The 79th annual Steveston Salmon Festival, presented by The City of Richmond, Steveston Community Society and Richmond Agricultural and Industrial Society returns July 1, 2026 to Steveston Village. One of the country’s largest and most cherished Canada Day events, the festival honours the local community spirit and storied fishing heritage, with a parade, live music, youth performances, delicious food, and more.
Photo by Jon Benjamin. Courtesy of the City of Richmond.
“The Steveston Salmon Festival is the beating heart of Richmond’s Canada Day traditions,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “For decades, this festival has done so much more than just entertain — it honours our deep roots and the diverse cultural histories that shape our community today. From the iconic Salmon Bake to the incredible energy of the parade, it is a true reflection of Richmond’s community spirit. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Steveston this July 1.”
The Festival begins with the Kids Bike Parade at 9:30am, heading to No. 1 Rd., followed by the Community Parade that starts at Garry Point Park and ends at Moncton St. and Railway Ave. Road closures will be in effect in the area from 8am to 8pm.
Activities and entertainment abound, Sammy’s Fun Zone welcomes families for face painting and hand-drawn caricatures, while Salmon Run Stage offers music by Ginalina, Volcano! The Jimmy Buffett Experience, and the circus band Blackberry Wood. Sports on Courts let’s visitors have a go at golf, frisbee, and more including Vancity Freestyle providing skateboarding demos with local Richmond legend Kevin Harris alongside young up-and-coming talent.
Live music is always a mainstay of Steveston Salmon Festival, three stages will keep the crowds dancing. Headlining the Spirit of Steveston Zone, Barney Bentall & The Legendary Hearts with additional performances by Gift Shop, a tribute to The Tragically Hip, and Truly Tina, a tribute to Tina Turner. The Buttery Biscuits will headline the Catch of the Day Stage, which will also feature Okinawa Taiko and youth jazz band The Diatonics.
Photo by Jon Benjamin. Courtesy of the City of Richmond.
Foodies will find their appetites satisfied from morning to evening with the Rotary Club of Steveston flipping flapjacks from 8am. The Salmon Bake, which annually serves more than 3,000 fillets cooked over an open fire, will be served up from 11am until sold out. The local classic, Japanese-Canadian Chow Mein, prepared and served by hundreds of volunteers, will be available while supplies last. Food trucks, parked throughout the festival grounds to help make sure visitors are never far from sustenance, including Lee’s Donuts, Hong Kong-style mini french toast with mochi by Tochi, Ponchos Tacos, D’Original Sausage Haus, Mukasi Coffee, and many more.
Activations throughout the day include;
- Bloco Energia Vancouver’s premier street samba band and percussion collective
- Richmond Celebrates Soccer community program seesmultiple soccer games being played to support Richmond’s soccer community
- Japanese Cultural Show: Cultural demonstrations and performances
- Market Place: Community-run booths and individuals showcasing their wares
- And more free activations at the Steveston Museum, the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
The 79th Steveston Salmon Festival takes over historic Steveston Village July 1, 2026. To learn more about the festival and find the day’s schedule, visit stevestonsalmonfest.ca.
Photos by Jon Benjamin. Courtesy of the City of Richmond.