diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yaml b/.github/workflows/release.yaml
index e35989bbd8262..9f126794c3b11 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yaml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yaml
@@ -289,6 +289,7 @@ jobs:
           retention-days: 7
 
       - name: Start Packer builds
+        if: ${{ !inputs.dry_run }}
         uses: peter-evans/repository-dispatch@v2
         with:
           token: ${{ secrets.CDRCI_GITHUB_TOKEN }}