For the first time in nine years, the City of Richmond welcomes one of the world’s largest tall ships. Ships to Shore: Kaiwo Maru comes to Garry Point Park in historic Steveston Village for a free family festival May 2–3, 2026 from 10am–5pm. Visitors are invited to view the renowned Kaiwo Maru, enjoy dockside entertainment, and celebrate Richmond’s storied maritime past.
On sale April 8, 2026 at 10am, a limited number of tickets will be available at shipstoshore.ca for nautical enthusiasts to board and explore the vessel during Ships to Shore. If you miss out on tickets, the ship can also be viewed from the dock and the park, where interpretive panels will be installed.
When the Kaiwo Mari last docked in Richmond almost a decade ago, tens of thousands of visitors from across the region viewed the great ship
“We are thrilled to welcome back the magnificent Kaiwo Maru to Richmond this spring,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “One of the largest tall ships in the world, the Kaiwo Maru will visit our community for the first time since 2017 after making a month-long voyage across the Pacific Ocean. Ships to Shore will celebrate Richmond’s unique coastal history and draw visitors from across the city and beyond to experience this remarkable vessel up close, alongside live entertainment, local artists and vendors.”
Based in Yokohama, Japan, the Kaiwo Maru is a sail training vessel operated by the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers, which trains future navigators and engineers. The 361-foot-long, 182-foot-high tall ship boasts four masts and 36 sails that total an impressive 30,000 square feet. Her complement comprises 140 people, including cadets and crew.
Garry Point Park, will be filled with activity and a festival atmosphere for Ships to Shore: Kaiwo Maru, with live performances across three stages. The Neptune Stage features headliners Cookin’ With Brass, playing top 40 pop tunes, as well, enjoy the all-Filipino seven-piece show bandCoco Project. The Dockside Stage will feature children’s favourites like Ginalina and Oh Clementine. The Coracle Stage will host youth and community groups, including Richmond-based rock act The Buttery Biscuits.
Kid’s Cove, is a dedicated area for children and youth with a variety of hands-on workshops, including the traditional art of gyotaku, where real fish are used to create unique paper prints, under the guidance ofPaula Nishikawara. Visitors can try their hand at the delicate craft of Japanese origami with Aiko Matsushiba or visit J Peachy’s ArtCart to hand-sand and personalize their very own nautical woodcarving.
The Sails in the Sky field will host both kite professionals and local enthusiasts demonstrating their aerial skills, and children will have the chance to create their own carp kites, with representatives from Tonarigumi & Nikkei National Museum. Throughout the festival grounds find musical instrument experimentation, face painting, puppet theatre, and roving performances. To whet your appetites a selectionof food trucks will offer a diverse range of flavors.
Spend a day or the weekend Ships to Shore: Kaiwo Maru at Garry Point Park, 12011 Seventh Avenue in Steveston. Visit shipstoshore.ca for more information and to book tickets starting April 8th