The City of Dallas announced on May 13 that it will host the third annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage and Dragon Boat Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at the Bath House Cultural Center at White Rock Lake.
The event is part of national AAPI Heritage Month and aims to highlight the cultural, artistic, and historical contributions of North Texas residents with Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds. The festival will feature a speaker program beginning at noon with remarks from city leaders as well as a traditional dragon boat eye-dotting ceremony to bless the event.
This year’s festival introduces the Breast Cancer Survivor Cup, a new racing format presented by Dallas United Crew (DUC) and sponsored by UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center. Organizers said this race connects ancient dragon boating traditions with modern breast cancer rehabilitation efforts. A cancer awareness ceremony led by DUC and UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
The City of Dallas is collaborating with several organizations including the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), Dallas Park and Recreation, Dallas Police Department, Code Compliance Services, Association of Asian American City Employees, as well as sponsors such as UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center, the Dallas Mavericks, and 99 Ranch Market. The festival will showcase diversity across East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia through performances, workshops, food vendors, merchandise stands, visual art exhibitions—and family-friendly activities presented by NAAAP.
Dragon boat races will include corporate teams as well as community groups in competitive divisions. Individuals interested in learning about dragon boating can join a “Motley Crew” group for hands-on experience during race day.
For more information about schedules or activities planned for this year’s event or to RSVP for media coverage opportunities—including parking instructions—organizers encourage visitors to consult dallasculture.org/aagi-heritage-dragon-boatfestival.
