This Memorial Day, May 23-24, Mosquito Fleet Fest returns to Port Orchard’s waterfront, bringing a mix of maritime history, local vendors, and family-friendly activities to Bay Street.
Now in its third year, the festival celebrates the “Mosquito Fleet” era when small steamships connected communities across Puget Sound circa late 1800s and early 1900s — long before modern highways and ferries.
Visitors can experience Mosquito Fleet history firsthand by stepping aboard historic ships like the Carlisle II and the Virginia V, two preserved vessels from the era. Guided sailings and dockside tours offer a more in-depth look at how these boats once served as the primary form of connection between coastal towns.
On land, the Port Orchard Marina and its surrounding streets will be bustling with a maritime-themed vendor market, featuring local crafts, food trucks, and community booths. Also included in the weekend’s programming is a farmers’ market, live entertainment, a family zone, and a scavenger hunt. Find more details here.