A Gathering of Maritime Legends: Celebrating Shipwrights

This year’s Wooden Boat Festival gathers master shipwrights from some of the world’s most iconic maritime institutions—alongside Port Townsend’s own—sharing the skill, tradition, and passion that keep wooden boatbuilding alive. Hear their stories in panels, talks, and demonstrations featuring experts from the U.S., U.K., and beyond.

Women & the Wind Takes Center Stage

The Women & the Wind film follows an all-women crew’s North Atlantic crossing on a 50-year-old Wharram catamaran. Over the weekend, catch the film, Q&A, and presentations with three remarkable women—each connected to the story in a different way: filmmaker Kiana Weltzien, Wharram co-designer Hanneke Boon, and producer Angie Richard.

Traditional Ropemaking Returns!

All the way from Norway, Hardanger Maritime Centre—one of the last places preserving traditional ropemaking—returns to bring this rare craft to life. Try your hand in the Ropemaking Tent all weekend, and join ropemaker Sarah Sjøgreen for presentations on the history and techniques of this essential seafaring skill.

76 Days Adrift Movie Screening

In this gripping survival story, Steven Callahan recounts 76 days alone at sea after his boat sank hundreds of miles from land. Directed by Joe Wein and featuring a score by Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, the film blends real 8mm footage with faithful recreations for an unforgettable, immersive experience. Catch it Friday at 7 PM on the Adventure Stage.

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.

Explore Marine Science

Dive into the wonders of our marine world with films, live ship-to-shore calls, and presentations from top scientists, artists, and citizen science leaders. From seabird ecology to invasive crab control, ocean exploration to green boating, the Marine Science & Stewardship Stage and special presentations will spark your curiosity and deepen your connection to the sea.

Presentations & Demos

Wooden Boat Festival features eight stages packed with fascinating presentations and hands-on demos happening all weekend long.

This is your chance to learn from the best, with hands-on skill-building opportunities and expert instruction in everything from traditional craft to cutting-edge seamanship, navigation, and emergency prep.

• 8 Stages
• 141 Presentations
• 95 Presenters

Check out the 2025 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.

• Create and brand a festival keychain or cheeseboard to take home as a unique souvenir.
• Learn the art of traditional ropemaking with Norway’s Hardanger Maritime Centre.
• Take the helm in our state-of-the-art Ship Simulator.

Kids’ Activities

Find family fun at Kids’ 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.
• 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. 

• 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 4, 5 PM
• 2026 R2AK and SEVENTY48 Race Decree | Friday, Sept 5, 6 PM
• Bell Tolls | Sunday, Sept 9, 10 AM
• Sail By | Sunday, Sept 9, 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 oysters and crab cakes or pizza and ice cream, 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)

2025 Festival Schedule

We’re excited to announce that the full Festival schedule is now live! You can find the 2025 Festival map on the Wooden Boat Festival website to help you navigate all the exciting activities and exhibitors.