Water Course
Chinatown Dragon Boat Races (Chicago River) is a water course in Chicago, Illinois. It's one of roughly 44 tracks within about 75 miles of Chicago, so a visit can anchor a full weekend of racing in the area. Plan the trip from the map on this page, and use the schedule link to see upcoming race days. New to this kind of racing? Our guides walk through what to expect, what to bring, and how a typical event runs.
Dragon BoatFestivalCompetitive RacingCommunity EventChicago River
Watch: Chinatown Dragon Boat Races (Chicago River)
Know Before You Go
- Race schedule
- Powerboat venues typically host race weekends 3-8 times per season under APBA, OPC, or local sanction. Check the calendar — most weeks are open practice or quiet.
- Spectator access
- Shore-line viewing from a beach or pier is the standard vantage. Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a chair — boat racing is a sunny stand-around sport.
- Class variety
- Look for tunnel boats, hydroplanes, jet boats, and offshore depending on water size. Race speeds range from 60 mph (small inland) to 180+ mph (offshore unlimited).