Memorial Drive – Festivals and Celebrations This Weekend

Memorial Drive will be the site of 2 fun events this weekend here in Cambridge.  The Boston Dragon Boat Festival will be taking place both on the Charles River with it’s races and on the Cambridge side of the river with performers and activities revolving around the Asian-American Culture.  Spectators can view the races from both sides of the river but the performances, arts and crafts and food vendors will be on the Cambridge side near the Weeks Bridge.

The Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event dating back all the way to 1979.  According to the website:

Each year, 30-40 teams from the US and Canada compete over a 500-meter course in an energetic race to the finish
line. The teams practice in the spring to prepare for the June races, paddling in sleek, colorful 39-foot-Hong Kong-style
dragon boats. Along with dragon boat races, the festival also presents performances from various Asian cultures, Asian food, and arts and crafts representing traditions of this ancient Chinese celebration.

The Charles River is a great location for races since spectators can get good vantage points on both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river.  After all it is the location of the famous Head of the Charles Regatta.  This year’s Dragon Boat Races actually have something like 50 teams registered which is the most they have had.

Memorial Drive also is good for festivals because it is easier to shut down from traffic on the weekends.  It is usually shut down on Sundays at this time anyway for bikers, runners and rollerbladers.  The races take place on Saturday and Sunday but the other activities take place on Sunday, June 12, 2011.  For more details on the Dragon Boat Festival and the schedule and directions check their event website.

Another celebratory event on Memorial Drive this weekend is the Magazine Beach Clean Up and Picnic on Saturday June 11, 2011.  Taking place from 9am to 3pm it’s a chance to help clean up a popular summer spot in Cambridge and enjoy food and entertainment afterward.  Magazine Beach is across from the MicroCenter on Memorial Drive near the infamous BU Bridge.  The Riverside Boat Club is also offering rowing lessons from 1-3pm.  You can get more information at the City of Cambridge event page.  You may just want to go to check out the Best Ever Chicken! a band I confess has me curious…