Stroll up Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill River for an unusually colorful and dramatic regatta, the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival, Philadelphia’s annual celebration of an ancient Chinese tradition.

The boats, festooned in brilliantly colored dragon heads and tails, are manned by teams of 20 paddlers and compete against each other in several heats throughout the day.

But that’s just half the excitement. A wide range of corporate, civic and community groups send teams to this regional event, and each team sets up a tented picnic area along the riverfront — making for a fun and festive atmosphere for paddlers and spectators alike.

visitphilly.com/outdoor-activities/philadelphia/philadelphia-dragon-boat-festival