GET OUT ON THE WATER

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Marine Science Institute Boat Tours + NEW MSI Stop

One of PortFest’s most popular experiences returns—with an exciting new addition for 2026!

Marine Science Institute (MSI) will offer five boat tours throughout the day. Tours depart from the Port of Redwood City and head out toward the Bay, giving guests an opportunity to experience the waterfront from the water.

New this year: Each tour will make a stop at the Marine Science Institute facility. Guests may choose to disembark and explore MSI, then hop aboard a later tour for the return trip to the Port.

It’s part boat ride, part marine science adventure, and a whole new way to explore the Redwood City waterfront.

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​​​Maritime Tours ​

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

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10:30 Tour   Register Here

11:30 Tour   Register Here

12:30 Tour   Register Here

  1:30 Tour   Register Here

  2:30 Tour   Register Here

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Free Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding​​

Want to get even closer to the water?

Redwood Water Sports will offer FREE double kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Whether you’re an experienced paddler or simply want to try something new, it’s a great opportunity to experience the Port from the water.

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Free Sailing with Spinnaker Sailing​​

Set sail during PortFest!

Spinnaker Sailing will offer free sailing experiences throughout the event, giving visitors another way to get out on the water and experience the Bay.

Sailing is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so arrive early.

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EXPLORE THE PORT 

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Port Insider Tours — A Peek Behind the Scenes

Ever wonder what happens behind the gates of a working Port?

PortFest’s Port Insider Tours give families a rare opportunity to see firsthand what happens inside a busy maritime industrial center.

Guests will learn what happens to old vehicles, concrete, asphalt and other materials while seeing some of the enormous equipment used to process, move and recycle them.

It’s big. It’s industrial. And it’s a side of the Port most people never get to see!

Tour Times:
10:30 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 1:30 p.m.

Advance registration is recommended.

Register Here 

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JUST FOR OUR YOUNGEST EXPLORERS

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Gone Fishin’!

Little anglers can grab a mini fishing pole and try their luck catching colorful toy fish from splashy pools.

Each catch becomes part of their Fish Quest as they try to reel in different colors and species.

Designed especially for PortFest’s youngest visitors, Gone Fishin’ combines imaginative play, coordination and a little waterfront fun.

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Make A Splash!​

The spirit of PortFest’s popular Make a Splash experience returns in 2026!

After exploring the Port, sailing the Bay and discovering marine science, sometimes kids just need to get wet.

PortFest Water Playground

Bring the swimsuits!

Kids can cool off with a water playground filled with high-energy fun, including:

• Giant Water Slide

• Junior Water Slide

• Inflatable Slip-n-Slide

• Water play for younger children

Plan accordingly—kids may leave PortFest a little wetter than they arrived!

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Bubble Zone At The Port​

Back by popular demand!

The Bubble Zone combines science, spectacle and pure joy with a professional bubble artist creating enormous bubbles, bubble chains, unusual shapes and plenty of bubble magic.

Then it’s the kids’ turn to experiment!

Hands-on bubble fun will include giant bubble wands, mega bubbles, bubble snakes, DIY bubble stations and more.

It’s science disguised as play.

LIVE MUSIC ON THE WATERFRONT

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Fishcake takes the PortFest stage from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Bring your dancing shoes—or flip-flops!

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​FOOD, DRINKS & WATERFRONT HANGOUTS

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All that exploring works up an appetite!

Grab lunch or a snack from PortFest food trucks and vendors, find a spot to relax, and enjoy the music and waterfront atmosphere.​

Food Trucks:

• Curve Ball Sliders 

• Twister

• Ramos Food Truck

• Kettle Korn 

• Mister Softee

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Drinks:

• Devil’s Canyon Brewing beer and wine

• Devil’s Canyon Root Beer

• Water and other non-alcoholic beverages

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Picnic seating and gathering areas will give families plenty of opportunities to relax between adventures.

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VOLUNTEER AT PORTFEST

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Want to be part of the team that makes PortFest happen?

PortFest volunteers help welcome thousands of visitors and create a fun, safe and memorable day on the Redwood City waterfront.

​​​​​​​​Submit your volunteer registration here today.