19 photos of the Japanese Navy's giant Kaiwo Maru tall ship in Richmond

A full view of Japanese navy tall ship Kaiwo Maru from the beach at Garry Point Park at Steveston in Richmond. (Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)

FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE

Sat, April 27, 10:00am

Crafty Heaven Market

Sat, May 18, 6:00pm

Pub Night

Sun, May 19, 10:00am

VANYOO Market

Thu, May 30, 7:00pm

Murder Mystery in the West End

Click to add your event to the Listed Events Guide

Tens of thousands of people are descending onto Garry Point Park at Steveston in Richmond for the free Ships To Shore King Of The Sea Festival, with the centrepiece being the showcase of the Japanese Navy’s Kaiwo Maru – one of the world’s longest and tallest tall ships.

Free tours, concerts, and fireworks

Free public boardings and tours of the Kaiwo Maru are slated during scheduled times throughout the weekend. A limited number of boarding passes will be available on site.

While impressive on its own, the festival is so much more than just the tall ship viewing.

On Saturday night at 7:45 pm, headliners Alan Doyle & The Beautiful Gypsies will take on the main stage at the park. And shortly after at 9 pm, the second day’s festivities culminate with a spectacular fireworks show in Steveston over the Fraser River.

The three-day festival, continues tomorrow with programming from both the Community Stage and Kids Cove Stage. There are also roaming performers, nearly a dozen carnival rides including a ferris wheel, pop-up demonstrations, hands-on activities, food t rucks, a maritime-themed kids area, art installations, a marketplace and displays.