The City of Richmond welcomes the 23rd Annual Richmond Maritime Festival back to the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, August 22–23. The family-friendly festival highlights the rich maritime legacy of Steveston through two-days of nautical-themed activities, workshops, puppet shows, and music. With water being focal point of Steveston’s history the festival brings out an array of beautifully restored wooden and working boats moored at the Britannia docks for nautical enthusiasts to view up close.
“The Richmond Maritime Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our city’s rich connection to the waterfront,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “As we mark the festival’s 23rd year, we invite residents and visitors to join us at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site to experience the live music, stunning west coast boats, and hands-on activities that bring Steveston’s coastal heritage to life.”
The 2026 Richmond Maritime Festival 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.
Young children and their families will be entertained by the seafaring puppets, Rikki the Rat and Lulu the Mermaid, who will be telling tall tales and jokes at the puppet stage. Captains Quarters, the family zone features maritime activities hosted by Richmond’s Sea Scouts and Sea Dragons. Interactive festival activities include a flag-making craft, knitting tree, and painting.
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. Dock access hours can be found on the festival website.
Festival-goers can also explore the history of the shipyards by stepping back in time through 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.
New this year is the option for festivalgoers to experience the Steveston waterfront with a free boat ride. The River Queen boat will be connecting Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf to the Britannia Shipyards’ dock during the festival weekend.
A day strolling the seaside will work up a hunger, a variety of food trucks will be located throughout the grounds, including Golden Bannock, D Original Sausage Haus, Taco Nori, and much more. Whether grabbing a bite and sip from the vendors or packing your own lunch from home, visitors will find many picnic areas on-site.
The 23rd Annual Richmond Maritime Festival returns August 22 to 23, 2026 at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond. For more festival details and information on getting to Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, visit richmondmaritimefestival.ca.