All event dates have expired.
Ahoy! More than 50 vintage vessels are mooring up at St Katharine Docks this September for the Classic Boat Festival, part of the Totally Thames Festival. The free two-day event takes place on Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 September 2025, right next to Tower Bridge.
Now in its 16th year, the festival is bigger than ever, stretching further into the west basin to make room for hefty Thames sailing barges. Highlights include historic tugs, elegant motorboats from the Bates Star Craft range, and several of the legendary Dunkirk Little Ships that braved the Channel to rescue stranded soldiers in 1940.
Many of the yachts and workboats will be open to visitors, with friendly owners on hand to share stories. And if you'd rather keep your feet dry, you can still soak up the atmosphere with live music, kids' activities, and plenty of food and drink stalls dotted around the docks.
Each day kicks off (and ends) with a salute of horns from the boats. It's free, it's family-friendly, and it's one of the best nautical events in London.
Festival Opening Times:
– Saturday 6 Sep 10:30-5pm
– Sunday 7 Sept 10:30-5pm