Celebrate the history of Steveston at the Richmond Maritime Festival with free, family-friendly maritime-themed activities such as live music, art installations, puppet shows, community exhibits and more. The festival, in its 21st year, takes place at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site (5180 Westwater Drive) on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25 from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

This year’s program animates the entirety of the eight-acre historic site, highlighting the multicultural and boatbuilding legacies that make up Britannia Shipyards. Interactive shows and performances showcase the region’s rich cultural tapestry, which was once home to Chinese, European, Indigenous and Japanese-Canadian fisheries workers.

2024 Richmond Maritime Festival highlights include:

• Live entertainment: See local groups perform throughout the weekend, including celebrated singer Norine Braun, roots musician Pat Chessell, banjo player Paul Silveria and Yuki the Juggler. Festival-goers will be serenaded by other musical acts as they explore the site, such as the singing Cannery Mermaids and the beloved band The Seabillys.
• Boats at the docks: Take in the beauty of restored heritage boats. Among the stunning vessels will be the 102-year-old SS Master tugboat, the oldest working wooden-hulled steam-powered tug in the world, and other returning favourites like the MV Gikumi, which has seen 70 years of almost continuous service on the West Coast. New to the festival this year are the Aegan, Rejoice, Saffron and Sandra Jean II.
• Family activities: Participate in artist-led hands-on activities fit for all ages. Ainsley and Liana Oh will teach kids how to crochet their own sea creatures, Aiko Matsushiba will teach origami crafts and Tarcila de Figueiredo Neves will help families create their own digital fish and release it into a specially made virtual seascape.
• Local food vendors: Fuel up with more than 10 food trucks with delectable bites ranging from popcorn to lemonade, sausages to Japanese cuisine. Picnic tables are available for those who would like to pack a homemade spread.

This year’s signature artwork contest winner is Maya Callaghan, whose design was selected out of nearly 50 submissions from Metro Vancouver artists. Callaghan’s artwork was inspired by the magical aesthetic of the 2014 film Song of the Sea, as well as video games such as Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. Her design captures the imagination of the viewer and embodies the festival’s joyful spirit. 

Based in Steveston, Callaghan has attended the Richmond Maritime Festival since she was a child. A 3D modeller and texture artist by trade, she enjoys learning new techniques and mediums, such as watercolour, ink and textiles. 

The festival is presented by the City of Richmond in partnership with Richmond Arts Coalition and Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Society, with funding support from the Department of Canadian Heritage, BC Arts Council and the Province of British Columbia.

For more details on getting to Britannia and this year’s program, visit RichmondMaritimeFestival.ca.