Schedule and Activities

Programming will take place throughout each day across multiple areas of the event site. Browse through activities and performance schedules for each of the three stages.

Festival Highlights

  • A large historic sailing ship docked at a waterfront with tall masts and multiple sails, against a backdrop of cloudy sky and distant mountains.

    Explore the Kaiwo Maru up close

  • Large white sailboat docked at a pier with multiple masts and rigging, alongside calm water and distant land and sky.

    Timed boarding experiences available

  • A large white sailing ship with multiple masts being guided into a harbor by a small tugboat, with workers in yellow safety vests on the dock.

    Public viewing opportunities from the shoreline

Learn More

Performance Schedules

Event Program

  • Young girl playing a large traditional drum, wearing a red and black outfit with a patterned headband, during a cultural festival.

    Cultural Performances

    In Garry Point Park, visitors of all ages can enjoy live performances across three stages. The Neptune Stage will feature headliners Cookin’ With Brass, which supercharges top 40 pop tunes, and Coco Project, a proud all-Filipino seven-piece show band. The Dockside Stage will feature children’s favourites like the award-winning Ginalina and Oh Clementine. The Coracle Stage will host youth and community groups, such as the Richmond-based rock band The Buttery Biscuits. 

  • Colorful koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) flying on poles against a clear blue sky.

    Sails in the Sky

    The Sails in the Sky field will host both kite professionals and local enthusiasts demonstrating their aerial skills. Children will have the chance to create crafts based on Japanese koinobori — carp streamers that are used to celebrate Children’s Day in Japan on May 5 — with representatives from Tonarigumi and the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.

  • A market stall displays colorful handcrafted fabric balls and items for sale, with two people browsing and admiring the items.

    Maker's Corner

    Discover a curated selection of artisanal vendors offering handcrafted goods inspired by culture, creativity and craftsmanship.

    Featured Vendors:

    Mysgreen
    An eco-conscious Langley-based business creating handmade fabric goods, including reusable pouches, beeswax food wraps and keychains.

    Nananse
    Ceramic works by Japanese designer and artist Nanase Hanada, based in Vancouver.

    Teresa Takeuchi
    Handcrafted ceramic pieces showcasing unique forms and artistry.

    Koo Woodwork + Design
    Thoughtfully crafted woodwork pieces blending design and functionality.

  • Two cheerful older adults, a woman and a man, are high-fiving at a craft booth. The woman has short gray hair, glasses, and is wearing a white shirt with blue patterns and a green apron. The man has short gray hair and is wearing a gray t-shirt with glasses. They are inside a white tent with booths displaying crafts, brushes, and paints.

    Partner's Circle

    Explore interactive activations and cultural experiences presented by local community partners, celebrating maritime heritage and Japanese Canadian culture.

    Featured Activations:

    Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
    Learn about Japanese Canadian boatbuilding in Steveston and try hands-on woodworking. Take home a souvenir (while supplies last).

    Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
    Create a salmon-inspired koinobori (carp kite) while learning about Pacific salmon and their life cycle. Decorate your craft using historical cannery label designs.

    Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
    Shop unique items from the Nikkei National Museum gift shop, including furoshiki, mugs, tote bags and a selection of books.

    Tonarigumi
    Shop Japanese-inspired crafts made by senior volunteers, with proceeds supporting community programs.

    Koinobori Craft Tent(Tonarigumi & Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre)
    Create your own paper koinobori, a traditional carp streamer flown to celebrate Children’s Day in Japan.

    Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre & Steveston Japanese Language School
    Purchase limited-edition Kaiwo Maru 2026 souvenir t-shirts ($20), with proceeds supporting both organizations (while supplies last).

  • A young girl with a painted dragon on her face being painted by an artist.

    Kid's Cove

    A dedicated space designed for younger visitors and families to explore, create and play.

    Hands-on workshops such as:

    Traditional fish printing (Gyotaku)

    Origami

    Woodcarving

    Musical instrument exploration

    Kite making

    Nautical-themed face painting

    Puppet theatre featuring Lulu the Mermaid

  • Skewers of marinated chicken and beef grilling on a barbecue grill.

    Food

    Enjoy local and multicultural food offerings including:

    S for Skewers - Meat and veggie skewers

    Tochi - Japanese desserts

    Taco Nori - Nori

    Lee’s Donuts - Donuts

    Japanese Teriyaki Express - Teriyaki and noodles

    Craving Coffee After Dark - Coffee and hot drinks

    Tornado Truck - Spiral potato

    Babb D Thai Food - Thai

    D’Sausage Haus - Hot dogs

    MJ’s Caribbean Cuisine - Caribbean

    Gary’s Kettle Corn - Kettle corn

    Lucky Churros - Churros

    Roasted Revolution - Roasted corn

    Memory Bing - Japanese rice bowl and fried chicken

    Mister G’s Back Road BBQ - Japanese fusion Texas BBQ

    Magical Rings - Donuts and lemonade

  • Performer dressed like a blue mermaid riding a large jellyfish sculpture at an outdoor festival, with tents and trees in the background.

    Roving Entertainment

    Keep an eye out for surprise moments throughout the festival grounds, including:

    Pop-up musical performances

    Stilt walkers

    Circus-style entertainment

  • Steveston Village Public Art Tour

    Available on Saturday, May 2 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

    Meeting Point: Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial, Garry Point Park, 12015 7th Avenue (southeast corner of the park)

    Tour Leader: Carmen Levy-Milne

    Explore public art in Steveston Village. Learn about the artworks and artists who created them on a guided walking tour led by a local arts professional. Then head back to Garry Point Park and enjoy the Ships to Shore festivities.

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