Albany’s month-long Maritime Festival launches this weekend with a packed schedule of events for all the family.

On the calendar are music, seafaring, competitions and exhibitions as the event celebrates Albany’s coastal identity.

The extravaganza kicks off with Foreshore Friday at the Albany Boatshed where folk artist Tom River will headline the proceedings along with indie rock acts The Forever Party and Ghost Care plus local DJ Levi Ryan.

The now traditional All At Sea Saturday is a day of family fun with try-sailing sessions, St Ayles skiff displays and a best-dressed vessel competition.

Providing the entertainment will be Critters up Close, the Albany Shantymen and Jamie the Clown, while there will also be cooking demonstrations and live music from Denmark singer-songwriter Julia Anwar.

Two stunning exhibitions will also be opening as part of the festivities with Friday marking the launch of The Bone Yard by Erin Coates at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station.

On Saturday, the Museum of the Great Southern will unveil Kalyagul: Connections to Menang Country.

The Historic Whaling Station is also showcasing the role of animals at sea with the photographic exhibition Cats And Dogs: All At Sea which runs until September 1.

This is a touring exhibition developed by the Australian Maritime Foundation and features early 20th century pictures by renowned photographer Samuel Hood.

Running alongside the exhibition is a site-wide treasure hunt for stowaway mice, while the more creative types can join artist Serena McLauchlan for Paws At Sea: Miniature Felt Workshop and create their own seafaring pet.

Visitors can also upload images of their own pets for a community photo wall to run alongside the historic ones.

The Maritime Festival runs until July 31 with the Albany International Folk ‘n’ Shanty Festival taking place from July 10 to 12, and the regular boatshed markets and maritime heritage talks among other highlights.