An ancient Chinese tradition will bring dragons to Lady Bird Lake as part of an annual multicultural festival.
The 16th annual Dragon Boat Festival and Races will take place from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. April 26 at Festival Beach on the northeast corner of Lady Bird Lake. The free event is organized by the Asian American Community Partnership and Asian American Cultural Center.
Teams from throughout the state will race 40-foot-long boats that have been recreated to look similar to those used more than 2,000 years ago. Various Austin-based companies will participate, including 3M, Dell, H-E-B and Samsung, as well as Travis County employees and University of Texas students.
In addition, the family friendly event will host live music performances representing various Asian cultures as well as dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and other activities geared toward children. The event will start with a symbolic "Dotting the Eyes of the Dragon" ceremony.
Attendees are encouraged to take alternative transportation as parking will be limited. For more information, visit www.asianamericancc.com.