ENTER THE DRAGON

This is one of the most fascinating multicultural events in the city. The 23rd annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, which celebrates the fifth moon (i.e. month) of the lunar calendar, started out in 1990 with four teak boats. Today, the festival hosts more than 120 dragon boats—many now made of fiberglass for speed—from all over North America. (All boats are approved by the International Dragon Boat Federation.) Celebrating the year of the snake, there is a parade on Saturday, followed by the New York Championship Race, with the U.S. Dragon Boat Championship on Sunday. In addition to a fabulous selection of Chinese food, entertainment includes the Shaolin Temple Warrior Monks demonstrating kung fu and the Drum Spirit of China, as well as other artists performing traditional music and dance from China, Mexico, and Peru.

Sat., Aug. 10, 10 a.m.; Sun., Aug. 11, 10 a.m., 2013