The coal sheds were constructed in 1903 to serve as a fuel depot for coal-burning ships that stopped at Mare Island. They served in that capacity for little more than a decade, however, as the Navy quickly abandoned coal in favor of diesel and other petroleum-based fuels. Since about 1914, these buildings were used as storage.
One by one the coal sheds are being restored and one of most recently renovated is a state of the art 15 barrel brewhouse owned by Mare Island Brewing Co., which will serve as the VIP Lounge for all Mare Island Dock of Bay VIP ticket holders. The festival will also utilize 2 other coal sheds. One will be our Vendor Village featuring artwork, jewelry, antiques, and goods and services from our local businesses. The other coal shed will house our festival merchandise, artist memorabilia, lost and found, and one of the six festival bars!
The Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival spans along the coal shed waterfront with spectacular views of the Napa River, Vallejo Marina, Vallejo Ferry, Mare Island Ferry, and all the way out to Mount Diablo and the Carquinez Strait that leads into the SF Bay. There will be an add-on Ferry Service available for guests that want to ride the ferry to and from the festival, starting at Pier 41 in SF, and the Sausalito Ferry Terminal in Marin.