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.
The festival will utilize 4 coal sheds. One will be our new Cocktail Lounge featuring top-shelf spirits, festival cocktails, microbrews, and fine wine. The other coal shed will be converted into a VIP Lounge for all of our VIP guests. The VIP Lounge will have a private bar, specialty drinks, chef-inspired food offerings, professional servers, and special tastings for Premium VIP guests. The first coal shed will be the main entrance and house our festival merchandise, artist memorabilia, lost and found, and several other surprises this year!
There will be two performance stages. The main stage will be at the far end of the promenade, closest to the Ferry Terminal and the acoustic stage will be on the waterfront near the first coal shed to entertain guests as they arrive and while the main stage is on break between headliners. A festival map can be downloaded to your cell phone, or printed out from the website.
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.