Dive into Richmond’s Steveston Spot Prawn & Seafood Celebration

Locals and visitors are licking their lips in anticipation for the 2024 return of the Steveston Spot Prawn & Seafood Celebration. From May 17 to June 16, this year’s event serves-up a mouthwatering menu of tasty activities––including fresh-off-the-boat sales of spot prawns and more, a family-friendly Spot Prawn Day experience, live on-stage cooking demonstrations and a delicious seafood-focused restaurant promotion that will run throughout the city.

Spot Prawns and More

Hungry? Mark your calendar for May 17, when the colourful fishing boats of Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf start selling their freshly caught B.C. spot prawns straight from the vessels. There’ll be a party-like atmosphere on most days as visitors promenade along the floating dock and peruse the glistening bounty piled high on the gently bobbling boats.

It’s a great chance to chat with friendly fishers, check out lots of additional catch-of-the-day seafood––look for octopus and spiky sea urchins––and also soak up the authentic heritage atmosphere of shoreline Steveston Village. The historic home of Canada’s largest commercial fishing fleet, Steveston has long been the heart and soul of the B.C. seafood sector.

For most visitors, this year’s spot prawn delicacies will be the biggest hook. Before you leave the Wharf, make sure you pick-up a bag of the freshest and sweetest-tasting spot prawns you’re ever likely to try. And don’t leave it too late: they’ll only be available here as long as supplies last and if you miss them in 2024, you’ll have to wait until next year for your next fresh-catch opportunity. Hot tip: bring cash and arrive early in the day to avoid the line-ups.

Family Fun

Now in its third year, this unique annual West Coast celebration continues to evolve and expand. And there’s a brand new addition for 2024: a special, family-friendly Spot Prawn Day, taking place on June 8. Packed with marine-themed fun and operating on the village shoreline between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, gather your friends and family and head over for a great, admission-free day out.

You’ll find a full menu of live music (keep your ears open for sea shanties). Roving street performers from Circus West will also be delighting the crowds. And local businesses Athiana Acres and Organic Ocean will be on-hand to talk about regenerative farming and organic fishing practices. Children will also find plenty to do on the day with a cool Kids Zone featuring face-painting, live performances, a bouncy inflatable boat and a chance to try gyotaku, the traditional Japanese method of fish printing.

Expert Presentations

Another big reason to head over to Steveston for June 8’s Spot Prawn Day is the much-anticipated Culinary Stage. Returning for its third year, it will include entertaining and accessible cooking demonstrations––complete with handy insider tips from local seafood-loving chefs.

The Culinary Stage is a great way to pick-up first-timer advice on preparing spot prawns and other B.C. seafood as well as learning new and perhaps unexpected methods for cooking and serving our regional ocean bounty. This year’s chef line-up will be announced on May 21––stay tuned to the event page for announcements and further information.

Time to Eat

If cooking crustaceans at home seems like a stretch for you––or you’d rather sample the delectable creations of some well-seasoned chefs instead––the Seafood Celebration’s Dine About feature will also be calling your name.

Running June 1 to June 16, restaurants in Steveston and wider Richmond will be serving their own special dishes this year––and a diverse array of approaches with spot prawns and other seafood will be on the table. This year’s participating restaurants will be announced on May 21, so stay tuned to the event page for the latest information.

Get ready to book a table or two at some of the city’s most popular local restaurants. And be sure to add a Fisherman’s Wharf visit, a Culinary Stage presentation and a Spot Prawn Day experience to your plans at the same time. The third annual Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celebration is about to drop anchor, and you won’t want to miss the boat!

Last Updated on May 16, 2024 by Tourism Richmond