The Bristol Harbormaster’s Office and local fishing community are hosting the 11th Annual Bristol Harbor Festival & Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, Aug.17 at Rockwell Park.

The event features a full day of activities for the entire family, including the traditional Blessing of the Fleet at 1 p.m.; a stuffie competition at 2:30 p.m.; and a traditional native littleneck boil or optional steak dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.

There will be live music throughout the day, as well as guest appearances by Miss Rhode Island 2024, Ali Hornung, and Miss Rhode Island Teen, Payton Mays (who will also be judging the stuffie competition). Cash beer, wine, chowder, stuffies, and a raw bar featuring breakwater oysters will be offered all day.

Tickets for the Littleneck Boil or Steak Dinner are $30 each and should be purchased in advance at bristolharborfest.com or in person at the Harbormaster's Office. There will be a limited number of tickets available for purchase at the event. Children receive a free hot dog with purchase of an adult ticket.

The Bristol Harbor Festival is a fun, family event that promotes use of the waterfront and strengthens ties between the Bristol Harbormaster’s Office, the local fishing community and those who choose to explore Bristol by land or by sea. Funds raised from the Bristol Harbor Festival & Blessing of the Fleet are used for marine-related children's activities and waterfront improvements.

“Keeping families connected and engaged to our local waters is important as they are the future stewards of this valuable resource,” said Bristol’s Harbormaster Gregg Marsili. "We would like to thank our sponsors, with special recognition of our major sponsor C. Brito Construction Co., the Town of Bristol, and all who donate and attend.”

For more information, please visit bristolharborfest.com.