​​"Welcome to the 'City of Dreams'. Port Townsend's motto reflects the dreams of her early European settlers who imagined commercial success in what was expected to become the 'New York of the West'. That dream never materialized, but Port Townsend's Victorian grandeur remains intact for us to enjoy today. As one of only three Victorian seaports in America recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as Landmark Historic Districts, our little town seems the perfect venue for a Victorian Festival. We are pleased that you have chosen to spend some time with us and we hope that you enjoy all of the fun, entertaining and interesting events we have planned for you." Festival Director, 2004

Here we are approaching the 2024 Victorian Heritage Festival and those words ring true today. Our parent organzation has changed the the Port Townsend Heritage Association, but our goals remain the same, to celebrate Port Townsend's storied past.

The Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival was founded in 1996 to celebrate the history, lifestyle and audacity of early life in Port Townsend. Now scheduled for late April, the festival offers an opportunity to stroll back in time, learn how the early residents lived, worked and played, hear stories of high stakes business ventures, colorful characters, lost loves and how it all came crashing down.