International Leadership of Texas is proud to return as the Signature Sponsor of the 17th Annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival, hosted by the Marco Polo World Foundation.

The free community event will take place Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Levy Event Plaza in Irving, Texas. The annual festival brings families and communities from across North Texas together for a full day of culture, tradition, competition, and community celebration.

For ILTexas, this festival is more than a sponsorship opportunity. It is a meaningful event rooted in Asian culture and tradition, giving students and families the chance to experience cultural practices connected to one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated festivals. From dragon boat racing and lion dances to lantern displays, stage performances, and cultural demonstrations, the event offers a vibrant and authentic learning experience beyond the classroom.

That connection is especially meaningful for ILTexas because it directly supports the charter’s trilingual model, in which students learn English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Opportunities like the DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival help bring classroom learning to life by allowing students to experience the culture and traditions tied to the languages they study.

ILTexas students have also built a strong tradition of participation in the event. In past years, students from across the charter have competed in the dragon boat races, and ILTexas teams have earned championship recognition, including a first-place finish in 2025 by the Houston-Gold team after three boat races. These experiences give students the chance to demonstrate teamwork, perseverance, and school pride in a unique and memorable setting.

The festival also reflects the broader mission of ILTexas by helping prepare students for extraordinary leadership roles in the international community. Through cultural experiences like this one, students grow in understanding, communication, and appreciation for others, all of which support the leadership development at the heart of the ILTexas experience.

Beyond the races, the festival features a wide variety of attractions, including dragon boat racing, kite-making activities, lantern riddles, traditional stage performances, dragon and lion dances, Asian cultural demonstrations and classes, ethnic food, children’s activities, petting zoo experiences, costume parades, traditional handicraft demonstrations, and more.

As Signature Sponsor, ILTexas is honored to support an event that aligns so closely with the charter’s values of leadership, cultural awareness, service, and global learning. Families, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend and support ILTexas students participating in this year’s festivities.

Event Details
17th Annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival
Sunday, October 4, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Levy Event Plaza
Irving, Texas
Free Admission

For more information visit dfwdragonboatfestival.com