Sponsored: All aboard for the Picton Maritime Festival 2026

Picton’s much-loved Maritime Festival is charting an exciting course for 2026, with fresh additions, returning favourites and two full days of free family entertainment planned.

Now in its 21st year, the festival will take over the Picton Foreshore from Friday 16 to Saturday 17 January 2026, celebrating the region’s rich maritime heritage while bringing the community together in a way few events can. Each year, around 6,000 people flock to the waterfront to enjoy the relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that has made the festival a summer highlight since it was founded in 2005.

One of the highlights this year is the arrival of tall ship The Spirit of NZ on Saturday 17^th January 2026. Built in 1986 by the Spirit of Adventure Trust specifically for youth development, it will be open for visitors to go onboard from 2pm.

While there will be no access to the Edwin Fox ship, there will be a free open day to the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum on Saturday as well.

New for 2026 is a sand art competition on the beach, encouraging creativity of all ages with spot prizes up for grabs. Just bring a bucket, spade, and flags.

The dress-up theme this year is “Pirates and Creatures of the Sea,” with prizes for those who really get into the spirit, while raft race entries are now open and expected to fill quickly.

Festivities kick off on Friday evening with a locals’ concert from 4pm to 10pm. Saturday is the main event, running from 11am through to 11pm, featuring family entertainment from late morning and live music on the Interislander Stage from 6.20pm. The foreshore will be buzzing all day with exhibits, bouncy castles, food stalls in The Galley, craft and information tents, and water-based displays including boat rides and raft races.

A highlight for many is the raft racing programme, which is free to enter and open to all ages, with categories ranging from juniors and families through to masters and novelty builds. Cash prizes and fun awards add to the spectacle, with heats beginning mid-afternoon and prizegiving at 4pm.

Any funds raised by the festival are reinvested back into the community, supporting local groups, youth initiatives and a scholarship fund to help Marlborough students pursue further education or training.

With free entry, something for every age, and a strong community heart, the Picton Maritime Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable summer celebration by the sea.