Presented since 2010 by Paddling for Cancer Awareness (P4CA) and Hosted by the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Dragon Boat Racing Team with help from community sponsors, this family-friendly, Best of Northern Kentucky event takes place at AJ Jolly Lake, just south of Cincinnati.
Over the years, the Kentucky Dragon Boat Festival™ has attracted thousands of participants and spectators from local, national and international teams to Campbell County Kentucky.
Through this well anticipated event, teams and spectators come together for a fun-filled day of racing, camaraderie, and to raise funds through individual team fundraising, silent auction, raffle baskets, and “split the pot”.
September 6, 2025
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AJ Jolly Lake - 1501 Race Track Rd, Alexandria, KY 41001
The impact
Every Stroke Makes a Difference
Annually, the festival raises over $10,000 in donations for cancer organizations, individuals, and patients directly. We believe in supporting those who have supported us through our cancer journeys.
Health & Wellness educators attend the festival to provide information to help promote early cancer detection and the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Rose Ceremony is a deeply moving tradition where we celebrate Breast Cancer Survivors and honor those who have passed.
Calling all paddlers
Bring Your Team to the Festival!
Enjoy an exciting day outdoors at lovely AJ Jolly Park, where teams of 16 - 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersman compete in the ancient sport of dragon boat racing.
Registration fee includes:
- A practice session before race day,
- All needed equipment (paddles, life vests, boats, drums)
- A steersperson
- A drummer will be provided unless you would like to provide your own (minimum 14 years old)
Each team competes in three 250 meter heats with awards for the top 3 finishers in each division.
Many community/corporate teams conduct their own fundraising to support the Kentucky Thorough-Breasts mission. The result is a fun team-building event for a great cause!
Interested in forming a team?
Register Today!
Form a team with friends, family or co-workers and the Festival will provide the rest: boats, paddles, life vests, drummer and steersperson.
Meet the teams
Participating teams in this year's festival.
Breast Cancer Survivor / All Cancer Survivor Division
Derby City Dragons
Home Town: La Grange, KY
Mixed Division
Oakland Crusaders
Home Town: Falmouth, KY
Years Participated in KDBF: 14
Tri-State ONS Chapter
Home Town: Hamilton, OH
Years Participated in KDBF: 5
St. Elizabeth Speed Dragons
Home Town: Erlanger, KY
Club Division
502 Dragon Fire
Home Town: Louisville, KY
Years Participated in KDBF: 3
Need Fundraising Ideas?
Get Inspired by Our Top Teams!
Looking for creative ways to boost your fundraising? Check out what some of our top fundraisers have done:
- Bake Sales
- Car Shows
- Volleyball Tournaments
More to see
Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Dragon Boat Racing Team
Specializing in Kentucky Dragon-Boat Festival Apparel
VISIT SITE
Travelin' Tom's Coffee NKY
The delicious, mobile coffee truck that brings you the caffeination inspiration you need. Premium Beverages / Coffee / Lemonade / Tea / Refreshers / Nitro / Energy and more!
VISIT SITE
KP’s
Tex-mex inspired street food, made fresh to order. Ultimate Nachos, Slider Sandwiches, Loaded Walking Tacos, Elote, Cheesecakes, Breakfast Options, & Drinks
VISIT SITE
Kabobske
Authentic Healthy Mediterranean Cuisine. Wraps, Rice Bowls, Salads, Hummus & Pita, Baklava
VISIT SITE
Nerdy Knickknacksky
3d printed dragons, animals, dice towers, fidgets
You can provide outreach!
This is an example health and wellness educator or provider.
VISIT SITEBe a Vendor
The Festival is attended by more than 1000 people and is an all-day event, with organizers arriving before dawn and final races finishing late afternoon. Everyone appreciates having vendors on-site that either offer food and drink or have merchandise to sell. We strive to insure that food and drink options are unique so there is something for everyone. Merchandise vendors that offer dragon-themed items can expect a lot of interest with this crowd!
Health and Wellness Outreach
The Festival offers a unique opportunity for outreach to the public about health and wellness topics. Both large and small healthcare organizations are welcome to be a part of the Festival and share information that can assist individuals with making choices about their medical care and a healthy lifestyle. To register as a health and wellness outreach organization, a professional designation or affiliation is required and all information provided must be free to festival patrons.
Past festivals
Our Festival Sponsors
Paddle For Cancer Awareness
AJ Jolly Park - Campbell County Fiscal Court
Be a Sponsor
Form a team with friends, family or co-workers and the Festival will provide the rest: boats, paddles, life vests, drummer and steersperson.
Cancellation policy
The Festival Race Director will make the call if the Festival needs to be cancelled due to weather conditions and safety concerns. Team Captains will be notified via email either the night before or the morning of the Festival depending on weather forecasts. If the Festival is cancelled, all Team/Vendor Registration Fees and Tent Rental Fees will be considered a Donation and the Festival will not be rescheduled.