Dragon Boat Festival Returns to Nathan Benderson Park

The annual event is part of a busy April schedule of major aquatic sports competitions in Sarasota County.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:51pm

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An abstract, energetic painting with rapid, neon-colored brushstrokes capturing the dynamic motion and excitement of dragon boat racing on the water.The annual Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival brings a burst of color and energy to Nathan Benderson Park, a premier venue for aquatic sports competitions that drive tourism to the region.Sarasota Today

The Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival was held on Saturday at Nathan Benderson Park, drawing over 1,300 participants. The festival is one of four April competitions hosted by the park in partnership with Visit Sarasota County, which are expected to bring more than 5,600 athletes and thousands of visitors to the region.

Why it matters

Nathan Benderson Park has established itself as a premier U.S. venue for rowing and water sports, hosting a variety of high-profile events that drive significant tourism and economic activity for Sarasota County.

The details

The April schedule also included the USA Swimming Open Water National and Junior National Championships, the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sculling Championships, and the FSRA State Sweep Championships. The park features a 2,000-meter sprint rowing and aquatic sports course and is advancing plans for a new indoor sports facility and expanded boathouse.

  • The Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival was held on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The USA Swimming Open Water National and Junior National Championships took place April 2-4, 2026.
  • The Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sculling Championships were held April 11-12, 2026.
  • The FSRA State Sweep Championships took place April 25-26, 2026.

The players

Nathan Benderson Park

A premier U.S. venue for rowing and water sports, hosting a variety of high-profile events that drive significant tourism and economic activity for Sarasota County.

Visit Sarasota County

The county's tourism organization, which partnered with Nathan Benderson Park to host the April competitions.

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The takeaway

Nathan Benderson Park's ability to attract and host major aquatic sports events underscores its growing reputation as a premier national destination for rowing, swimming, and other water-based competitions, driving economic growth and tourism for Sarasota County.