Five things to do this long weekend in Regina (Aug. 30-Sept 2)

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Two very distinct events are set to make some waves at Wascana Lake as we look ahead to an eclectic lineup for the final long weekend of the summer.

1. Regina Dragon Boat Festival

A summer tradition that began in 1992, the festival is a celebration of Asian culture featuring recreational competitors in 48-foot dragon boats.

The opening ceremony (Friday, 3:30 p.m., Wascana dock) includes guest speakers and entertainment, along with the traditional “awakening the dragons” and “passing the paddle” ceremonies, followed by 200-metre sprints.

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The races continue Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.), culminating in the 2,000m finale. That’s followed by award presentations and evening frivolity at the beer gardens.

There are also merchandise vendors at the Island Trade Market, along with food, cultural entertainment, children’s activities, and the Dragon’s Lair Tent.

Learn more at reginadragonboat.com.

2. Beware the swamp monster

Toxic Algae Blob (T.A.B) will be patrolling the Wascana shores for the annual Swamp Fest independent music and arts festival.

The three-day, volunteer-run event began in 2016 and takes place on Willow Island, a man-made haven near the lake’s northeast shore.

“Swamp Fest is dedicated to increasing the visibility of Regina’s independent music and arts communities to a broad and diverse audience while showcasing musical talent from across Canada, with a focus on the prairie provinces,” says the festival’s website.

Opening ceremonies and performances are slated for Friday night (7:30 p.m.) at the Willow Island boat launch. That’s followed by Willow Island shows on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. (ferry boat access starts at 1:30 p.m.).

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Meanwhile, the new Swamp Fest Carnival is debuting with interactive artworks, games and performances each day on the island.

Indoor shows are Friday and Saturday night at The Cure Kitchen + Bar.

For more information, including tickets and a complete lineup, go to swampfest.ca.

3. Sweet Escape Fest

Another outdoor music event is booked to run all day Friday and Saturday at Victoria Park.

Headlined by the likes of Fat Joe, Polo G and Merkules, the inaugural Sweet Escape Fest is a hip-hop event that proclaims itself as “the ultimate music festival experience for all ages.”

Guests are invited to enjoy “a day of fun, music, and good vibes at Victoria Park,” says the website. “Get ready for a lineup of amazing artists, delicious food trucks, exhibition boxing matches and cool vendors. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to escape from your daily routine and enjoy a Sweet Escape out in the park with friends and family.”

Learn more at sweetescapefest.ca.

4. A Sterling performance

Regina’s Sterling Productions, celebrating its 10th anniversary, concludes a local presentation of Mary Poppins on Friday night (7:30 p.m.) at the Conexus Arts Centre.

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The show opened Wednesday and continues Thursday night, followed by Friday’s grand finale.

Sterling’s musical production is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, described as “an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and high energy dance numbers.”

For more info, go to sterlingproductionssk.com.

5. Start your engines

The 17th annual Labour Day Show and Shine is revving up for this year’s event on the holiday Monday at Access Communications Community Park (2250 Park Street).

Running noon to 4 p.m., the event is hosted by Access Communications and the Collectors Car Club of Saskatchewan. It features hundreds of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, along with public voting and awards in multiple categories.

Proceeds go to the Regina Food Bank.

For more info, visit myaccess.ca.

If you have an event to be featured in Five Things, please send details to gharder@postmedia.com.

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