Tall ships are making their way through the Pacific, arriving in Los Angeles August 20 for the Tallships Festival, running through 24. Tickets are now on sale for festival day or multi-day passes, the Grand Parade of Sail, day sails and VIP passes. And while the tall ships are the star, also visiting during the festival is the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, which has visited Pittsburgh and Norfolk, Va., as well as Belgium, France, Brazil, Japan, China, New Zealand, Australia and Taiwan and now makes its way to Los Angeles for its first West Coast visit.
Ships already confirmed to be at the festival include the 1940 Battleship USS Iowa, 1941 American Pride schooner, 1945 SS Lane Victory, 1971 Bill of Rights, Amazing Grace, Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson, Freda B schooner, Jada, Schooner Curlew, Schooner Patrica Belle, Schooner Tiama, Spirit of Dana Point, SSV Tole Mour and the Ralph Scott Fire Boat. A Grand Parade of ships entering port will take place on Wednesday at 2 p.m., followed by the festival’s opening ceremonies.
The five-day event will feature children’s activities, educational activities, ship tours, weapon demonstrations, more than 100 artisans, pirate shows, sail training, live music and a number of food trucks. A showing of “The Little Mermaid” will take place on Friday at 8 p.m., projected on the sail of the Freda B. Kids may also enjoy the Two Bit Circus’ STEAM Carnival, with kids entertainment, games, workshops, contests and more.
The Tallships Festival takes place at the Port of Los Angeles.
–Lissa Poirot
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