Wrap Up the Summer with Local Festivals

Some of the best festivals take place in late August and early September at destinations convenient for boaters that offer moorage. Be sure to make your moorage reservations early for these popular events. Come enjoy the summer scene and nautical-themed celebrations at one of these unique festivals:

Richmond BC Maritime Festival. The annual celebration of Richmond’s maritime heritage is held at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, August 22 and 23 from 11 am to 6 pm. The festival includes free live music, family activities, food vendors, and beautifully restored wooden boats on display. To learn more about the festival, go to https://richmondmaritimefestival.ca/

Olympia Harbor Days. This free event takes place over Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4 – Sept. 6. The event showcases the vintage tugboats of Puget Sound, along with other historic vessels. The famous vintage tugboat races happen Sunday at Noon. Harbor cruises, food, music, and themed activities are offered during Harbor Days, which take place around Percival Landing. To check hours and to learn more about Harbor Days, go to www.harbordays.com

Victoria Classic Boat Festival. The Maritime Museum of British Columbia hosts this annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival. The weekend-long festival runs from Sept. 4 through Sept. 6 at Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Admission to the docks is by donation to benefit the museum. Come see 100 classic vessels, along with onshore activities and maritime displays to delight the entire family. Go to https://mmbc.bc.ca/classic-boat-festival/ to learn more.

Bremerton’s Blackberry Festival. Held on the Boardwalk Waterfront at Bremerton over Labor Day from Saturday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Sept. 7. This event features blackberry foods, live music, and over 150 craft and treat vendors. Festivities start at 11 am each day and run into the evening hours. Hosted by the Bremerton Rotary Foundation, proceeds go to scholarships, parks, and non-profit services. Check out all the details at www.blackberryfestival

Oak Harbor Music Festival. Come enjoy three days of free, live music Sept. 4-6 at the Oak Harbor Festival. This event brings families and the community together to support local businesses and create opportunities for local students through scholarships and music programs. The schedule of band performances can be found at www.oakharborfestival.com/stage-schedules; performances typically start around 6 pm. There will be art and food vendors, too, including famous Whidbey Pies. For more information, go to www.oakharborfestival.com