
Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival October 14 2023
Take part in the ultimate MLDB Championship, an international showcase of paddlers hungry for the opportunity to stretch their racing season to the max. This is the largest event in Florida attended by more than 70 teams.
The festival's recent move to Turkey Lake in Bill Frederick Park was met with rave reviews, and teams can expect the same great racing and continued development of the festival experience this year.
Festival grounds are sure to be abuzz with vendors and entertainment. The Health and Wellness Village provides products and services to help participants and spectators lead healthy, active lives. Taste the international flavors offered at Food Truck Bazaar, then head over to the Asia Trend Cultural Expo for displays and performances highlighting the diverse and fascinating cultures found throughout Asia. Wind down with a cold one at the Beer Garden - you'll have earned it!
Orlando delivers an unforgettable day of competition, including a 2k pursuit for top Mixed crews (a favorite among spectators). Teams can relax under tents in the Athletes’ Village.
Compete against the most diverse pool of talent on the MLDB circuit and join us in celebrating another successful year of MLDB racing!
CALLING ALL SOLO PADDLERS OR SMALL GROUPS
Are you looking to get on the water, but don't have a team? GWN is pleased to offer programs for solo paddlers or small groups through our Experience Dragon Boat Programs!
Experience Dragon Boat Train and Race: A five-week program, with one practice per week and finishing up at the Major League Dragon Boat Festival in your community. This is a perfect opportunity to try the sport. We supply you with all the equipment needed - paddles and lifejackets – all you have to do is show up in clothes that can get wet!
Experience Dragon Boat Race Ready: A program designed for people looking for minimal commitment and just want to race. The program offers a 1-hour practice and then participation in the event.
Learn more about either program by clicking here.











EVENT Details
Hover over each tab for more details
PRICING
Category |
# of Races |
Before Jan 1st |
Before July 1st |
After July 1st |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons / Senior 55+ (3 x 500m) |
3 |
$995 |
$1,095 |
$1,295 |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons / Senior 55+ (Out-of-State) (3 x 500m) |
3 |
$845 |
$945 |
$1,095 |
Mixed / Women's / Open / ACP / BCP / Paradragons / Senior 55+ (Out-of-Country) (3 x 500m) |
3 |
$745 |
$845 |
$995 |
Practice Sessions |
$100 each |
Team fees are in USD and do not include applicable taxes (6.5% sales tax).
Payment Methods: We accept Visa, MasterCard, or Check.
Paying by check: You will receive a discount of $25 USD. This discount will be automatically applied during the registration process.
For more information (i.e. refund policy, multi-event discount, etc), please visit our FAQ page.
To ensure races run smoothly, smaller divisions may be combined in heats but will race independently of each other.
Registration Add-Ons
New in 2023: Each team registered at the festival will get a 20 x 20 team site (footprint, not tent rental) within the Athletes' Village. Teams have the option to bring their own tent or rent one from GWN. In addition to tents, chairs and tables are also available. For more information on rentals, please refer to the "Athletes' Village" tab below. Teams may also order practices, for more information please refer to the "Practice" tab below.
LOCATION
Address: The event will be held at Bill Frederick Park (Turkey Lake). 3401 S Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL 32835
Site Map: Stay tuned for the 2023 event site map.
Park Rules: We're committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for participants and spectators. Before heading out to the races, there are some things you should know:
No dogs are allowed at Bill Frederick Park.
Cooking equipment and BBQ grills are not permitted on site.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on site. For a cold brew, visit the Beer Garden on-site.
Teams are responsible for picking up their waste within their team sites. In addition to handing out waste bags during team check-in, there will be wastebaskets located throughout the Athletes' Village to maintain the park's cleanliness. Let's all work together to keep Bill Frederick Park clean and green.
Medical Services: Medical services and first aid will be available on site. If you're in need of medical attention, please report to the medical tent for immediate assistance.
SCHEDULE
The race schedule will be posted on Monday October 9th.
Industry Cup Races: To qualify for a Cup race, at least 70% of the crew must be part of the same company or industry. Please note, teams noted with a (C) are teams racing in the noted industry cup.
Bonus Racing
Time permitting, the top 3* teams in the Mixed division will compete in a 2,000m race. The top 3* teams in the Open, Women's, and Special Interest (ACP/BCP/PD) divisions will compete in a 200m race.
*Depending on the number of boats per heat.
Live Results
Get live race results and progressions on race day using your phone. Visit gwndragonboat.com/results.
Race Marshaling
Marshaling on race day will begin a half-hour before the first race of the day. Teams must be in the Marshalling area 30 minutes before their scheduled race throughout the day.
Race Day Check-In
Every Team Captain must check-in their team at Race Headquarters on race day. Registration will be open from 7:00AM to 10:00AM. All waivers must be completed prior to check-in. Please visit the FAQ section for more information on how to check in on race day.
For a speedy check-in, ensure that all waivers for your team are completed. The electronic waiver deadline is 11:59AM EST on Wednesday, November 15th. 2023. After this, only paper copies will be accepted.
Team Captain's Meeting
There will be a Team Captain's meeting in front of the Marshaling Area to discuss race day rules and address any questions, one hour prior to the first race.
AWARDS
Industry Cup Races: First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.
Consolation Finals: First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.
Grand Finals: Third and second-place teams will receive bronze and silver medals, respectively. First-place teams will receive a trophy and gold medals.
Awards Ceremonies
Ceremonies will take place after each Industry Cup, Consolation Race, and Grand Final Race. GWN Staff will gather the gold medal-winning team as they come off the water. They will be escorted directly to the stage in the Beer Garden. Bronze and silver medal-winning teams will receive their medals in the dock area.
ENTERTAINMENT
VENDORS
Marketplace
- Bath Fitter
- Color Street
- Dragon Saddles
- GWN Pro Shop
- Optimal SUP
Asian Cultural Expo presented by Asia Trend
- Asia Trend
- Chinese School of CAACF
- Florida College of Integrative Medicine
- REACH of Central Florida
Food Vendors
- A Lo Cubano Kitchen Food Truck
- Asian Street Eats
- Cosmos Ice Cream
- Frios Gourmet Pops Truck
- Fully Loaded Food
- Hibachi 88 Food Truck
- Indonesian Cultural Group
- Kona Ice Food Truck
- Mr. Softee Food Truck
- Orlando Korea Culture Center
- Pho Wheels Orlando Food Truck
- Smoothie Express Mobile
- Sweet Shiba
Interested in being a vendor? Email us at info@gwnevents.com to learn more.
PARKING
Pre-Event Practice Parking
Parking will be available at Bill Frederick Park during practices on Thursday, November 16, and Friday, November 17 for $5.00 per vehicle (exact payment is preferred). Upon entering the park, please follow directional signs to the festival parking area.
Race Day Parking
Free parking will be available at Bill Frederick Park. Upon entering the park, please let the front gate know that you are with the dragon boat festival and follow directional signs to the festival parking area.
Bill Frederick Park Front Gate will open at 6:45AM.
To help cut down on congestion in and out of the park, carpooling to the event is strongly recommended. It is best to plan extra time so that you are not delayed getting to your team tent.
Download the parking map here.
Directions
From Jct of I-4 (exit 75B) & SR-435/Kirkman Rd-N: Go N 1.5 mi on Kirkman Rd, then W 1.5 mi on Conroy Rd, then N 0.9 mi Hiawassee Rd. (R)
VOLUNTEER
Looking to have some fun on the docks? GWN is always looking for fantastic volunteers.
As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to be a part of the exciting and fast-paced action that is dragon boat racing. You'll also get to experience the energy and excitement of the festival event atmosphere and be a part of a vibrant community of dragon boat enthusiasts. Volunteers will be needed to help with various tasks in ensuring the safety and smooth operations of the event through the various outlined tasks:
- Boat Marshalls: Will be on the dock assisting paddlers with getting in and out of the boats. This position should be filled by people who are comfortable around the water.
- Results Runners: Will be posting the results from the Timing Officials at the Registration Headquarters. This position requires neat handwriting.
- Team Marshalls: Will assist the Marshalling Manager in ensuring that all teams are ready to load into boats at the correct time to maintain smooth running of the races.
- Crowd Control: Will ensure one-way flow traffic from the Marshalling Area after boats are unloaded.
If you would like to volunteer, we can promise some food, drinks, a really cool shirt, and community service hours (if applicable) so please complete this Volunteer Form to join our team! To get more info or ask any questions, feel free to send us an email at volunteers@gwnevents.com.
Additional Information
The official host hotel of the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival is Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive ICON Park
8250 Jamaican Court
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 1-407-313-0143
Features: Free parking, 2 miles from the venue.
Group Name: Dragon Boat Attendee
Group Rate: Double/Double Suite - $165 USD per night plus applicable taxes.
Room Block Deadline: September 12th, 2023
Reservations: Book online or call 1-800-871-5831 and quote the Dragon Boat Festival - Attendee group rate.
RENTAL CARS
Discount rates have been negotiated with Hertz Rent-a-Car for Major League Dragon Boat participants.
Reservations
To book your vehicle, please click here and enter discount code CDP2188961 or call 1-800-654-2240 and quote the code.
At the time of reservation, you will receive 20% off the retail rate using the discount code above.
AIR TRAVEL
GWN is proud to offer Major League Dragon Boat participants discounts on flights with United Airlines.
United Airlines
Participants can save 5% - 10% off airfares if traveling within US 50 States and between US 50 States and Canada.
To book your travel, visit united.com or call 1-800-426-1122 and enter meeting code ZN4C999327 in the Promotions field.
Each team registered at the festival will get a 15 x 15' footprint (not rental) in the Athletes' Village. Teams have the option to bring their own tent or rent one from GWN. In addition to tents, chairs and tables are also available to rent.
Team Sites will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Teams must contact GWN to book their site after they have registered for the festival and paid fees in full.
Teams wishing to rent a tent can do so using the "Get More" option in the Crew Management Tool.
Product |
Price |
10' x 10' Tent |
$325.00 |
10' x 20' Tent |
$450.00 |
20' x 20' Tent |
$625.00 |
Chair Rental |
$5.00 |
Table Rental |
$25.00 |
Prices are in USD and do not include applicable taxes (6.5% sales tax).
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Download or view a copy of the 2023 Venue Map.
2. Review the site availability grid below.
3. Select a site based on availability.
4. Email your selection to bookings@gwndragonboat.com.
ATHLETES' VILLAGE SITE AVAILABILITY
Athletes' Village |
||
1. R |
2. R |
3. Save Our Sisters |
4. R |
5. SACA |
6. SACA |
7. R |
8. R |
9. R |
10. R |
11. R |
12. R |
13. Eastport Sun Dragons |
14 |
15. Max Storm |
16. |
17. |
18. |
19. |
20. |
21. |
22. |
23. |
24. |
25.Puff |
26.Mother Puffers |
27. Miami Dragon Slayers |
28. |
29. |
30. |
31. |
32. |
33. |
34. |
35. |
36. |
37. |
38. |
39. |
40. |
41. |
42. Jay Fire Dragons |
43. |
44. | 45. |
46. |
47. |
48. |
49. |
50. |
51. |
52. |
53. |
54.
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55. |
56. |
57. |
58. |
59. |
60. |
61. |
62. |
63. |
Practices for the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival will be held at the event site.
Bill Frederick Park (Turkey Lake)
3401 S Hiawassee Road
Orlando, FL 32835
Please note that the cost for parking at Bill Frederick Park is $5.00 per vehicle.
Each practice will be 50 minutes. Please arrive at the venue 30 minutes before your scheduled practice time. Practices will not be extended if a team is late. Additional practice sessions may be purchased at $100 each, through the online registration system by clicking on the "Get More" button.
Practices can only be confirmed once event fees are received in full.
Each paddler must complete an online waiver before attending a practice. A GWN representative will be on-site to check teams in, provide assistance, and collect waivers.
For more information on what to bring, etc. visit our FAQ Page.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Ensure team fees are paid.
2. Check practice availability in the calendar below.
3. Email your preferred date/time to bookings@gwndragonboat.com.
4. Let GWN know if you require a coach/steers.
Please allow 48hrs for confirmation of practice times.
Note: Bill Frederick Park closes at 5PM. Please ensure paddlers leave promptly after the last practice of each day.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Thurs October 12th |
Fri October 13th |
|
4:00PM - 4:50PM |
1.
|
1. 2. |
5:00PM - 5:50PM |
1.
|
1. 2. |
6:00PM - 6:50PM |
1.
|
1. 2. |
*Please note: Friday, November 17th is primarily reserved for Out-of-Town Team practices. Once all out-of-town teams have booked, remaining practice slots can be booked through local teams. A coach will be available for 1 practice session during each timeslot. Only teams with their own steersperson may book the second session in each timeslot.
To review the final participant checklist, please click here.
Event Map

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