Japanese Woodworking Festival

Taking place at Fort Worden's Buildings 315 and 324, the Japanese Woodworking Festival is inspired by the Kezurou-kai traditions of Japan and the United States. Organized by the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, the event emphasizes mentorship and the cultural philosophy of woodworking. It serves as a meeting point for practitioners and enthusiasts to explore the precision and artistry of Japanese carpentry.

The festival program features a diverse lineup of presentations, including talks on Japanese forestry, the intricacies of handplanes, and personal experiences apprenticing at Somakosha. Master woodworkers demonstrate specialized techniques such as hewing with the masakari (axe) and chona (adze), while Dave Burnard provides blacksmithing demonstrations. Other technical displays cover the use of Japanese saws and proper chisel maintenance.

Visitors can participate in various hands-on stations focused on tool sharpening, joinery, and tool setup. The day's activities also include a vendor market and culminate in the finals of a sawing competition followed by an awards ceremony. Those traveling by vehicle should note that a Discover Pass is mandatory for parking within the state park grounds.