Description
14th ANNUAL DRAGON ON THE LAKE RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN LAKE ORION THE LAST WEEKEND IN AUGUST!
Dragon Boat Races, Dragon Pub with Live Music, an Art + Craft Fair, Chalk Art Challenge, Kids Zone, a vendor Marketplace, Tiki Bar, and a Lighted Boat Parade are features at this favorite end of summer celebration! Read on for all the details.
There will be some exciting features at the 14th Annual Dragon on the Lake, August 24 – 27, in downtown Lake Orion. With Dragon Boat Races on Lake Orion, Live Music each night in the Dragon Pub, the Chalk Art Challenge, acoustics acts in the Tiki Bar, an Art + Craft Fair, and Vendor Marketplace, festival-goers will have an opportunity to enjoy a variety of experiences as well as a fun line-up of family-friendly entertainment for this end of summer celebration!
FESTIVAL HOURS
Thursday, August 24: 5pm – 11pm (Dragon Pub)
Friday, August 25: 11am – 7pm (Festival)
5pm - 12am (Dragon Pub)
Saturday, August 26: 11am – 7pm (Festival)
5pm - 12am (Dragon Pub)
Sunday, August 27: 11am – 5pm (Festival)
LITTLE DRAGON DEN – KIDS ZONE
This year’s Little Dragon Den has offerings for kids of all ages. The Kids Stage will feature performances from Amazing Clark, Zippity Two Dads, Juggler Tim Salisbury, storytime with the Lake Orion Library, a Dancing Fire Dragon, demonstrations from the Lake Orion Robotics Team and more.
Plus, guests can tie-dye a signature Dragon on the Lake tshirt or enjoy a free craft from the Orion Art Center or the Detroit Institute of Arts, explore the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Mobile Education Unit, visit the book mobile from the Orion Library, learn from the Lake Orion Robotics Club and enjoy activities and games from Oakland County Parks.
DRAGON PUB
The Dragon Pub will feature live music and refreshing drinks each night. New this year, on Thursday, August 24 from 5pm – 11pm, is our Ladies Night with local Country Music favorites Rob Stone, Ryan Jay and line dancing with Jenergy. A portion of the proceeds from Thursday night benefits the New Day Foundation.
On Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26, the Dragon Pub is open from 5pm – 12am with Sunset Blvd performing Friday and Square Pegz performing Saturday. A portion of the proceeds from Friday and Saturday nights benefit the Lake Orion Kiwanis Club.
Cover charge is $10 per day for Friday and Saturday and $5 for Thursday. New this year, a weekend pass is being offered for presale only. This pass is good for all 3 days and is $5 off the prices at the door. It can be purchased through the Dragon on the Lake website at the link below:
https://dragononthelake.com/dragon-pub
The Dragon Pub will feature a variety of beer, cider, and canned cocktails. Our featured drink is the “Heart of the Dragon,” made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Lemonade and Strawberry Puree.
DRAGON BOAT RACES
This year’s Dragon Boat Races will take place on Sunday, August 27 in Green’s Park. 20 paddlers and 1 drummer will paddle 300m to compete for the title of Dragon Boat Champion. There is still time to register a team and be a part of this moving experience. Companies, churches, community groups, families, friends and neighbors bond and team build as they race across Lake Orion New this year, Dragon on the Lake is accepting “Free Agents” or single rowers who are interested in trying Dragon Boat Racing, but are not able to make a team.
Team and free agent registration can be found at the link below:
https://dragononthelake.com/dragon-boat-races-sun
After a successful inaugural year in 2022, the Dragon Boat Showdown is returning on Saturday, August 26. This free race involves high school clubs, teams and groups to race and compete for the title of Dragon Boat Showdown Champs. Defending Champs, the Lake Orion High School Football team will be returning to compete after their 2022 win. Registration can be found at:
https://dragononthelake.com/dragon-showdown-sat
CHALK ART CHALLENGE
Claim the concrete as your canvas and enter the 2023 Chalk Art Challenge at Dragon on the Lake. Chalk artists will compete for over $1,000 in prize money and no experience is necessary. With individual, team and student divisions, there are opportunities for all community members to get involved.
The Chalk Art Challenge will take place on Saturday, August 26 on Flint Street. Register at the link below:
https://dragononthelake.com/chalk-art-1
TIKI BAR
Relax in the Tiki Bar, featuring refreshing frozen cocktails, acoustic acts and lawn games. The Tiki Bar is open during regular festival hours and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Friends of Camp Agawam.
Tiki Stage Line-up:
Friday, August 25
11:30am: Steve Taylor
1:30pm: Mike Leslie
3:30pm: B&E 10-Sixty Two
5:30pm: Caleb and Leify
Saturday, August 26
11:30am: Andy Patalan
1:30pm: Florence
3:30pm: Keelan Crum
5:30pm: Bill Arnold
Sunday, August 27
11:30am: Andrea D’Aiuto
1:30pm: Reggie Harrison
3:00pm: Dragon Boat Race Awards
ART + CRAFT FAIR
The Art + Craft Fair at Dragon on the Lake features artists specializing in woodworking, painting, ceramics, 3D printing, jewelry, sculpture, and more. Visit the website to see a current list of the talented artists that will be at this year’s festival.
There are still a few remaining spaces open and the application and work of participating artists can be found at https://dragononthelake.com/art-fair
MERCHANT MARKETPLACE
The Merchant Marketplace at Dragon on the Lake offers a shopping experience for all festival-goers. Shop food vendors offering coffee, fudge, honey, freeze-dried candy, fresh lemonade and treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Plus enjoy books, clothing, personal care products and more from the exciting line-up of vendors. There are still a few remaining spaces open and the application and participating vendor list can be found at https://dragononthelake.com/marketplace
MERCHANDISE
Make sure to grab official Dragon on the Lake merchandise at this year’s festival. Guests can choose from tote bags, tshirts, key chains and a signature mug that can be used at the Dragon Pub! Merchandise will be available for purchase at the Orion Art Center booth located on Flint Street at Broadway and inside the Dragon Pub.
LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
The Lake Orion Lake Association is bringing back the Lighted Boat Parade on Friday, August 25 at 8:30pm in Green’s Park. Boats must be registered in advance to be eligible for cash prizes.
Registration can be found here: https://dragononthelake.com/lighted-boat-parade
SPONSORS FOR THE 2023 DRAGON ON THE LAKE
The sponsors for the 2023 Dragon on the Lake include: Moceri, Premier Academy, Meijer, Wally Edgar Chevrolet, Weatherguard, Leaf Filter, USA Insulation, Lake Orion Review, MB Graphics + Printing, Michigan United Credit Union, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Oxford Bank, Goldfish Swim School, Indianwood Junction, Renewal by Anderson, Ray C’s Extreme, Waste Management and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Cost
FREEMore Info
Dragon on the Lake is the largest annual fundraiser for the Orion Art Center. The Legend of the Lake Orion Dragon dates back to sightings in the mid-1800s. What was ultimately discovered to be a childish prank is now a beloved mascot of this beautiful lake community. Please join us as we celebrate the Dragon!
The Orion Art Center works to nurture artistic spirit with classes, camps, scholarships, exhibits, and special events. There are two things the Center loves: infusing art into community and connecting people with each other.
Follow us at @dragononthelake on Instagram and Facebook. For additional public information, visit www.dragononthelake.com.
