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Steam Bending Saturday Summer Series July 26, 2025 | 9 AM–5 PM Cost: $129 non-member, $119 member Steam bending is a fun, efficient process that has been utilized in the construction of boats for generations. In this workshop, we will break down the process so that it is easily repeatable for the student to implement at home. Gain a real world lesson in biology and chemistry as we talk plant structure and how the steaming process helps the builder tie wood into a knot. We’ll also demonstrate processes that utilize the steam maker, steam chamber, jigs, clamps, forms, and compression straps. At the end of the class, students will take home a new skill and hopefully a couple souvenirs. https://nwmaritime.org/events/steam-bending-2025/

The Texas Maritime Museum is delighted to announce its highly anticipated fundraising gala, The Maritime Ball: Treasures of the Sea, set to dazzle attendees on December 7, 2024. This extraordinary evening will be held at the Rockport Country Club, promising a night of sophistication, inspiration, and support for the museum. Guests at The Maritime Ball will indulge in a delicious gourmet plated dinner, dessert, and an open bar at the beautiful Rockport Country Club while enjoying live entertainment, music, dancing, and a special live auction featuring exclusive items and unique experiences. Some hidden treasures and surprises will also await guests who attend—join us to discover them! “We are excited to renew the spirit of the many extraordinary Texas Maritime Museum fundraising balls of the past. The Maritime Ball will bring together our community for a night that supports the Museum’s efforts to preserve Texas’ maritime history,” said Michael Ables, Executive Director of the Texas Maritime Museum. “This event is not only an opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening but also to make a significant impact on the future of the Museum.” Proceeds from The Maritime Ball will support the museum’s upcoming exhibitions, educational programs, operations, and conservation efforts. As the official Maritime Museum of Texas, the museum plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing artifacts to over 14,000 annual local visitors and tourists alike. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest formal attire, with a touch of maritime or treasure-inspired flair, to match the elegance of the evening. Sponsorship tables and individual tickets for The Maritime Ball: Treasures of the Sea are available for purchase online at https://texasmaritimemuseum.org/maritime-ball-tickets-sponsorship/ and the Museum Administration office. For more information on tickets, sponsorships, and other underwriting opportunities, contact the Museum at (361) 729-1271. Join us for an unforgettable night that will not only celebrate the rich maritime history of Texas but also support the ongoing efforts of the Texas Maritime Museum to grow into a world-class institution https://texasmaritimemuseum.org/event/the-maritime-ball-treasures-of-the-sea/

From the wreck of the Sparrow-Hawk in 1626 to the grounding of the Eldia in 1984, Cape Cod’s outer beach—often referred to as the “Graveyard of Ships”—saw the demise of more than three thousand vessels along forty miles of shifting shoals. Join us as Author Don Wilding revisits these maritime disasters, and follow up with our new exhibit, The Menace of Cape Cod: A Hazard to Navigation. Cape Cod Maritime Museum 135 South Street Barnstable, MA, 02601 https://capecodmaritimemuseum.org/events-and-lectures/history-on-tap-shipwrecks-of-cape-cod

Heroic rascals or violent criminals? Discover the truth behind pirate life in a major new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. Pirates, opening in Greenwich in March 2025, traces the changing depictions of pirates through the ages and reveals the brutal reality behind the fiction. The exhibition explores the perception of piracy in popular culture – from comical characters like Captain Pugwash and Captain Hook to anti-heroes like Long John Silver and Captain Jack Sparrow – and examines why the idea of a pirate’s life still fascinates us today. While often portrayed as swashbuckling scoundrels, the real history of pirates is far more complex. Pirates follows the global history of piracy from the South China Sea to the coast of North Africa, and explores the issues of modern piracy facing seafarers today. The exhibition illuminates real-life figures, including Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach, William Kidd, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and reflects on how perceptions of pirates, both past and present, are shifting. https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/pirates

Join us for our Folklore and Legends Lantern Tour with all new stories! Hear stories of Benjamin Haile, Sarah Kershaw, George Washing comes to town, Devils Stomping Gground and Boo Hags On our Folklore and Legends Lantern Tour, you can spend an hour taking a leisurely walk around the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park campus while listening to the stories about people and events that have shaped our Camden history, and possibly glimpse a ghost or two! https://www.historiccamden.org/2024/10/23/lantern-tour-nov-23-24/

Join the festival fun in Little Cayman on 23rd November. Discover the heritage displays and enjoy the parade and festival fireworks! It's a full day of Cayman culture and swashbuckling fun. Little Cayman is located in the warm Caribbean Sea, one of a three island archipelago. The islands are situated south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. The history and culture of Cayman Brac's people can still be experienced. The elders of the community grew up plaiting thatch, laying rope, making turtle nets, cooking in the caboose or building catboats and schooners and has worked hard to pass on this knowledge and traditions to younger generations. Folklore says Cayman Brac became a prominent home for pirates more than two centuries ago. These “Brethren of the Sea,” as they were called, came in search of places to hide their stolen treasures. Edward “Blackbeard” Teach was said to have been one of the scurvy sea dogs to come ashore in the sister island. Call us: +1(345) 949-5859 or +1(345) 949-5078 Pirates Week Office, 10 Shedden Road, P.O. Box 51, Grand Cayman KY1-1101, Cayman Islands https://www.piratesfestcayman.com/

Traditional Irish Boat Festival in Galway If you’re looking for something to do in early May, why not take up a spot on the Salthill Promenade to watch the wonderful sight of dozens of racing currachs as they take to the water for the An Tóstal Salthill Festival. Following a very successful anniversary event last year, the An Tóstal Salthill returns on May 11th and 12th, and promises to be better than ever. All about An Tóstal A celebration of Galway’s maritime traditions When the event returns in 2025, the traditional racing currachs and rowers will gather at Ladies Beach in Salthill. The foundation for this gathering was laid out in the early 1950s, and Tóstal na Gaillimhe of 1953 marked the beginning of the All-Ireland Currach Racing Championships. Dignitaries and thousands of spectators gathered to witness the rowers compete for championship titles and glory. The event features male, female, and junior traditional currach racing rowers alongside sliding seat rowers. The currachaí will be provided by Cóiste Lár na gCurrachaí for the duration of the festival and we are delighted to have the support of the previous festival director of 2011-2013, who is working closely with us to ensure the success of An Tóstal 2025. The event is a revival of a national celebration of maritime life and customs that was initiated in 1953 by Bord Fáilte and continued till 1959. An Tóstal was revived in 2011 after a long wait of 57 years, and the winning crew of 1955 officiated at the opening ceremony before races began. In 2012, new trophies were presented for the senior men’s race and junior category, and racing continued with different crews winning in each category. The weather conditions were perfect for racing, with boats of different sizes out on the water. https://www.galwaytourism.ie/event/an-tostal-salthill-sea-festival/

LEGO® Maritime Festival & Competition We’re still finalizing plans for LEGO Maritime Festival, but make sure to check out last year’s entries and winners for some early inspiration! Held at the USS Constitution Museum https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/events/legofestival/

Thursday, 10/10 - 5:30-8pm: Rock the Waterfront, the 3rd Annual Benefit for the Morro Bay Maritime Museum at the Morro Bay Yacht Club. Mega-Maritime appetizers & cocktails, silent auction adventure opportunities, & dancing on two decks with Spanky Paul Band. Donation tickets $115 until 9/30 then $125 or a Members’ discount with code @ www.morrobaymaritime.org Friday, 10/11 - 4:00-8pm: More music & dancing at the Zongo Yachting Cup Launch Party at Tidelands Park featuring the Zongo All-Stars Band & Chablis Dockside Saloon plus Maritime-Approved Grub for a maritime-friendly fee from La Katrina Authentic Mexican Cocina. This is a free Public Concert. Saturday Zongo Cup vessels sail at 10AM from the Yacht Club towards Avila. Come party on the MORRO BAY WATERFRONT on FRIDAY!! Kicking off the 15th Annual Zongo Yachting Cup, the Zongo All-Stars will perform a FREE concert at the beautiful Tidelands Park in Morro Bay. This is one of many events for the First Annual Morro Bay Maritime Festival, celebrating our local maritime heritage. There are sailing events, food & wine events, a film, and more. DETAILS: 4:00 - EVENT BEGINS 5:00 - MORRO BAY SEA SHANTY PROJECT 5:30 - 7:30 - ZONGO ALL-STARS 6:30 - DRUMMING TRIBUTE TO LOCAL LEGEND FRANKLIN WAKEFIELD! PARKING: Limited parking on the Embarcadero. Otherwise, parking on city streets above the waterfront, with easy access at the stairway at OLIVE STREET. WEATHER: It's Morro Bay, and you never know. Don't forget your sweater, as it usually chills off in the evening. https://morrobaymaritime.org/events/ https://my805tix.com/e/mbmaritimefest

The day will be full of fun for all ages and packed with a programme of all sorts of activities and entertainment. Watch the exciting Clovelly Cup yacht rally. It is an amazing sight to see the yachts surrounding the harbour and setting off to race across the bay. (If any yachtsmen and women are interested in taking part or being involved, please contact jon@traceace.co.uk Throughout the day there will be live music, Higher Being Circus street entertainment, activities and games for the whole family. This includes a workshop with Washhouse Studio and Punch & Judy, plus face paintings and a variety of stalls selling food and event-themed arts & crafts. It is definitely a day to remember! Free entry for under 16’s who come in maritime-themed fancy dress costumes! Standard admission charges include all entertainment. Watch the 2019 Lifeboat and Maritime weekend video, filmed and edited by Miles Trevelyan-Johnson. https://www.clovelly.co.uk/event/clovelly-maritime-festival/

The next Australian Wooden Boat Festival will be held 7 - 10 February 2025. The preview program for the 2025 Festival will be released in early November 2024. For a glimpse of what's ahead take a look at our past programming here: 2023 Festival Program. AWBF is Tasmania’s largest free event and the largest celebration of wooden boats and maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1994, the four-day festival is held biennially in Hobart, spanning the entire waterfront and feeding into the city beyond. Hobart's historic port bursts to life with a vibrant atmosphere, offering a curated blend of experiences. The festival features a stunning collection of wooden vessels, from historic tall ships and classic yachts to traditional fishing boats. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the opening Parade of Sail, and the closing Admiral’s Sail, along with on-water displays, boat cruises and tours, symposium talks, workshops, cooking demos, exhibitions, theatre, film, live music at the festival tavern, delicious Tasmanian food and drink, and a dedicated kids' maritime precinct with shaded areas and plenty of activities. A festival much-loved by Tasmanians, mainlanders and overseas friends, the event is powered by passionate individuals, community groups and organisations committed to protecting and celebrating wooden boats and maritime culture. Those who’ve not attended may think it’s a niche event only for devout wooden boat enthusiasts. They’d be wrong. Despite being a not-for-profit, the AWBF is big. In 2023, the festival welcomed 450+ wooden boats, 100+ exhibitors and vendors, 250+ performers, speakers, authors and chefs, and saw 60,000 visitations across four days, with 10,000 attendees on site at any one time. This was all delivered by a small team of highly skilled staff and an amazingly talented and dedicated 350+ strong volunteer crew. Our incredible partners and donors also contribute to our success by providing generous financial and in-kind support. And, of course, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the boat owners and enthusiasts who make the AWBF possible. Thank you all! Fair winds, and see you in 2025! https://australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/

The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival (PMFF) was started over 20 years ago by Portsmouth NH residents, Jeff Warner and Peter Contrastano. It was modeled on the small maritime festivals in coastal towns and villages of the British Isles, where local pubs and other businesses would host small, intimate concerts while singers and small bands performed on the downtown sidewalks. It is an annual celebration highlighting Portsmouth’s historic downtown’s rich maritime heritage, which dates back to the original English settlement in 1630, and continues today in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, across the Piscataqua River in Kittery, and with maritime businesses on both sides of the river. The festival attracts a wide-ranging audience from all over New England and the Northeast. On the last weekend in September, the streets of Portsmouth ring with the music of the sea. Singers and musicians wander the sidewalks downtown, and the sounds of sea shanties and forebitters waft through the doorways of nearly a dozen venues all within a block or two of Market Square. The festival runs from 10 a.m. Saturday through Sunday afternoon, with a concert on Saturday evening.There is a Maritime Songwriting Competition on Saturday morning at 10:00; the winner will be invited to perform the winning song at the Saturday night concert.The grand finale of the festival is the Chantey Blast, a rollicking “all hands in” public sing in Market Square at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, with each of the weekend’s performers leading a song.Sea shanties, the rhythmic work songs that helped sailors coordinate their efforts while raising or lowering sails and anchors, recall the whalers and other wooden ships that were built along the Piscataqua and sailed out of Portsmouth in the 19th century. Forebitters, were songs that sailors sang for relaxation and amusement around the forebitters, stanchions to which ropes and cables were secured near the bow. These songs may recall the naval victories of Piscataqua-built warships and the exploits of Portsmouth-based privateers in the War of 1812, but they could be about anything—pirate escapades, Jack Tar’s romances ashore and at sea, mothers and sweethearts, popular songs of the day, hymns, bawdy ditties and whatever else could relieve the tedium of a long voyage and lift the spirits of the seamen between watches. Contemporary sea songs will be heard along with the old favorites, and the public is enthusiastically encouraged to join in the fun. The PMFF is a nonprofit enterprise, and the totally FREE festival is run by volunteers and financed entirely by donations. https://pmffest.org/

The Whitby Fish and Ships Festival 2025 promises a weekend of fun-filled activities, cookery demos, live music, and street entertainment. Set in the iconic fishing town of Whitby, this two-day event showcases the best of local seafood, maritime history, and much more. Date and Time May 17, 2025 – May 18, 2025 Exhibition Highlights There’s plenty to see and do at the Whitby Fish and Ships Festival, including: Cooking demonstrations from top local chefs Fish Craft Marquee – Filleting demos, crab and lobster preparation, and meet the local fishermen keeping these traditional skills alive. Crafty workshops for kids Street Entertainment – Pirate-themed walkabouts, sea shanties, and live theatre performances Music Marquee – Enjoy live music all weekend with local bands, sea shanties, and toe-tapping performances. Why Visit? The Whitby Fish and Ships Festival is a unique opportunity to dive into the rich fishing heritage of this historic coastal town. With cooking demonstrations by local chefs, interactive fish craft displays, and exciting street performances, it’s the perfect event for families, food lovers, and history enthusiasts. Explore the town’s maritime past while indulging in delicious seafood and enjoying a packed programme of live music and entertainment. Location The festival takes place along New Quay Road in Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1DH. Entry Free entry – no pre-booking required. https://whats-on-yorkshire.com/whats-on/whitby-fish-and-ships-weekend-2025/

Welcome to the Morecambe Maritime Festival 2025 Join us at the Morecambe Maritime Festival to celebrate Morecambe’s proud maritime culture and heritage with captivating performances of Sea Songs & Shanties, and a variety of outdoor activities on Morecambe’s Promenade. Explore the hidden gems of Morecambe Town. Enjoy the stunning views of Morecambe Bay. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and support a great cause, as this festival is a fundraising event for the Morecambe RNLI. https://morecambemaritimefestival.uk/