For nearly 50 years, the Olympia Wooden Boat Festival has been a beloved tradition, bringing together boat enthusiasts, artists, musicians, and the local community to celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and the beauty of wooden boats.
The festival began with a small group of wooden boat owners in Puget Sound who simply wanted an excuse to gather at the Olympia docks, share their love of wooden boats, and enjoy a weekend of camaraderie on the water. As the years passed, the event grew beyond the docks, welcoming artists, crafters, musicians, and festivalgoers of all ages along the waterfront boardwalk.
Through the decades, the festival remained a free, community-driven event, operating without financial sponsorships, grants, or COVID relief funds. Instead, it thrived on the support of local schools, businesses, and volunteers, with the simple goal of raising enough to keep the tradition alive year after year—and giving back to the community in the process.
In 2024, after the passing of long-time festival president and founding member Hal VanGilder, the original association made the difficult decision to dissolve. However, rather than let the festival come to an end, long-time event director Megan Ready—who had dedicated more than 20 years to organizing and growing the event—stepped forward to continue its legacy. The association voted in favor of her leading the festival into the future, forming a new nonprofit to oversee its next chapter.
Today, Megan remains committed to honoring the festival’s rich history while bringing new experiences to the waterfront. 2025’s event will feature all the classic elements attendees love—wooden boats, live music, and local artistry—while introducing exciting additions like a foodie night block party and interactive art experiences.
The Olympia Wooden Boat Festival continues to be a celebration of tradition, creativity, and community. Whether you're a lifelong wooden boat enthusiast or a first-time visitor, we invite you to experience the magic of Olympia’s waterfront and join in this cherished tradition.
