Free Richmond Maritime Festival in Steveston

Sponsored by the City of Richmond

Steveston’s beloved nautical-themed summer event is back for its 23rd year with free fun for the whole family at the Richmond Maritime Festival August 22-23, 2026.

Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site hosts this two-day festival that brings the rich maritime legacy of Steveston to life through nautical-themed activities, workshops, puppet shows, and music. An array of beautifully restored wooden and working boats will be docked at the site for enthusiasts to view up close making this festival one of a kind!

Richmond Maritime Festival Highlights

• Dates: Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 11:00am to 6:00pm
• Location: Britannia Shipyards and along the waterfront in Steveston
• Admission: Free!

This year’s festival 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. Please check the website for dock access hours. 

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. 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 variety of food trucks will be located throughout the grounds, including Golden Bannock, D Original Sausage Haus, Taco Nori, and much more. Those packing a lunch from home can make use of the many picnic areas on-site. 

Follow the City of Richmond Events on Facebook and Instagram for updates on this festival and many other activities around the city, throughout the year.