Events: Annual Richmond Maritime Festival – Aug 22-23rd

August 13, 2026

The City of Richmond BC’s 23rd Annual Richmond Maritime Festival runs Aug 22–23 at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. An array of beautifully restored wooden and working boats will be docked at the site for enthusiasts to view up close. 

The two-day, family-friendly event brings to life the rich maritime legacy of Steveston through nautical-themed activities, workshops, puppet shows, and music.

This year’s program features a special performance from the Naden Band, the 35-member band of the Royal Canadian Navy that was first formed in 1940. Returning festival favourites include Tiller’s Folly, The Wheat in the Barley, and The Whiskeydicks. 

Families with young children will be beguiled by the seafaring puppets, Rikki the Rat and Lulu the Mermaid, who will be telling tall tales and jokes at the puppet stage. The family-focused Captains Quarters area will feature maritime activities hosted by Richmond’s Sea Scouts and Sea Dragons.

Interactive opportunities include a flag-making craft, knitting tree, and painting. 

Down on the docks, visitors can check out the 104-year-old SS Master tugboat, heritage and working boats including the Island Provider and Midnight Sun.

Festival-goers can also discover the history of the shipyards by exploring the newly reopened Britannia Shipyard building, the Murakami House and Garden, the Chinese Bunkhouse and more.

Richmond Boat Builders is currently home to restoration of the Crystal S, a 63-year-old, 37-foot combination gillnetter and troller fishing vessel that was originally built in Steveston.

The list of boats and their details can be found here. https://richmondmaritimefestival.ca/wooden-boats/

For more festival details and information on getting to Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, visit richmondmaritimefestival.ca.