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Maritime Fest in Tacoma

Celebrating Tacoma's waterfront

Climb aboard one of several vessels during Maritime Fest in Tacoma, July 18-19. Photo credit: Andrew Cox

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Long before Tacoma was a trendy art hub known for its downtown museums and culture, it was a port town bustling with incoming ships and trains the western terminus for the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Maritime Fest, which will be held this weekend, July 18 and 19, started as a way to celebrate Tacoma's working waterfront, but it has become much more than that. Today, the festival's primary aim is to draw people to the waterfront - a worthy endeavor, as there is much going on along Tacoma's shores. There's a lot going on at the Maritime Fest, too.

Things to do

Maritime Fest is filled with the usual festival fun, including live music both days and plenty of activities. Take part in painting a mural or in an art competition for youth or adults. Also count on trying out plenty of food vendors, taking a sailboat ride provided by the Sea Scouts and exploring the Foss Waterway Seaport for free.

Tours of the waterfront

One of the best facets of Maritime Fest is its free boat tours, which take place on Sunday.  Get an up-close look at the massive container ships at the Port of Tacoma. There are tours throughout the day, and tickets are limited.

Quick and dirty boat building

This boat-building contest is just what it sounds like - nothing fancy. Enter, and then have at it with some wood, glue and other basic supplies, and see if your creation will float. The competition takes place on Saturday starting at 7 a.m. Boat building takes place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

MARITIME FEST, Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Foss Waterway Seaport, 705 Dock St., Free. No parking at the festival. Instead, park at the Tacoma Dome and take the free shuttle. http://maritimefest.org

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