Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

While the Head of Charles is more renowned, Boston’s annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival holds its own with exciting vibrant colors, rich tradition, and 46 years of racing along the Charles. Held in honor of an ancient celebration that originated in China, this year’s event on June 8 from 12-5pm includes traditional Asian arts and crafts by the festival committee and the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association, a dragon and lion dance, martial art demonstrations, Asian dance and music, traditional Japanese Taiko drumming, and more. The festivities take place on the Cambridge side of the Charles River, but the fast and furious dragon boat races can be seen from all around.