Black Rock Harbor will be transformed into a festival of boats, music and fireworks on Saturday, September 16th as our community comes together to celebrate the bicentennial of Fayerweather Lighthouse.

Events will be taking place along the harbor with several venues being open to the public including Captain’s Cove Seaport, Port 5 Naval Veterans and the S.S. Norden Club.

Harborfest BOAT PARADE

We are pleased to return the boat parade to the Black Rock calendar. The theme for this year’s event is celebrating the bicentennial of Fayerweather Lighthouse or a theme of your choice (if choosing the latter, please provide a brief description on the appropriate section of the registration form). And awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers using the following criteria:
– 10 points for best representation of the theme
– 10 points for the most creative
– 10 points for best overall effect

The parade will begin about 7 PM and leave from Captain’s Cove Seaport. It will travel up the harbor and turn around as it reaches Black Rock Yacht Club. The fireworks will begin sometime around 8 PM.

Additionally, this event is being run to raise both funds and awareness for the preservation of Fayerweather Lighthouse. There is no registration fee and the fireworks show is on us, but we are asking that the participants of each boat consider making a donation to our preservation fund by clicking here.

And finally-

Click here to register your boat for our Great Boat Parade! Enjoy!!

Harborfest Bike Tour of Historic Black ROck Harbor – 10:00-12:00

Our tour will make stops at Brewster’s Cove, Black Rock Harbor, St. Mary’s by the Sea and Ash Creek and examine the many fascinating aspects of the history of this coastline, a history that has defined the development of Black Rock. Topics will include a look at Black Rock’s original settlers, its role in  the American Revolution and the War of 1812, the development of a commercial center during the 17th and 18th centuries, Fayerweather Lighthouse and legendary keeper Kate Moore, the role played by Ash Creek  in Black Rock’s history and much more.

Participants will assemble at Captain’s Cove at the end of the boardwalk closest to Yacht St. no later than 9:45. This tour will be limited to 25 riders based upon “first come, first served”. And since this tour is limited to 25 riders, please make sure to sign up only if you are sure of attending or you will deny others this opportunity.  Riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets. Questions can be directed  to history@blackrockcc.org and please put Bike Tour in the subject field

The tour guide for this event will be Phil Blagys, Chair of the Black Rock Community Council History Program.

We had a great bike tour this year. Thanks to all who participated

Harborfest Bike Tour- September 16th 2023