
- Black Top Bistro
- Corazon Mexican Food Truck
- Freezy’s Shaved Ice
- Hollywood Grill
- LuvinLemonade
2. Merchant Marketplace: shop local vendors, from coffee to pound cakes

If you enjoy discovering new local businesses to support, be sure to stop by the Merchant Marketplace. You’ll find a variety of must-browse booths featuring everything from fresh-roasted coffee to handmade goodies.
Here are a few to look forward to:
- Alicia’s Coffee
- Aromas from Home
- Emily’s Heirloom Poundcakes
- Pinky Fancy Faces
- Portraits of Hope + more
3. Dragon Boat Races: chill dockside or compete at East Lake Park



Experience dragon boat races at East Lake Park. (Mitchell’s Place)
Get ready for a serious adrenaline boost as you watch—or paddle—a 46-foot dragon boat across East Lake Park. These vibrant boats are decked out with colorful scales, a dragon’s head and tail and powered by teams of 10 or 20 paddlers and one costumed drummer.
Throughout the festival, local teams will hit the water to raise funds for Mitchell’s Place and to earn some bragging rights while they’re at it.
Want in? Last year, 12 teams competed for gold, and there’s room for more this year. If you’re interested in participating, get the details and sign up by July 31. All gear is provided, and no experience is required!
4. Cocktail contest: sip, sample + vote!

Hosted by Mitchell’s Place’s Junior Board and sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, this spirited cocktail competition brings local mixologists together for a lively—and delicious—showdown.
Want to taste? Head to the cocktail tent entrance at 11AM to sip, sample and cast your vote for People’s Choice. A suggested $20 donation to Mitchell’s Place gets you in on the fun!
Think you’ve got what it takes behind the bar? Sign up to compete by July 31.
Heads up: You must be 21+ with a valid ID to participate.
5. Family-friendly fun zone: play carnival games + hear local music

Activities are a big part of the festival, with family-friendly fun for all ages.
A few things to check out, include:
- Sensory-friendly kids’ zone with carnival games, art activities + more
- Live music from Birmingham band Murph
- Drummer’s Parade
Attend the Dragon Boat Race & Festival at East Lake Park
- When: Saturday, August 9 | 8AM
- Where: East Lake Park, 8101 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206
- Cost: Free admission
Support Mitchell’s Place—sign up to race in the Dragon Boat Race & Festival, volunteer at the event on August 9 or make a donation today.
Mitchell’s Place would like to thank this year’s event sponsors.
Sponsored by: