Let’s pretend there’s a nearly perfect world somewhere. A place where Mother Nature’s forces and cycles are revered, where learned skills, craftsmanship and artistry are the norm and are celebrated. A place where an eclectic mix of people gather—young and old—to share their ideas, talents, and stories—and somehow a general sense of camaraderie always prevails. Oh, and let’s make it scenic—a place where no matter which direction you turn, the mental picture is worthy of a postcard. Well, it so happens such a place really exists, but only for three days each year. It’s called the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, and it might be exactly what you need….

A Global Gathering of Women Boatbuilders

We’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women who are making waves in the maritime trades. This year, we’re excited to welcome the Women in Boatbuilding (WIBB) community and the Women of the Working Waterfront (WOWW) as special guests at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival!

Traditional Ropemaking

Hardanger Maritime Centre, Norway’s national maritime museum, is the largest center for maritime culture and boat restoration in the Nordic countries. This year, we are thrilled to welcome a delegation from Hardanger to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival to demonstrate traditional ropemaking.

Short Films by Children of the Setting Sun Productions

Indigenous storytellers and filmmakers Children of the Setting Sun Productions will bring two short films to Wooden Boat Festival for Saturday night’s Movie Special: The Sound and West Shore. Both screenings will take place on Saturday, September 7, at 6:30 PM on the Cruising & Technical Stages.

Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific

A special exhibition in the Northwest Maritime Boatshop all Festival long. This exhibit expands our understanding of maritime history and culture by telling the stories of the many Black whalers, commercial mariners, fishers, explorers, soldiers, and sailors who traveled along the Pacific Coast and traversed the high seas from the 16th century to the present day.

Special Workshops with Nigel Calder

Renowned boat systems expert Nigel Calder, celebrated for his bestselling books like “Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual,” is returning to the Wooden Boat Festival this year to present his invaluable seminars. Thursday’s workshops will cover marine diesel engines, while Friday’s will focus on boat electrical systems.

New Marine Science & Stewardship Stage

This stage is a must-visit for anyone passionate about the ocean and eager to learn more about the incredible marine life in our local waters. Sponsored by the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, Washington Sea Grant, and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, this stage will feature a series of presentations packed with fascinating facts and insights from leading scientists. 

Presentations & Demos

There are eight different stages at Wooden Boat Festival, full of presentations and demos all weekend long! If you are new to boats and boating, check out the Adventure Stage where avid adventurers recount their tales of voyages—both big and small—and share captivating photographs. Learn why and how they do it, and relish the inspiration.

Check out the 2024 schedule to start planning your Festival experience!

Tour the Boats

One of the most fun things to do is go aboard boats and talk to the owners! All the boats are open for the Festival public to tour from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Protocol for boarding boats:

• Please don’t carry open food or drink onboard.

• Always ask before boarding a boat: “Permission to come aboard” is tradition, but you can also just say, “Can I come aboard?” or “Is it ok for me to come on?”

• If there is a sign asking you to take off your shoes before boarding, please do.

• Say hi and thank the owners!

Hands-on Activities

Unleash your inner artisan with hands-on activities in the Woodworking Tent and throughout Festival grounds.

• Try your hand at turning wood to craft your own wooden pen.
• Create and brand a festival keychain or cheeseboard to take home as a unique souvenir.
• Try woodblock art with the talented Festival poster artist, Hannah Spencer.
• Learn the art of traditional ropemaking with Norway’s Hardanger Maritime Centre.

Kids’ Activities

Find family fun at Kid’s Cove and the base of Point Hudson Marina. Kids 12 and under get in Festival for free (must be accompanied by a ticket-paying adult)!

• Build a toy boat with your child at Kids’ Boatbuilding.
• Print a T-shirt with real fish at our Gyotaku fish printing station.
• Try sailing on the Angus Rowboat Bumblebee sailboat.
• Paddle a small hand-driven Paddlewheeler boat.
• Join us at the Pirate Parade on Sunday at 11:30 AM.

On-the-Water Fun

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the Wooden Boat Festival than by sea. 

• New this year! Experience sailing in our Intro to Sailing Lessons on the beautiful 40-foot wooden sailboat, La Vie en Rose.
• Take an Admiral Jack boat tour of Port Townsend Bay.
• Work together as a crew to row and sail a Longboat.
• Treat yourself to a variety of charter sails—from majestic schooners to intimate traditional catboats.

Special Events

Mark your calendar for these special events at Festival!

• Lifetime Achievement Awards | Thursday, Sept 5, 5:30 PM
• Race to Alaska Blazer Party | Friday, Sept 6, 6 PM | *Tickets required
• Bell Tolls | Sunday, Sept 8, 10 AM
• Sail By | Sunday, Sept 8, 3 PM

Live Music & Dancing

Enjoy the sounds of local musicians on the Main Stage at Bar Harbor. We have music and dancing all weekend long for festival-goers of all ages. Don’t miss the biggest dance party in Port Townsend on Saturday night!

Local Food & Drink

An array of local food vendors will be set up throughout Festival grounds. Whether you’re craving gyros and crab cakes or smoothies and dumplings, there’s something to satisfy every palate. And, don’t miss the three pop-up bars serving up local libations.

Tickets On Sale Now

• Single-Day Tickets: $30.
• Three-Day (Fri-Sun) Tickets: $55.

Kids 12 and under get in free! (Must be accompanied by a ticket-paying adult)

2024 Festival Schedule

We’re excited to announce that the full Festival schedule, including all presentations, is now live! You can find the 2024 Festival map on the Wooden Boat Festival website to help you navigate all the exciting activities and exhibitors.