Beasts from the East Dragon Boat Classic

August 1st, 2026

Get ready Boston, for the first ever Beasts from the East Classic and Free Fort Point Cultural Festival! The Beasts from the Easts Dragon Boat Classic is the newest addition in Ohana’s race series, taking place at the Fort Point Channel, an ideal location for locals and guests alike.

Beasts from the East Classic invites paddlers of all levels—from seasoned sport teams chasing gold to enthusiastic community and corporate crews eager to dive into their first race. You do not want to miss out on this opportunity to be a part of a new event that ties together our local communities with the excitement of dragon boat races.

The excitement is not only on the water! The FREE Fort Point Cultural Festival happening on land has many family friendly activities, and the wider Fort Point neighborhood has local attractions like art galleries, museums and is home to some of Boston's new hip and upcoming restaurants that spectators can explore between races.

Whether you’re racing, or spectating, Beasts from the East Classic brings an unforgettable moment of sport, culture and celebration to Boston and local waters.

The Tentative 2026 schedule iS LIVE!

Overview Map:

Event Photos

Event Overview

  • Sport & Community Divisions

  • Free Youth Registration

  • BCP/ACP Ceremony

  • Practice, steerers and equipment included for Community teams

  • Distances: 200m, 500m

  • 2000m exhibition race

Register

Event Details

  • 2026 Race Registration Fees:

    • [$1500] Community Teams

    • [$1400] Sports Teams

    • [Free] Youth

  • General Team Information

    Teams are allowed a maximum of 26 registered members, consisting of: 1 Drummer, 1 Steersperson, and 24 Paddlers. A maximum of 20 paddlers may race at one time. The additional four paddlers are to be considered alternates and may paddle as the captain wishes.

    Community teams will be provided with a festival steerer. Sports teams are permitted to use their own steerers with the approval of race officials.

    Drummers must come from your own team, unless it drops your team under the 16 minimum paddler limit.

    Team Composition

    • Mixed crews: must compete with equal or more female paddlers than male paddlers with a maximum of 10 male paddlers. The drummer or the steersperson do NOT contribute to this gender cap.

    • Youth crews: all paddlers must be between the ages of 14-18 inclusively.  This does not include the drummer or the steerer.  There is no gender requirement for youth.

    • BCP/ACP crews: all paddlers must be cancer survivors. This does not include the drummer or the steerer.  There is no gender requirement for BCP/ACP.

  • Gillette North Lot (45 Binford Street off A Street)


    Parking:
    Nearby parking lots include Necco Street Garage, Channel Center Garage, South parking lot at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, and One Seaport Garage.

    Public Transportation:

    Broadway Station and South Station are a 10 minute walk from the race site and serviced by the Red Line.  

    On exiting Broadway, turn right (head north) on Dorchester Ave and just walk until you hit the water and see the excitement!

    From South Station, turn right (head east) onto Summer Street, cross the bridge, and then immediately follow the stairs on your right down to the waterfront!

  • Race Schedule

    The tentative 2026 schedule IS LIVE!‍ ‍

    Race Day Check-In

    Every Team Captain must check-in their team at Race Headquarters on race day. Registration will be open from approximately 7:30AM to 8AM. All waivers must be completed prior to check-in. For a speedy check-in, ensure that all waivers for your team are completed.

    Team Captain’s Meeting

    There will be a Team Captain’s meeting on Saturday morning to discuss race day rules and address any questions.

    Race Marshalling

    Marshalling for races will begin promptly half an hour before the first race of the day. Teams must be in the Marshalling area 30 minutes before their scheduled race throughout the day.

  • Each Team will have the chance to be awarded medals based on their final placement and division.