Enjoy a dynamic lineup of musical acts and cultural performances across three stages: The Neptune Stage will feature opening speeches, drumming from GO Taiko, and headlining bands like Blue Rivera, a Latino-influenced Canadian indie-pop band, and local fiddlers Collage Trad. The Dockside Stage will feature Vancouver folk group Fraser Union, swing-era jazz band Cats in the Flats, the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra, and more. The Coracle Stage will host youth and community groups, such as the Richmond-based rock band The Buttery Biscuits. Programming is scheduled from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout each day to keep the energy high!

Look up and take in a stunning display of colour and movement as professional kite flyers and community enthusiasts fill the sky with large-scale kite demonstrations. Children will have the chance to create their own carp kites in their very own flying zone.

Browse a selection of stalls featuring Japanese artisanal goods and unique local crafts, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind items and gifts.

The Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (SJCCC), in partnership with Steveston Japanese Language School (SJLS), will be selling limited edition “Kaiwo Maru 2026” souvenir t-shirts at the Ships to Shore venue, from May 1 to 4 (while supplies last). T-shirts are $20, with proceeds going to the SJCCC and SJLS.

Connect with community organizations through interactive displays and heritage experiences.

‍ Join the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site for a salmon-inspired take on the Japanese Children's Day koinobori (carp kite)! Learn about the 5 species of Pacific salmon and the way their bodies and colouring change as they grow from youth to adults; then, decorate koinobori to represent a parent salmon or a child salmon. Finally, take inspiration from Japanese and Japanese Canadian cannery workers of the past by using salmon can labels to enhance your craft.

‍Presented by Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, watch a boatbuilding demonstration and learn about the heritage of Japanese Canadian boatbuilding in Steveston. Try your hand at woodworking and take home a souvenir item (while supplies last).

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

Enjoy more than 20 local and multicultural food offerings.

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

Pop-up musical performances

Stilt walkers

Circus-style entertainment