AWAKENING OF THE DRAGON BOATS KICKS OFF
THE 2026 HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK SEASON
Traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony Brings Chinese Culture, Martial Arts and Community Together at Bella Abzug Park, New York, NY
NEW YORK, NY — July 13, 2026 — The 2026 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York** officially launches the countdown to race weekend with its annual Dragon Boat Awakening (Eye Dotting) Ceremony on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Bella Abzug Park, Hudson Yards @34th Street, NY New York, NY 10018.
The traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony is one of the most significant cultural events leading up to the Festival. Rooted in centuries-old Chinese tradition, the ceremony symbolizes awakening the spirit of the dragon, bringing prosperity, protection, good fortune, and success to the participating teams and surrounding community.
Media, elected officials, sponsors, community leaders, and invited guests will witness the ceremonial blessing of the dragon boats by Taoist priests from the Eastern United States Taoist Association of Flushing, followed by the traditional Eye Dotting ritual and photo opportunities with the dragon boats and festival participants.
The event will also feature a dynamic martial arts performance by the Praying Mantis Martial Arts Institute, one of New York City’s longest-standing traditional Chinese martial arts schools.
The Eye Dotting Ceremony marks the official cultural opening of the 2026 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, leading up to the Festival weekend on August 8–9, 2026, when more than 180 teams and thousands of athletes, spectators, and visitors will gather at Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park for one of North America’s largest dragon boat festivals.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors and Media Partners
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York proudly recognizes the generous support of our sponsors and media partners whose commitment makes this annual celebration possible.
Sponsors / Partnerships:
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO)
HSBC
Bank of China
Shanghai Commercial Bank
Flushing Bank (OceanFirst)
Resorts World New York City
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
JPMorgan Chase
Con Edison
National Grid
Long Island Jewish Forest Hills – Northwell Health
Metropolitan Park – New York Mets / Hard Rock
Citizens Bank
Bank of America
Raising Cane’s
Spectrum
USTA Eastern
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Media Partners:
PIX11
Sing Tao Daily
Multicultural Radio Broadcasting Inc.
The Queens Courier
AM Metro New York
GoodNews Broadcast
The Queens Chronicle
Blank Slate Media
ChinaAmerica Radio
Fusia Communications
RSVP: Media planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP byTuesday, July 14, 2026.
Click Here: HKDBF Media RSVP
Media Contact:
Donyshia Boston-Hill, Director of PR / Marketing
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York
141-07 20th Avenue, Suite 406, Whitestone, NY 11357
917-697-1699
