Richmond Maritime Festival 2025 at Britannia Shipyards

📍 Location: Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, 5180 Westwater Dr, Richmond, BC
📅 Dates: Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Admission: FREE

Event Overview

Celebrate Richmond’s rich nautical history at the 22nd Annual Richmond Maritime Festival, a free, family-friendly event set against the beautiful waterfront of Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site in Steveston. This two-day cultural celebration features:

• Live music and maritime-themed performances

• Hands-on arts & crafts for all ages

• Historic wooden boats on display at the docks

• Roving puppeteers, circus acts, and storytelling

• Food trucks offering diverse local and international flavours

• Artisan markets and heritage shipyard tours

Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or simply looking for fun family activities this summer, the Richmond Maritime Festival promises an unforgettable waterfront experience.

Festival Highlights

🚢 Historic Wooden Boats

Tour beautifully restored vessels, including the SS Master, Delta Lifeboat, Gikumi, and many more—each with fascinating stories tied to BC’s maritime past.

🎶 Live Entertainment

Two stages — the Octopus’ Garden and Port of Call Stage — will showcase performances by musicians, storytellers, puppeteers, and cultural groups including:

• Caro & Ali

• Rikki the Rat (puppeteer)

• The Irish Wakers

• The Whiskeydicks

• Fangfei Guzheng

• Kung Jaadee, and more

🎭 Roving Performers & Family Fun

Catch roaming acts like the Cannery Mermaids, Lulu the Mermaid, and Cause & Effect Circus, or hop aboard the Gikumi for mini orchestra performances by the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra.

🎨 Hands-On Arts & Crafts

Participate in maritime-themed activities including:

• Boat crafting

• Origami

• Cyanotype printing

• Net-making

• Painting & crochet

Craft stations run from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM both days.

Food Trucks at the Festival

Grab a bite from over a dozen food trucks featuring global flavours:

• Cazba Persian Grill

• Japadog

• Golden Bannock

• Little Mexico Cantina

• Slothfuls (Bubble Tea)

• The Lucky Churros

• Rolled West Coast

• Cheez2 (comfort food)

• And many more!

Come hungry — there’s something for everyone!

Artists & Artisans

Explore an open-air artisan market and admire:

• Handcrafted model ships

• Marine-inspired art installations

• Works by local creators like Jia-huan Long and John Horton

Getting There

🚗 By Car

Limited parking is available at Homma Elementary School via Trites Road. Expect road closures on Westwater Drive from 10AM–7PM. Parking is by donation.

🚌 By Transit

From Canada Line Brighouse Station:

• Bus #401, #406, or #407 to Steveston

• Bus #402 to Moncton & Railway (5-min walk to site)

🚲 By Bike or On Foot

Use scenic trails like Middle Arm Greenway or West Dyke Trail. The boardwalk from Steveston Village leads directly to the site.

🚌 Festival Shuttle

The Richmond Discovery Shuttle stop will move to Homma Elementary during the event for easier access.

Special Advisory

The Richmond Dragon Boat Festival will also take place on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Imperial Landing nearby. Expect increased traffic and limited parking. Plan accordingly.

🎉 Don’t miss one of Richmond’s most beloved annual events! Dive into local heritage, enjoy live entertainment, and savour delicious festival foods by the water.

🔗 Discover all upcoming events in Vancouver at Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events.