History
In 1974, the tugboats and crews of the Puget Sound returned to the beautiful waterfront of Olympia to celebrate the end of the summer season.
This gathering was the start of Olympia Harbor Days, an annual FREE family festival dedicated to the community as a celebration of maritime heritage hosted by the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association, supporting South Sound maritime history and the tugboat tradition since 1974. In 1978, Harbor Fair, an arts, crafts, food and music festival, was added.
"Olympia Harbor Days is our favorite family Festival of the Year!" 2018
Olympia Harbor Days became the third largest festival in Thurston County and home of the World’s Largest Vintage Tugboat Races, attracting over 55,000 visitors annually, featuring 300+ booths, ships, activities, music and food. Touring the tugboats and watching them race remains the highlight of the festival, something "kids" young and old never seem to grow tired of. The festival was held every Labor Day Weekend.
"It was so much fun, I went to the festival twice over the weekend!" 2019
