Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival returns for its 30th year from this Friday to Sunday (June 22 to 24), bringing with it a slew of free entertainment, art and cultural exhibitions, and competitive dragon-boat races.

Billed as North America’s largest and most competitive racing festival, this year’s iteration is the fest’s most impressive yet, with more than 5,000 racers and 200-plus teams from Canada, the U.S., Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and China participating. Admission on all three days is free.

The weekend kicks off with All-Access Friday (June 22), when a host of teams representing charitable organizations, such as the Milton K. Wong Legacy Project, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, will take to the water. The day opens with a traditional boat-blessing and eye-dotting ceremony and closes with a special Dragon’s Fire show containing fire dancers and acrobats.

International Saturday (June 23), meanwhile, will see teams from around the world competing for first-place in a number of high-stakes series that take place every 11 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Championship Sunday will feature over 200 teams paddling it out in more than 25 medal events and finals.

Throughout the weekend, attendees will also be able to enjoy live music from local acts like indie-pop six-piece Big Coast and flamenco artist Stephanie Pedraza; cultural entertainment from groups like all-female mariachi band Las Estrellas De Vancouver; and family-friendly activities like how-to juggling demonstrations across the event grounds. Food trucks and a beer garden powered by Red Truck Beer will keep hungry guests satiated.

The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival takes place from this Friday to Sunday (June 22 to 24) at Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and False Creek. For details, including the full entertainment lineup and hours, visit the festival’s website.