The annual Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge is once again making waves along the city’s waterfront, but in a new location this year: Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Fells Point. On Saturday, July 25 beginning at 8 a.m., more than 24 teams from Annapolis; Washington, D.C.; Bu cks County, Pennsylvania; Charlotte, North Carolina; New Jersey; Philadelphia; and Pittsburgh will compete in three races: 500-meter, 2,000-meter, and a special Star-Spangled 250-meter race. In addition to the thrill of watching the races, spectators will be treated to the fun of a DJ, food vendors, and other on-site activities. Race heats will be determined by the fastest times. Top teams will advance through a competitive semi-final elimination round. The Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge is an officially sanctioned Eastern Regional Dragon Boat Association (ERDBA) event. The Baltimore Dragon Boat Club was established in 2008 by three people and has grown to have more than 100 members ranging in age from 10 to 83 years old. The club is a nonprofit created to advance the 2,500-year-old sport of dragon boat racing. Formed by David Gaskin, Susan Troupe, and John Pezzulla who participated in a dragon boat race held by Catholic Charities as a bi-annual fundraiser, the three wanted to continue throughout the year more regularly. Some 18 years later, Baltimore Dragon Boat Club’s members have participated in festivals and regattas in Maryland; Virginia; Pennsylvania; New Jersey; New York; North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; New Orleans; Puerto Rico; and Montreal, Canada. The Under Armour Sports Complex is the club’s home base. They train between April and October. Admission to the 2026 Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge is free. The event is presented by the Baltimore Dragon Boat Club and sponsored by Harbor East, Catholic Charities, and Living Classrooms Foundation. Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park is located at 1417 Thames St. ...read more read less