Skip to content

15th annual Richmond Maritime Festival sails into Steveston this weekend

Richmond has its fair share of summer festivals and, this weeked, the Maritime Festival will be back for its 15th year in Steveston. On Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, the annual, free event will take place at the Britannia Shipyards.
2017 Richmond Maritime Festival
A performer dressed as a seagull entertains a child at the 2017 Richmond Maritime Festival. Photo: Submitted

Richmond has its fair share of summer festivals and, this weeked, the Maritime Festival will be back for its 15th year in Steveston.

On Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, the annual, free event will take place at the Britannia Shipyards. Celebrating Richmond’s historical connection to the sea, the festival will have music, painters, performers, storytellers and maritime-themed activities. If you're hungry, food trucks ranging from burgers to bannock will be onsite. 

New this year, the festival will have a licensed area within view of the main stage's performances. The licensed area will open at 11 a.m. on both festival days and all proceeds from the licensed area will go to support the Richmond Firefighters Society. 

Also new to the festival, visitors with mobility aids will have the opportunity to access the docks at set times to get a closer look at the ships on display. In years past, viewing has been limited as changing tides can make dock access challenging for those with mobility aids. However, special access will be available from 5 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Among the ships on display along the 600-foot dock will be the steam-powered SS Master, the 103-year-ol sailing ketch Providence and the Ella McKenzie, a 38-foot wooden tug boat that was built in 1951.

For those interested in getting out on the water, the River Queen will offer 15-minute boat rides along the Steveston Channel.

Along with the celebration of wooden boats, visitors can take in a live performance as  the Boom Booms, Laughing Loggers and the Beauty Shop Dolls are scheduled to perform. 

The festival runs on the 28th and 29th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

For more details, visit www.richmondmaritimefestival.ca.