Your Guide to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival 2025
Set sail for the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, returning September 5-7, 2025, at Point Hudson Marina in Washington. This celebrated maritime event features 300 wooden boats, expert presentations, hands-on exhibits, and family-friendly activities in the picturesque Victorian seaport of Port Townsend. Whether you’re exploring stunning schooners, learning from renowned presenters, or rowing a historic longboat, this festival immerses you in the art and tradition of wooden boats. Don’t miss the chance to connect with the vibrant maritime community and celebrate the rich heritage of the Pacific Northwest!
What To Expect at the Event
The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is the largest wooden boat festival in North America, offering a magical experience for kids and adults alike. Imagine being surrounded by the beauty of wooden boats and the richness of Washington State’s maritime culture. It’s a perfect event to celebrate our passion for these magnificent vessels.
Every year, this festival takes place at the Northwest Maritime Center & Point Hudson Marina in Port Townsend, Washington. The upcoming 47th Wooden Boat Festival will be held from September 5-7, 2025. Over the course of three days, you can expect to see more than 300 boats on land and water, along with over 100 presentations and dozens of exhibitors.
So, what’s in store for you during the festival? Here are some highlights:
- Live music playing all day, every day, to keep your spirits high
- Plenty of local food, beer, and wine to enjoy while admiring the boats
- Opportunities to get on the water and learn about wooden boats firsthand
- Engage with a friendly and knowledgeable community of wooden boat enthusiasts
And don’t forget about the exciting events that happen throughout the festival. One notable event is the Race to Alaska, organized by the Northwest Maritime Center. This incredible race covers a distance of 1,200 nautical miles, attracting adventurers and boat lovers from all over the world.
Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival
Did you know that the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is considered one of the most prestigious wooden boat events in the world? With nearly five decades years of history, this annual gathering has become a beloved tradition for boat enthusiasts, weekend sailors, and families alike.
One of the highlights of the festival is the impressive display of over 300 wooden boats, ranging from small dinghies to grand schooners. As an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to hop on board some of these vessels, meet the skilled craftspeople who built them, and even participate in boatbuilding workshops.
Festival Activities:
- Boatbuilding demonstrations
- Sailing races
- Wooden boat parade
- Skippers meetings
- Workshops and seminars
- Live music
- Kids’ activities
When you attend, don’t miss the chance to participate in the various workshops and seminars led by industry experts. Topics may range from woodworking techniques to maritime history, and they offer valuable insights for both novices and seasoned sailors. Additionally, you can attend lively music performances, enjoy delicious food from local vendors, and take part in engaging activities for the entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and location for the 2025 festival?
The 2025 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival will take place from September 5-7. It will be held at the Northwest Maritime Center and Point Hudson Marina in Port Townsend, Washington.
Where can attendees find accommodation and camping options?
During the festival, various accommodation and camping options are available in Port Townsend and the surrounding area. You can even stay at nearby Lake Sutherland where there are plenty of lake house accommodation rentals. It’s wise to book your accommodations early and research options on popular booking websites.
What types of boats are displayed at the festival?
The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival showcases a stunning variety of wooden boats, ranging from small rowboats to large, classic yachts. You’ll see beautiful examples of maritime craftsmanship, including sailboats, motorboats, and handcrafted vessels. There’s something for every wooden boat aficionado at the festival.
Are there any special events or workshops during the festival?
Absolutely! The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival features numerous special events and workshops that cater to a wide range of interests. Activities include boat races, live music performances, demonstrations, and hands-on boatbuilding opportunities. There are also educational talks and workshops with experienced maritime craftsmen, sailors, and boatbuilders.
How can one purchase tickets or register for the event?
To purchase tickets or register for the festival, visit the official Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival website. There, you can find information about ticket pricing, registration details, and any necessary steps to complete the process. Keep an eye out for updates on the website as the event approaches.
How does the festival support the Wooden Boat Foundation?
The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is a vital fundraiser for the Wooden Boat Foundation, with proceeds going towards supporting their mission to preserve and promote maritime culture. By attending the festival, you’re not only enjoying a fantastic experience but also contributing to the preservation of wooden boat heritage and the enrichment of local maritime communities.
