Olympia, WA – Get ready for an unforgettable maritime adventure as vintage, working, and retired tugboats return to the southernmost tip of Puget Sound for the 51st Harbor Days Maritime Festival this Labor Day weekend! From August 30 to September 1, join us at Percival Landing and the Port Plaza on Olympia’s vibrant downtown waterfront for three days of excitement and celebration. This cherished, free festival thrives thanks to the generous support of our dedicated community partners.
Event Highlights:
Drone Show: Don’t miss the drone show Friday, August 30, at 9:30 PM. This spectacular aerial performance promises to be a highlight of the festival.
Tugboat Races: The festival kicks off with thrilling tugboat races at Budd Inlet on Sunday, September 1, starting at noon. Watch as these powerful vessels compete in a dramatic display of maritime skill.
Vendors: The waterfront will once again come alive with a variety of arts, food, crafts, activities, unique experiences providing an engaging array of entertainment and services for everyone to enjoy.
Dockside Tours, Day Sails and Cruises: All weekend, tugs and boats will open their decks for fascinating dockside tours and cruises. Explore these impressive boats up close and learn about their vital roles in maritime operations. For more information on cruise schedules and pricing, visit Harbor Days website here.
Free Port of Olympia Marine Terminal Tours on Saturday, August 31:
Discover how Thurston County connects with the global trade network on our free port tours. See the impressive mobile harbor crane and other operational equipment up close. Learn about port operations and listen to maritime stories shared by Olympia’s longshoremen from ILWU Local #47, local forestry business representatives, and the Port of Olympia’s international marine terminal staff.
Tour Details: 30-minute tour groups will depart hourly from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Meet at the Port of Olympia Booth, located at the Port Plaza near the tower.
The Port of Olympia proudly hosts Harbor Days to celebrate and honor our maritime heritage.
Outdoor “Movies at the Marina” showing at Swantown Marina:
For those seeking a free, fun, and family-friendly evening experience on Saturday, August 31, cruise over to Swantown Marina and cozy up with your favorite chairs and blankets for a classic film under the stars. The Saturday evening “Movies at the Marina” feature will be the beloved movie “Hook,” which will start screening at approximately 8pm. Concessions will be available for purchase thanks to Olympia Community Sailing.
