Mosquito Fleet Fest 2024 - Celebrate Port Orchard’s Maritime Culture & History on the Waterfront
the 1st annual Mosquito Fleet Fest on the Port Orchard waterfront is may 25th!
The Mosquito Fleet was the name of vast array of steam ships that ferries people and goods around the Kitsap Peninsula before the advent of automobiles in the late 1800’s to the 1920’s. At this time maritime vessels like steamers, tall ships and canoes were the only reliable way to stay connected to other communities and the outside world. To celebrate this unique heritage, the Port Orchard Bay Street Merchants Association is hosting the 1st annual Mosquito Fleet Fest! Here’s what to expect and how to get the most of the day long event!
step aboard the last two surviving mosquito fleet era boats!
The VIRGINIA V and the CARLISLE II are the LAST surviving and operating ships from the era of the Mosquito Fleet and for the first time in a long time BOTH ships will be present for the festival on the Port Orchard waterfront! With opportunities to step aboard these ‘floating museums’ and even to take a tour and experience a sailing…this is a fascinating way to get hands on with Kitsap’s maritime past. The CARLISLE II is moored year round at the Port Orchard Marina and the VIRGINIA V resides in Seattle, making the special trip to Kitsap for this event.
explore
carlisle ii story sails with josh farley
The CARLISLE II Story Sail is a 90 minute sail departing and returning to Port Orchard Foot Ferry Terminal at the Port Orchard Marina. These free events are scheduled for 11 am + 12:30 pm, on May 25th. The guided tour experience will give you lots of time to enjoy the shoreline and scenery as you learn about Kitsap’s Mosquito Fleet history with guest narrator and local historian Josh Farley.
Space is LIMITED, visit the POBSA website for booking and info.
virginia v cruises
The S.S. VIRGINIA V sailed her maiden voyage on June 11, 1922, as part of the Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet. The VIRGINA V maintained the route between Seattle and Tacoma along the West Pass (also known as “Colvos Passage”) between Vashon Island and the Kitsap Peninsula from 1922 to 1938.
You will have two opportunities to sail aboard the beautiful VIRGINIA V for an hour long experience on Sinclair Inlet.
$25 per person for adults. $10 for kids 12 and under.
Book 1PM Cruise
Book 4PM Cruise
Shop local goods at the maritime market
From 9AM-5PM you’re invited to shop at the Mosquito Fleet Fest Maritime Market - a collection of local artisans and vendors at the Port Orchard Marina.
experience the port orchard farmers market
From 9Am-2PM the long running Port Orchard Farmers Market attracts vendors and visitors from around the region. Shop for locally produced plants, veggies and greens, meats, florals, art, food, crafts, wine, coffee and so much more at the Port Orchard Marina parking lot.
seagull calling contest!
Get ready to squawk your little heart out at Port Orchards famous Seagull Calling Contest! The gull calling kicks off at 1:30pm on Saturday at the waterfront gazebo!
artisan alley
Local artists will be gathering in the outdoor space against the giant underwater mural adjacent to the Port Orchard Public Market.
scavenger hunt
The Kitsap Regional Library is supplying materials for a fun and interactive waterfront scavenger hunt!
stay in port orchard
eat & drink
Great places to eat & drink in Downtown
There are simply too many amazing places to eat in and near downtown Port Orchard to list but here are a few favorites we’re sure you’ll love!
Mercantile Coffee Co.
This beloved cafe inside Josephines Mercantile serves up great coffee and yummy pastries and snacks.
The Brickhouse
This Bay St. family friendly restaurant has an amazing outdoor patio area.
Carter and co Chocolates
Treats, ice cream, pastries, sandwiches, in-house chocolates and a full service cafe make Carters a Bay St. fave!
Khao soi
This new Thai food space on Bay St. has quickly become known as some of the very best on the Kitsap Peninsula.
Thai charlies
This cozy Thai joint is great for dine in or take out to make a picnic on the waterfront.
la palapa mexican grill
Tasty Mexican classics on the Port Orchard Waterfront makes La Palapa a winner in our book!
The Coffee Oasis
An excellent coffee shop with a small wrap, breakfast and sandwich menu - all proceeds go to helping teens facing homelessness.
Peninsula bevco
A VAST tap list with an adjacent bottle shop that stocks a ton of boozy beverages. Bevco also has a menu full of yummy appetizers and entrees.
damn fine pizza
This big pizzeria with waterfront views sling awesome pizza, salads, appetizers and more, sporting a full bar and a popular pinball room.
additional kitsap articles & guides below
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet friendly place to travel, adventure and explore. Here’s our list of 20 dog friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup!