Did you know, during the Revolutionary War, 55,000 merchants answered the call to defend the colonies? These merchants were the first Merchant Marines and are one of the main reasons we celebrate National Maritime Day.

The Port has a lot of things to celebrate this month and a lot of fun activities planned for the Redwood City community!

Join us in celebrating National Maritime Day on May 22. This day was created to honor the Merchant Marines and recognize the SS Savannah’s accomplishments as the first steam powered ship to cross any ocean.

In the first week of May, we have a lot of entertaining events set up for the community. Starting on Thursday May 4, The Pacific Sail and Power Boat Show will be at the nearby Westpoint Harbor for the weekend with their last day on Sunday May 7. Rock the Dock will be continuing their series with the band Momotombo SF from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by live music from the E-Ticket Band at 7 p.m. to the finale of our first ever lighted Drone Show at 8:45 p.m. We hope to make this a fun annual event to kick off the summer activities on the water.

Thank you for making the Port waterfront the place to be. And just like Sinatra said, we hope you will join us and enjoy the "summer wind blowing in from across the sea" with lively music and festivities.

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

National Maritime Day

Join us in celebrating National Maritime Day on May 22^nd! What does this day celebrate? It is mainly comprised of two things.

The first is honoring the Merchant Marines who fought and continue to serve the United States. These men and women work for the U.S. Merchant Marine on merchant ships and vessels that provide waterborne transportation for passengers and cargo in domestic and international commerce. They are often activated in times of war to help transport supplies to U.S. troops. They were a vital part of the war effort for the Revolutionary War and World War II. During WWII, they were an essential part of getting supplies to Allied troops and were hard targets of the German U-Boats. For these many acts of bravery, we take the time to honor and remember them on May 22nd.

The second reason for the creation of this day is to recognize the accomplishments of the SS Savannah. This was the first steam powered ship to successfully cross any ocean in 1819. Named after the location of its departure, Savannah, Georgia, this ship’s voyage helped solidify America’s innovation on the world stage.

For the above reasons, Congress created National Maritime Day in 1933 to honor these legacies.

See the Port Sky Light Up with the New Drone Show on Saturday May 6

The Port of Redwood City, in collaboration with Open Sky Productions, is proud to host a free lighted drone show which will feature more than 100 drones taking flight and soaring into the air for a spectacular maritime production, illuminating moving images of jellyfish, boats and many other aquatic visions 400 feet above the bay. 

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To start off the show, the incredible E-ticket Band will be performing a 90-minute set at the Port's bandstand (459 Seaport Court, Redwood City) starting around 7 p.m.

Take off for the drones will commence at 8:45 p.m. and last for approximately 12 - 15 minutes. 

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There will be multiple food trucks onsite for the beginning of the show with Mister Softee Norcal and Twister Food Truck arriving at 5 p.m. and Blue Fish Kitchen already onsite from Rock the Dock. Beer and wine will be available from Ghostwood products at an outdoor booth across from the stage where E-ticket will be performing. We encourage everyone to grab food and snacks for the event!

This event is in tandem with the Pacific Sail and Power Boat Show at the nearby Westpoint Harbor May 4 – 7. The show will include new sail and cruising power boats, gear, hardware, seminars and interactive workshops. Tickets for the show are $15 for ages 12+ and free for 12 and under.

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Bring your family and furry friends and join the Port as they light up the night sky!

Rock the Dock Continues

The dock has continued to rock! We have another month’s worth of band’s to come check out Saturday’s from 3:30 p.m. -6 p.m. This month will be kicked off with Momotombo SF on 5/6. Join us as we dance the day away with this 10-piece group featuring musicians from Malo and Santana!

As always, bring your picnic essentials and enjoy this free concert!

Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project Update

At the March 22 board meeting, the Board of Port Commissioners selected CDM Smith as the consultant firm to conduct the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process on the future Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project. CDM Smith’s role is to lead the environmental review and analysis for the future Ferry Terminal.

This action marks the next step in implementing the public ferry service and aligns with the proposed project schedule to be completed in 2026. The purpose of this project is to create an alternative transportation option for commuters and help remove traffic congestion from the highways. The Port will represent the southernmost hub and connect the mid-Peninsula to the San Francisco Bay Ferry System, serving San Francisco and East Bay.

As always, we would like to thank the Water Emergency Transportation Authority for their continued support and partnership in this project.