Overview

Join us for the fourth annual Marina del Rey Dragon Boat Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and competition at Burton Chace Park on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Whether you're paddling in the races or cheering from the sidelines, there's fun for everyone.

Dragon boat racing, a tradition with roots in ancient China dating back over 2,000 years, involves 40-foot boats adorned with dragon heads, tails, and scales. Teams of up to 20 paddlers are led by a drummer who keeps everyone in sync.

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Event Details

What to Expect:

• Dragon Boat Races: Competitive and recreational heats from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music and performances throughout the day.
• Food & Crafts: Indulge in offerings from local food trucks and browse arts and crafts vendors.

Notable Teams:

• Los Angeles County Dragon Boat Club: Their youth paddlers will compete in the Club Crew World Championships in Florida this July.
• Adaptive Fusion: A group of blind and deaf paddlers also competing in the Club Crew World Championships in the Para Dragon Division.
• Los Angeles Pink Dragons: The first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team in Los Angeles.

Event Schedule

Saturday, March 1, 2025

• Races: 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Opening Ceremony: 9 a.m.
• Awards Ceremony: 3:30 p.m.

Getting There, Parking & Accessibility

Location:
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Parking Information:
Several parking options are available near Burton Chace Park:

• Public Parking Lot #4: Located at 13500 Mindanao Way, just one block from the park. 370 spaces; $0.25 per 10 minutes, up to $8 weekdays and $10 weekends.
• Public Parking Lot #5: Situated at 4545 Admiralty Way, about three blocks from the park. 219 spaces; $0.25 per 10 minutes, up to $7 daily.
• Dock 52: Located at 13501 Fiji Way, offering 232 free parking spaces.
• Fisherman’s Village Lot #1: Found at 13737 Fiji Way, in front of Fisherman’s Village. 423 spaces; $1 per 20 minutes, with a maximum of $15 (validation available with purchases).

Limited metered parking is available at Burton Chace Park, with a 90-minute limit at $0.25 per 10 minutes. Accessible parking is available in all public lots.

Public Transportation:
Take the LA Metro's C Line (formerly Green Line) to the Marina del Rey Station and catch the Culver City Bus #1 to the festival.

Accessibility:
The festival is fully accessible, with wheelchair-friendly pathways, viewing areas, and restroom facilities. Accessible parking spaces are available in all public lots.

Best Viewing Spots

The best spots for viewing the dragon boat races are along the waterfront at Burton Chace Park, especially near the park's amphitheater area. The races run all day, so pick a spot early to enjoy the action.

Insider Tips

• Arrive Early: The parking lots fill up quickly, so arriving early ensures you’ll find a spot and enjoy the full experience.
• Bring Sunscreen: The event is outdoors all day—protect yourself from the sun while enjoying the festivities.
• Check Out the Food Trucks: Make sure to sample the diverse cuisine from local vendors. You’ll find a variety of options, from Asian-inspired street food to classic festival snacks.
• Explore the Arts & Crafts Vendors: Take time to browse the unique local crafts, perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

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Don’t miss out on this exciting, family-friendly day by the water!