Did you know, the U.S. Navy took over the Port during World War II? The military commandeered the Port for two years to support the wartime needs of the country.

The beginning of summer is just within reach! The Port welcomes you to our beautiful waterfront to enjoy longer days while relaxing with family and friends.

The summer festivities kicked off early at the Port on May 6 with the lighted drone show and live music by the E-ticket band. More than 100 drones soared in the air for a spectacular maritime production. If you missed it this time, don't worry, the drone show will be back again next year on May 4 with bigger more elaborate shapes and figures lighting the sky.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. Rock the Dock will continue throughout the remaining summer months starting June off with the Native Elements band. And of course, we can’t forget the annual 4^th of July Fireworks show. This crowd favorite spectacular will return with a live band and food vendors!

Remember to show your love of our waterfront by picking up your trash and being a good steward towards a clean bay.

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

The Circle of Slag

What is slag? Essentially, it is the recycling of metallic materials such as cars, washers, and other appliances into scrap metal which is then used to strengthen concrete. It is an integral part of the Port’s operations and is a fascinating process.

The first step of this procedure starts at the Port. With the help of SIMS Metal and other specialists, old appliances and cars are crushed into scrap metal and shipped overseas for processing. Highly specialized plants then turn this metal into slag, usually in the form of small pellets that can be used in construction. This is then brought back to the Port, due to our specialty in bringing in bulk cargo and construction materials. Once it’s unloaded, the slag is used to reinforce concrete which adds to the longevity of roads and bridges. And there you have it, a full-circle slag moment.

If you are still curious about the world of slag, check out the Port’s website to learn more about how it is created.

Drone Show Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Port’s first lighted drone show on May 6! We wanted to extend a special thank you to Open Sky Productions, Messenger Events, the E-Ticket band and are amazing food and drink vendors: Mister Softee Norcal, Twister Food Truck, Blue Fish Kitchen and Ghostwood for helping make this event spectacular.

If you missed the show, check out Holidayer’s YouTube channel for some amazing videos!

Fireworks on the Bay

It is that time of year again! Celebrate America’s birthday as we light up the Port sky. The fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at the typical spot (459 Seaport Court, Redwood City) and last for approximately 20 minutes. There will also be a live band starting at 7 p.m. and food trucks.

Stay tuned for more details!

The Dock Keeps Rockin'

Get ready with this month’s line-up as Rock the Dock continues! This Saturday will be starting off with Native Elements. Native Elements is a San-Francisco based reggae band that has been keeping the energetic, feel-good reggae tradition alive for over 19 years. Join us from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and dance the afternoon away! Bring a blanket and lawn chairs to rest in-between sets.

Don’t forget about the rest of the bands we have this month:

·     Saturday, June 10: The Cheeseballs

·     Saturday, June 17: Neon Velvet

·     Saturday, June 24: Penetrator Groove Band  

All concerts are free, but we encourage guests to tip generously!

History of the Port

How did the Port come to be? Well, we can thank the gold miners. During the Gold Rush, Northern California’s development industry was a huge source of economic wealth. Enter the Port of Redwood City. In 1851 the loggers discovered the Redwood Creek connected to the San Francisco Bay. This was a major discovery as the logs could be transported down the river into the bay, instead of via wagon. This led to the creation of the Port and forever cemented its significance for serving the rest of Silicon Valley.

Over the years, the Port has remained an economic staple for the region. Its significance became evident in 1882 when the Port became a federally approved shipping channel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This was a critical step in securing funds to keep the Port waters navigable and commerce moving.

To learn more about the history of the Port, visit the link below for more details.