What do you get when you mix 75,000 visitors (give or take), 1,125 pounds of wood-fired sockeye, a sea of red-and-white flags and nearly eight decades of hometown pride? The Steveston Salmon Festival, of course.
Back for its 78th year on July 1, this beloved community-wide Canada Day staple is more than a party, it’s a full-sensory celebration of a village that helped shape B.C.'s fishing and canning legacy.
Rooted in Steveston’s diverse history, including strong Japanese Canadian, Chinese Canadian and Indigenous ties, everyone is welcome to enjoy "Canada's biggest little birthday party," spread out across Steveston Village and hosted by Steveston Community Society and the Richmond Agricultural and Industrial Society in partnership with the City of Richmond.
From the sizzle of the Salmon Bake and the parade's fanciful floats (watch for Sammy the Salmon, Steveston Community Society's mascot), as well as the Kids' Bike Parade, live entertainment, cultural performances, Marketplace, Art Show, kids' and youth activities, community booths and roving performers, this family-friendly festival is the best way to launch your summer and connect with the community.
"The Steveston Salmon Festival is a vibrant expression of local pride and tradition," says Mary Ann Pizzinato, Steveston Salmon Festival coordinator. "Today, it remains one of British Columbia’s largest and most cherished Canada Day events."
Everyone loves a parade
Cue the marching bands and all the colourful entries (84 at last count), and secure your spot street-side along the 2.5km parade route, which runs along Garry Point Park, Chatham Street, Third Avenue, Moncton Street, and ends at Railway Avenue at noon. "It starts at 10 a.m. and as soon as the parade passes attendees, they start walking east," says Pizzinato. "So, they're coming back into the Steveston Community Centre where most of the activations are happening."
Opening ceremonies begin at 12:30 p.m., where emcee Chris Dinnell, a long-time Steveston resident and local realtor, officially kicks off the day-long program, with various dignitaries and special guests such as Mary Point of Musqueam First Nation and director of Indigenous Relations at YVR.
A foodies' paradise and homage to salmon
The heart of the festival, the famous Salmon Bake, never disappoints. Sink your teeth into a serving of savoury sockeye, where the legendary fire-grilled reds are cooked to perfection over an open pit from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; $22 gets you a filet, dinner roll, two sides and a beverage. Don't miss this dish! "Last year they served 3,000 portions and sold out in record time," recalls Pizzinato.
Early birds can fuel up with the Pancake Breakfast by the Rotary Club of Steveston (minimum donation $5) from 8–11 a.m., and nosh throughout the day on culinary offerings from 28 food trucks, tents and carts. The ever-popular Japanese-style Chow Mein booth is at the Community Centre parking lot (west); plus, enjoy adult cold beverages in the Spirit of Steveston Zone, the main stage area.
Get in the zone: entertainment, activities, culture
"The family-oriented sections are revamped and renamed this year, and new for 2025 is the Salmon Run Zone, which centres around the new playground (opening June 24) next to Steveston Community Centre," reveals Pizzinato.
Calling all youths! It's your chance to get active from 12–5 p.m. with opportunities to play road hockey, golf with First Tee BC, discover circus arts, dance at the Salmon Run stage and take in Richmond’s Youth Media Lab, a platform for burgeoning performers.
The Catch of the Day stage hosts fun family entertainment where you'll be treated to a variety of performers, talented artists and a myriad of music genres, from rock, pop, folk, rockabilly and blues, among others. Expect more than 25 eclectic performances throughout the various zones. The Spirit of Steveston (SOS) stage will feature performers from 12–7 p.m., and all other stages will have performances from 12–5 p.m.
"On the SOS stage, we're excited to present some returning favourites," says Pizzinato, "like Dr. Strangelove, Aristo-Cats, and Midnight Cruiser. And our closing band this year is the renowned Vancouver group, Ten Souljers."
"Also new this year is Sponsor Row on No. 1 Road, between Moncton and Bayview Street, where festival-goers can engage with our sponsors at their interactive booths, who will have giveaways and some fun games," she adds.
A must-see are the displays, demonstrations and performances at the Japanese Cultural Show, where the Japanese Canadian community’s contributions to the fabric of Steveston are proudly showcased.
Pizzinato is quick to recognize the dedicated efforts of the board of directors on the committee, their involvement, and the enthusiastic team of volunteers (400 come together on the day), so the festival can continue its successful run year after year, a feat only possible with their passion and commitment.
"Richmond has a very diverse population, and it's great to see so many different people come together," she says.
"We're proud to live here in Steveston, and we want to support each other. We want to wave our flags on Canada Day and invite everyone to come and have a fun time, feel safe in our community, and appreciate everything B.C. and Richmond has to offer."
For more information on the Steveston Salmon Festival, the parade route or to volunteer, visit www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca.
