Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
FREE Dragon Boat Race and Festival returns Aug 8—how to experience it
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One of Birmingham’s most lively summer traditions is paddling into the weekend with a day full of competition, community and connection.
The 2026 Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival returns to East Lake Park on Saturday, August 8, bringing free family-friendly activities for all ages.
Read on to discover why this year’s festival is a must-attend event. You’ll also learn how to get in on the action by signing up to compete in the dragon boat races or the cocktail contest, two exciting ways to support Mitchell’s Place and its mission of helping children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays reach their full potential.
Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival 2026 details
- When: Sat, Aug 8, 2026 | 8AM–2:30PM
- Where: 8101 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206
- Cost: Free admission to festival | $25 to enter cocktail contest | $20 suggested donation to sample cocktails
Can’t make it? You can still support Mitchell’s Place by donating here.
Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival returns to East Lake Park to support children with autism
The Dragon Boat Race & Festival helps fund programs that support children and families across Birmingham. (Mitchell’s Place)
Since 2019, the Dragon Boat Race & Festival has transformed East Lake Park in Birmingham into a full day of friendly competition, community spirit and mission-driven fun.
At the center of the event is Mitchell’s Place, a Birmingham-based nonprofit that provides diagnostic, educational and therapeutic services for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. They also run an accredited preschool and team up with families to build personalized plans so every child can grow and thrive.
The festival has helped raise money and awareness for the kids and families Mitchell’s Place serves—and made East Lake Park the place to be every August.
How to sign up for the 2026 Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race + make an impact
Birmingham comes together each year for the Dragon Boat Race & Festival at East Lake Park. (Mitchell’s Place)
Never tried dragon boat racing? It’s a centuries-old team sport where crews paddle colorful, dragon-themed boats in exciting head-to-head races. It’s all about teamwork, friendly competition and having fun on the water.
Last year, 12 teams competed in the Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival. This year, there are 25 spots available for local teams to register.
Here’s what to expect when you sign up:
- Build your team: Gather 10 paddlers (with a minimum of 4 women) plus one drummer from your coworkers, friends or family.
- Race a dragon boat: Paddle across East Lake in exciting head-to-head races.
- No experience needed: Boats, paddles, life jackets, coaching + practice sessions are all provided before race day.
- Compete for bragging rights: Race for trophies while supporting Mitchell’s Place and the children + families it serves.
Interested in competing in the dragon boat races? The last day to sign up is Monday, July 20. Learn more + register here.
Compete in the Mitchell’s Place cocktail contest on Aug. 8, 2026
Festivalgoers can sip creative cocktails during the Dragon Boat Race & Festival while supporting children with autism and their families. (Mitchell’s Place)
Think you make a signature drink worthy of the spotlight? This is your chance to show off your mixology skills in front of a lively Birmingham crowd—and for a good cause.
Hosted by the Mitchell’s Place Junior Board, the cocktail contest returns as part of the festival. Participation is $25 per team. Enter as a team of two, create a Tito’s Vodka cocktail and let the crowd and judges decide if you’ve got the best drink at the festival.
Taking place during the Dragon Boat Race & Festival, guests ages 21+ can sample entries at the cocktail tent with a $20 suggested donation and cast their vote for the People’s Choice winner.
Want in? The deadline to enter the cocktail contest is Friday, August 7 at 12PM. Sign up your team now and bring your best recipe to the table.
More things to do at the 2026 Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Event attendees enjoy food, music and more at East Lake Park in Birmingham. (Mitchell’s Place)
Not racing or mixing cocktails? There’s still plenty of festival fun to enjoy throughout the day, including:
- Local food trucks will be serving everything from tacos + American favorites to cotton candy + kettle corn
- Kids’ zone packed with family-friendly fun, including caricatures by former WWE wrestler Lash LeRoux, an inflatable bounce house, bubbles, coloring stations, a hula hoop contest + yard games
- Live music by the band Murph
- A merchant market with local artisans like Kyle’s Cool Beans + Cafe Baboy
- Autism awareness + resource booths for families + caregivers
Mitchell’s Place is planning new events for 2027
While the 2026 Dragon Boat Race & Festival will be the final year of the beloved tradition, Mitchell’s Place is looking ahead to new ways to bring the community together and support its mission.
“While saying goodbye to Dragon Boats is bittersweet, we are incredibly grateful for the memories, friendships and impact this event has created over the years. We’re also excited for the opportunities ahead as we continue finding new ways to bring our community together and support families impacted by autism.”
Brenna Hester, Director of Advancement, Mitchell’s Place
In 2027, the organization plans to launch a new community luncheon focused on autism education, bringing together families, professionals and community leaders to learn, connect and help build a more inclusive Birmingham. The event will continue Mitchell’s Place’s mission while creating new ways for the community to get involved.
Don’t miss the Dragon Boat Race & Festival on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Race, donate or support Mitchell’s Place and help change lives across Birmingham.
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