Olympia Harbor Days

35 Years of Tugboats

In 1973, the first Olympia Harbor Days took place. What is Harbor Days? It is an annual Labor Day weekend festival dedicated to the celebration of maritime heritage, which began as a gathering of tugboaters and a small showing of artists along Percival Landing in Olympia, Washington.

It has grown to be one of the South Sound's largest and most loved festivals, with nearly 30 tugboats, and over 120 arts & crafts booths.

The crown jewel of Olympia Harbor Days is the race, where tugboats compete with one another based on engine size. As these small but powerful boats race for the finish line, the excitement and competition is high. (And so is the wake they leave behind.) Only homeowners on the deep channel of South Puget Sond or boaters can watch this yearly challenge, but as the tugs return to the dock, news spreads of who won or what dramatic race took place.

Whether you're a boating enthusiast, or simply someone in search of a tasty trip down Food Alley and a relaxed saunter along the dock, Olympia Harbor Days has something in store for you. See you there!