Chinatown Dragon Boat Festival 2025: A Weekend of Culture, Celebration and Community

Venue: Smith Street, Chinatown Singapore
Date: 31 May — 1 June 2025
Admission: Free

Celebrate the Chinatown Dragon Boat Festival with two full days of cultural immersion! Head down to Chinatown from 31 May to 1 June 2025, where the Chinatown Dragon Boat Festival is making a big splash along Smith Street! From 1pm to 7pm, this free festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities rooted in rich Chinese tradition.

Dive into Culture with Live Performances and Traditional Arts

Get ready for an exciting lineup of live stage performances that will entertain both kids and adults alike. Watch the awe-inspiring Lion and Dragon Dance, feel the thunderous beats of the Festival Drum Performance, and be captivated by the dramatic flair of Face Changing Show. Don’t miss the elegant Chinese Traditional Dance performance, a unique Harmonica Performance, and the classic Teochew Opera – perfect for introducing your children to the wonders of traditional Chinese arts.

Join the Fun Activities with Riddles and Races

Take part in festive activities such as solving traditional Lantern Riddles, a much- loved pastime that challenges the wit and cultural knowledge of participants. The Dragon Boat Rowing Race will also make its return - bringing together teams and individuals in a spirit of friendly competition and community bonding.

In this land-based race, compete on dragon-inspired rowing machines in 1-minute rounds, with the highest number of strokes winning a prize.

Get Hands-On with Creative Workshops

Soak in the atmosphere with hands-on cultural experiences for visitors of all ages! The Bookmark Painting Workshop allows you to create your own dragon boat- themed bookmarks, while those looking for a deeper creative experience can partake in the Dragon Boat Canvas Voyage Workshop to create a dynamic dragon boat scene on canvas. Guided by experienced instructors, the workshop is perfect for both beginners and art lovers.

Also don’t miss the culinary star of the Dragon Boat Festival - join the Nyonya Chang Workshop and discover the art of wrapping and preparing Nyonya rice dumplings. From savoury rempah filling to the symbolic wrapping technique, you will not only learn the cultural significance of these festive treats but will also bring home two uncooked dumplings to share and enjoy.

Explore the Art Corner and Discover the Meaning Behind the Festival

Slow down and reflect at the Art Corner - a serene space within the bustling Smith Street where visitors are invited to pause, reflect, and learn more about the Dragon Boat Festival. You can browse books on Chinese traditions, pen your own thoughts or well-wishes in the Festival Reflections Journal, and learn about symbolic items like mugwort bundles and festive bookmarks. It’s a quiet, meaningful space amidst the vibrant buzz of the festival.

Enjoy Exclusive Festival Promotions Around Chinatown

While you’re in the area, take advantage of special promotions from local shops and eateries, including: 

• Elegance of Nanyang (31 May – 1 June): Enjoy 50% off Nyonya Kebaya Set rentals for the second person onwards. Receive a complimentary mystery gift with every two sets rented, while stocks last.
• Killiney @ Smith Street (26 May – 1 June): Celebrate with festive bundles including a Kee Chang Set at $6.00 and a Bak Chang Set at $9.00, created exclusively for this festival.
• Gelato Garden (26 May – 1 June): Indulge in their Dragon Boat Festival special dessert - a Banana Split inspired by the shape of a traditional dragon boat, priced at $15.
• Boon Tong Kee (31 May – 1 June): All chicken rice dishes will be served with rice shaped like a traditional rice dumpling (zongzi), adding a festive touch to every meal.

Admission to the Dragon Boat Festival is free. Tickets for selected workshops can be purchased from Peatix here. More information about the programme rundown and festival can be found on Chinatown Singapore’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.