One of the things that makes downtown Nashville so stunningly beautiful is its location right on the banks of the Cumberland River. The river provides such a beautiful and serene juxtaposition to the towering skyscrapers just a few blocks away. And trust us that there’s no better way to see the river and the city than the city’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, a festival that features some of the most unique events and food vendors you’ll find anywhere in the city, all to further the preservation of the river. If you’ve never made it to the Dragon Boat Festival, this is the year you need to go.

Cumberland River Compact Dragon Boat Festival - Facebook
Every year, thousands of folks flock to the Nashville waterfront to experience the most unique festival the city has to offer: The Dragon Boat Festival.
Cumberland River Compact Dragon Boat Festival - Facebook
The Festival is put on every year by the Cumberland River Compact, an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the health of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. It's a great event for a great cause!
Cumberland River Compact Dragon Boat Festival - Facebook
While the races are some of the most fun things about the festival, there's plenty to do on land as well. The festival features food vendors from all over the area including perineal favorites Taste of Lao and That Awesome Taco Truck.
Cumberland River Compact Dragon Boat Festival - Facebook
There's also all kinds of fun games and activities for the kiddos as well!

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Cumberland River Compact Dragon Boat Festival - Facebook
At the start of the races each year, the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville performs a traditional Chinese Lion Dance and Dragon Dance in honor of the event and to bring good luck to all. It's a really cool and unique event!
Cumberland River Compact Dragon Boat Festival - Facebook
The Festival is a fundraiser where teams can sign up to race dragon boats on a 250-meter stretch of the Cumberland in order to have a good time and raise some money for a good cause.
Cumberland River Compact Dragon Boat Festival - Facebook
If you're thinking about signing up, you should! Don't let your lack of experience or gear stop you -- teams are provided with everything they need to race, including the boat, paddles, and life jackets!
Cumberland River Compact Dragon Boat Festival - Facebook
The 2019 festival is scheduled for September 7th, but be sure to check out their website below for any updates. On the day of the festival, head down to East Bank Landing on the East side of the Cumberland near downtown for all of the festivities. We'll see you there!

For more information about this year’s festival, including updated dates, times, vendors, and more, visit the Dragon Boat Festival’s website.

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