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 Join us Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for PortFest 2025!

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Welcome to portfest
A Redwood City Tradition

PortFest is a free community celebration and waterfront festival that takes place the first Saturday in October. The annual event welcomes the community to learn about Redwood City’s maritime heritage and the history of our industrial working waterfront.  

 

The family-friendly event also includes live music, children’s recreational activities, food trucks, vendor booths and a day of fun overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

Event location: 475 Seaport Court, Redwood City

Thank you to our event sponsors! 

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Plan Your Day
Marine Science Institute Boat on the Por

Plan your day at
portfest

Join us for PortFest 2025
Make a Splash at our Waterfront
 

Come to the Port to “Make a Splash” at PortFest 2025! This free, family-friendly event welcomes all who want to explore the inner workings of Port operations, connect with local nautical organizations through hands-on activities and enjoy delicious food and refreshing craft beer from our local Devil’s Canyon Brewery.
 

Date: Saturday, Oct. 4

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: 475 Seaport Court, Redwood City

Aquatic Fun – Plan to get wet!

 

This year, we’re offering a splash zone and bubble zone for added fun. Come by to dive into the ultimate water playground.

  • Giant and junior water slides: Towering slides for the brave or pint-sized fun for little splashes

  • Inflatable slip-n-slide: Whoosh, slip and belly flop your way down our turbo-slick slide

  • Aqua tag arena: Navigate the inflatable maze armed with super-soakers — tag your targets before they tag you

  • Splash zone Olympics: Sea Scouts will be hosting Olympic festivities  

  • Bubble zone fun: Watch an artist perform a bubble demonstration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and build your own bubbles with available tools, foam trays and wands  

Early arrival is encouraged to be one of the first 100 kids to receive a free bubble wand.

Maritime Tours and Activities

 

Discover the hidden world of maritime operations by joining us for a Port Insider tour. On the tour, you’ll see giant machines in action that turn more than 300,000 tons of vehicles into scrap metal each year — supporting our local infrastructure and construction materials.

Tour departures are on the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sign up for a tour today, as space is limited.

The Marine Science Institute will also return to offer tours of the Robert G. Brownlee research vessel.
Sign up to reserve a spot.

Additionally, kids are welcome to explore the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol boat to learn about their boat safety services to our community.

Information booths and activities

Several local organizations will have a booth pop up to learn more about their offerings, including: 

  • Sequoia Yacht Club: Information booth to highlight club activities and offer an on-site open house

  • Wild Oyster Project: Information booth with hands on props 

  • Sports Basement: Information booth to highlight their services and programs

  • Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation & NorCal Crew: Ever wondered what it feels like to row with a team? Hop on a rowing machine and give it a try! The NorCal Crew athletes will be there to cheer you on, share their stories and let you in on what makes this sport so exciting

  • Touch-a-truck zone: Families can get up close with some of the region's biggest and most impressive vehicles 

    • Cemex's Ready Mix Truck ​

    • Clean Harbor's Liquid Bulk Tank 

    • Fire Department's local engine and rescue boat 

    • Police Department's brand-new SWAT team truck 

PortFest will host many other exciting activities, including mini fishing in our splashy pools, an interactive gaming truck and free face painting. Redwood Water Sports will host a free stand-up paddleboard group lesson at 10 a.m. and a land-based wing foiling clinic at 1 p.m. Sign up to reserve a spot by emailing info@redwoodwatersports.com or call (650) 362-4345. Spinnaker Sailing will provide free 30-minute sailboat rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  


There is something fun for all ages to enjoy.  


Live Music

Enjoy live music by Wild Child, a Bay Area band, as you explore the waterfront. Dance to a variety of genres, including rock legends, country blues and more!

 

Food Vendors
 

While you’re enjoying PortFest, stop by our local food vendors:

  • Mister Softee Ice Cream

  • Devil’s Canyon Brewing

  • Twister Food Truck

  • Blue Fish Kitchen

  • Red Sauce Meatball

  • Curveball Slides


Join us with family and friends to Make a Splash at PortFest 2025!

 

Volunteer at PortFest

 

We’re offering volunteering opportunities at PortFest. If you’re looking to give back to the community, help us with event setup, activity assistance and event teardown. Submit your volunteer registration today.  

Portfest
Sponsors

Sponsoring PortFest is a unique and exciting opportunity to promote your business to the entire Peninsula and greater Bay Area community! 

 

This well-attended, all-day, free public festival is held on the waterfront at the Port of Redwood City. We welcome the community to learn about the maritime heritage of the Port, the industrial working waterfront, and invite them to participate in recreational activities on the San Francisco Bay. There is fun for all at PortFest featuring live music, children’s activities, food trucks and booths, and more. 

 

2025 sponsorship application

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FAQ
Slide at PortFest 2019

FAQ

Want to know more?

 If you need to contact us, please do so here.

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