Category Archive

The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is thrilled to welcome members of the Haida Nation as special guests this year. We are honored to host two captivating presentations by Haida members, sharing their profound knowledge and craftsmanship in the resurgence of traditional Haida sail making and masted canoe building. These presentations not only highlight the rich cultural heritage of the …

Northwest Maritime CEO and 20-year Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival fanboy, Jake Beattie, shares his top five picks for this year’s festival.  Native Representation “For the 13,000 years that there have been wooden boats in the Pacific Northwest, 99.9% of them have been Native canoes. It means a lot to have more Native participation than ever—from the tribes from right …

Beyond the iconic vessels and vibrant community, the festival is a treasure trove of hidden gems and expert voices. From internationally renowned folks to Emmy winners, you’ll find a diverse array of professionals ready to share their knowledge and passion.  These are just a few of the special experts you will find at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. Be …

Harbor Master Daniel Evans has meticulously reviewed each boat application to ensure this year’s harbor is filled with stunning wooden boats. The variety of incredible boats arriving at this year’s Festival is truly remarkable. Here are a few standout selections from his curated list! Presenting the 2024 Harbor Master’s Picks: Adventuress & Alca I Two gorgeous schooners. Adventuress is essentially a …

The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is packed with activities for all ages, promising a weekend full of creativity, adventure, and family fun. Get Creative with 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 …

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 for the first time. Throughout the weekend, the Norwegian team will be demonstrating traditional rope-making, inviting festival attendees to participate in …

We are thrilled to announce that 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. In their own words: “Children of the Setting Sun’s responsibility is to create and share Indigenous stories of gratitude, generosity, and respect, to empower the …

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! Women in Boatbuilding is a thriving community dedicated to supporting and inspiring women in …

We are thrilled to welcome “Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific”* to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival as a special exhibition this year. The 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 …

We are thrilled to announce another exciting new addition to this year’s Wooden Boat Festival: the 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. What to Expect Sponsored by the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, Washington Sea Grant, …