Chinese Cultural Festival
Edmonton
Dragon
Festival
August 21–23, 2026
Experience three unforgettable days of championship lion dance, authentic cuisine, cultural performances, family attractions, live entertainment, and community celebration in Edmonton's historic Chinatown.
10249 96 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta
Event Highlights
Discover championship lion dance, incredible food, family activities, live entertainment, and unforgettable evening experiences.
Relive Last Year's Edmonton Dragon Festival
Experience the energy, colour and excitement of last year's festival. Watch championship lion dance performances, cultural celebrations, incredible food, live entertainment and memorable moments from Edmonton's Chinatown.
Watch the highlights and get ready for an even bigger celebration this August.
Watch Festival Recap
National Championship
Canada National Lion Dance Championship
Canada's top lion dance teams compete for national titles in an exciting display of athleticism, precision, and tradition.
International Championship
Pan American Traditional Lion Dance Championship
Elite teams from across North America and the Caribbean compete for Pan American honours.
Culinary Celebration
Taste of Chinatown
Discover authentic Asian cuisine, local restaurants, food trucks, desserts, bubble tea, and specialty treats.
Presented by TD
TD Family Fun Zone
Free family entertainment including inflatables, cultural activities, games, crafts, and hands-on experiences.
Friday Night
REEL Chinatown
Presented by Facinasian Film Festival. Enjoy a free outdoor movie experience beneath the stars in Edmonton's Chinatown.
Saturday Night
CantoPop Night
An evening of live music by CandyMusic Productions celebrating Cantonese and Asian pop culture.
Festival Patio
Beer Garden
Enjoy refreshing beverages, premium stage viewing, and live entertainment in the festival beer garden.
Festival Schedule
Three exciting days of championship competition, live entertainment, family programming, authentic cuisine, and cultural celebration in the heart of Edmonton's Chinatown.
August 21
Opening Day
- 🥁 Lion Dance Preliminary Competition
- 🎈 TD Family Fun Zone
- 🛍 Marketplace Opens
- 🍜 Taste of Chinatown
- 🎭 Main Stage Entertainment
- 🍺 Beer Garden
- 🎬 REEL Chinatown: Shaolin Soccer
August 22
Championship Day
- 🎉 Opening Ceremony
- 🏆 Canada National Championship Finals
- 🐉 Pan American Championship
- 🎈 TD Family Fun Zone
- 🛍 Marketplace
- 🎤 Main Stage Entertainment
- 🍺 Beer Garden
- 🎶 CantoPop Night
August 23
Finals & Closing Celebration
- 🥇 Pan American Finals
- 🦁 Lion Dance Showcase
- 🎈 TD Family Fun Zone
- 🛍 Marketplace
- 🍜 Taste of Chinatown
- 🎊 Closing Ceremony
- 🏅 Awards Presentation
Lion Dance Competitions
Canada's Biggest Lion Dance Weekend
The Edmonton Dragon Festival proudly hosts two of North America's premier lion dance championships, bringing together elite teams from across Canada and the Americas for three days of incredible athleticism, tradition, and cultural excellence.
Canada National Lion Dance Championship
Canada's best lion dance teams compete for the nation's highest honours in a spectacular showcase of precision, athleticism and traditional performance.
Pan American Traditional Lion Dance Championship
Elite international teams compete in Traditional Southern Lion Dance, demonstrating extraordinary strength, rhythm, teamwork and artistry.
Pan American Lion & Dragon Dance Judging Certification
A three-day certification program for current and aspiring lion and dragon dance judges. Participants will receive classroom and practical instruction focused on competition standards, scoring, deductions, ethics and official judging procedures.
- Competition rules and judging standards
- Scoring methodology and deductions
- Practical judging exercises
- Professional ethics and responsibilities
- Certification assessment
Competition Features
Traditional Lion Dance
Precision Performance
Championship Awards
Taste of Chinatown
Experience one of Edmonton's most exciting culinary festivals. Discover authentic flavours from Chinatown restaurants, local food trucks, and guest food merchants from across Alberta.
Interested in showcasing your cuisine? Join Taste of Chinatown and serve thousands of festival attendees throughout the Edmonton Dragon Festival.
Dim Sum
BBQ
Noodles
Bubble Tea
Street Food
Desserts
Regional Chinese Cuisine
Asian Fusion
Marketplace
Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisans, entrepreneurs, cultural organizations, and small businesses. Discover unique products, handcrafted goods, and one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting Edmonton's diverse Asian community.
Art
Original artwork, paintings, prints, and creative works from local artists.
Fashion
Contemporary apparel, cultural clothing, and unique accessories.
Jewellery
Handcrafted jewellery inspired by Asian culture and modern design.
Home Décor
Beautiful décor, artwork, and gifts to brighten any home.
Asian Snacks
Imported treats, specialty foods, candies, and unique flavours from across Asia.
Community Organizations
Meet local organizations making a positive impact throughout Edmonton.
Handmade Goods
Locally crafted products, artisan creations, and handmade gifts.
Local Businesses
Support over 10 local vendors showcasing unique products, services, and experiences from Edmonton's vibrant business community.
Proudly Presented by TD
TD Family Fun Zone
Designed for children and families, the TD Family Fun Zone offers free activities, cultural experiences, interactive entertainment, and hands-on fun all weekend long.
Inflatables
Games
Face Painting
Crafts
Interactive Entertainment
Educational Activities
Cultural Experiences
Beer Garden
Relax in the licensed Beer Garden while enjoying the excitement of the Edmonton Dragon Festival. Grab a drink, enjoy incredible food, and experience live entertainment from one of the festival's best viewing locations.
Local Breweries
Featuring Alberta's favourite craft breweries.
Craft Beer
A rotating selection of local and premium beers.
Cocktails
Refreshing handcrafted cocktails and mixed drinks.
Cider
Local and imported ciders available throughout the weekend.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Soft drinks and alcohol-free beverages available.
Premium Stage Viewing
Enjoy exceptional views of the Main Stage entertainment.
Guests must be 18 years of age or older and present valid government-issued photo identification to enter the licensed area.
Festival Map
Find everything you need before you arrive. The festival map helps you navigate attractions, food vendors, entertainment, amenities, and visitor services throughout the weekend.
Explore the Festival
Locate stages, competitions, food vendors, family activities, and visitor amenities with the official Edmonton Dragon Festival map.
Main Stage
Competition Arena
Beer Garden
Food Vendors
Marketplace
Family Zone
Washrooms
Information
First Aid
Accessible Viewing
Food Trucks
Parking
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your Edmonton Dragon Festival experience before you arrive.
Location
Kinistinâw Park
10249 96 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta
Festival Hours
Admission
Everyone is welcome.
Food, beverages, and merchandise are available for purchase.
Parking
Downtown Parking
Accessible Parking
Bike Parking
Ride Share
Drop-off Zone
Transit
Quarters LRT Station
Bus Connections
Walking Routes
Bike Network
Downtown ePark Map
Use the City of Edmonton ePark map to find nearby paid parking options before arriving.
Official Hotel & Airline Partners
Book preferred hotel rates and discounted airfare for your Edmonton Dragon Festival weekend.
Official Edmonton Dragon Festival Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Edmonton Downtown
Stay steps away from the festival and enjoy preferred rates exclusively for Edmonton Dragon Festival guests.
Official International Airline Partner
Air Canada
Travel to Edmonton using preferred fares available for Edmonton Dragon Festival attendees.
Eligible travel dates and booking conditions apply.
Book with Air Canada
Official Domestic Airline Partner
WestJet
Save on flights to Edmonton during Edmonton Dragon Festival weekend.
Explore Edmonton Chinatown
Turn your Edmonton Dragon Festival weekend into an unforgettable city getaway. Discover one of Canada's oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns, where history, culture, cuisine, and community come together year-round.
Historic Chinatown
Walk through one of Canada's oldest Chinese communities filled with history and culture.
Restaurants
Discover authentic Chinese and Asian cuisine, cafés, bakeries, and hidden local favourites.
Markets
Browse Asian supermarkets, specialty grocers, herbal shops, and unique retailers.
Public Art
Explore colourful murals, sculptures, and cultural landmarks throughout the district.
River Valley
Enjoy North America's largest urban park system just minutes from the festival.
Museums
Experience Edmonton's museums and cultural attractions located throughout downtown.
Local Shopping
Support independent boutiques, gift shops, and local businesses throughout Chinatown.
Walking Tours
Discover fascinating stories, architecture, and hidden gems on self-guided or guided tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before attending the Edmonton Dragon Festival.
🎟️ Is admission free?
Yes! Admission to Edmonton Dragon Festival is completely FREE. Everyone is welcome to enjoy live entertainment, lion dance competitions, cultural programming, and the festival atmosphere. Food, beverages, and merchandise are available for purchase.
📍 Where is the festival located?
Edmonton Dragon Festival takes place at Kinistinâw Park, located at 10249 96 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, in the heart of Edmonton Chinatown.
🕒 What are the festival hours?
Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🅿️ Where can I park?
Downtown Edmonton offers numerous paid parking lots, on-street parking, accessible parking, bike parking, ride share drop-off locations, and nearby public transit. Please refer to the interactive parking map in the Plan Your Visit section.
🚈 Is public transit available?
Yes. The festival is easily accessible using Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including the nearby Quarters LRT Station, bus routes, cycling infrastructure, and downtown walking paths.
♿ Is the festival accessible?
Yes. Accessible viewing areas, accessible washrooms, paved pathways, and visitor assistance are available throughout the festival site.
🍺 Is the Beer Garden all ages?
No. The Beer Garden is a licensed 18+ area. Valid government-issued photo identification is required for entry.
🐶 Are pets allowed?
Certified service animals are welcome. Due to large crowds, loud performances, and festival activity, pets are not recommended.
📷 Can I take photos?
Personal photography and video are encouraged. Commercial photography, filming, media productions, and drone operations require prior approval from festival organizers.
🌦️ What happens if it rains?
Edmonton Dragon Festival operates rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Severe weather updates will be communicated through official festival channels if necessary.
🎒 Can I leave and come back?
Yes. Guests may leave and return throughout the day. Separate admission policies may apply for licensed areas such as the Beer Garden.
🔎 Where is Lost & Found?
Lost items can be reported or collected at the Festival Information Booth during operating hours.
🚑 Is security available?
Yes. Professional security personnel, first aid services, and festival staff are on site throughout the weekend to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Presented By
Supporting Edmonton Dragon Festival
Edmonton Dragon Festival is proudly supported by organizations, sponsors, and community partners helping celebrate culture, tourism, sport, and community.
Community Partners
...and the many volunteers, cultural organizations, businesses, performers, sponsors, community associations, and supporters helping make Edmonton Dragon Festival one of Canada's premier cultural festivals.
Become a Vendor, Volunteer, or Sponsor
Join Edmonton Dragon Festival as a food vendor, market vendor, community organization, volunteer, or sponsor and connect with thousands of visitors celebrating culture, food, sport, and community in Edmonton Chinatown.
Food Vendors
Showcase your restaurant, food truck, bakery, café, desserts, bubble tea, or specialty food products.
Apply as Food VendorMarket Vendors
Sell art, fashion, jewellery, handmade goods, Asian snacks, home décor, gifts, and local products.
Apply as Market VendorCommunity Organizations
Share resources, cultural programming, services, activities, and community information with festival guests.
Join as OrganizationVolunteers
Help create one of Canada’s premier cultural festivals through guest services, competitions, entertainment, logistics, and operations.
Become a VolunteerSponsors
Build brand visibility through sponsorship, activations, naming opportunities, hospitality, and community investment.
Become a Sponsor