Richmond Maritime Festival sets sail for Steveston, August 22 and 23
The event’s 23rd edition brings two days of live music, historic boats, cultural workshops, and more
Wooden boats and ships at the Richmond Maritime Festival. Photo courtesy of the City of Richmond
The Richmond Maritime Festival takes place at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site on August 22 and 23
FULL STEAM AHEAD, the Richmond Maritime Festival arrives at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site this weekend for its 23rd annual celebration of Steveston’s rich nautical heritage.
Anchoring the Port of Call Stage this year is a special performance by the 35-member Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. Also appearing on this stage during the festival are returning favourites Tiller’s Folly, the Whiskeydicks, and the Wheat in the Barley with their Celtic- and folk-inspired tunes.
Other events to look forward to include a traditional performance by the Stars of the North Drum Group of the Tlowitsis-Mumtigala Nation; an energetic dance by Japanese Yosakoi group Appare Yosakoi Vancouver; and the stirring harmonies of Indigenous women’s vocal ensemble M’Girl Music.
Down by the docks, several heritage boats will be on full display, including the 104-year-old steam-powered tugboat SS Master, alongside the Island Provider and Midnight Sun. Visitors are encouraged to explore the surrounding historical landmarks, including the newly reopened Britannia Shipyard building and the Richmond Boat Builders, where shipwright Dave Sharp will share details of the 63-year-old fishing vessel Crystal S that is currently under restoration.
For those who wish to wade farther out into the waters this year, the River Queen will make free trips between Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf and the Britannia Shipyard’s dock throughout the festival weekend.
Returning to shore, there’s plenty more to keep families occupied. Rikki the Rat and Lulu the Mermaid will be trading tall tales and jokes at the Captain's Quarters Puppet Theatre, while the Cannery Mermaids wander through the shipyards singing their siren songs. For more hands-on activities, join a cyanotype print workshop with Grace Gihm, make maritime-themed papier mâché creations with Shahrzad Farahmand, or contribute to the community knitting tree.
As seafaring activities work up quite the appetite, there will be opportunities to refuel at a selection of food trucks offering everything from crispy sushi tacos and juicy sausages to fluffy bannock and creamy Hong-Kong-style soft-serves. 
Families enjoy a skit by Rikki the Rat at the Richmond Maritime Festival. Photo courtesy of the City of Richmond
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