Festivals & Events
Adventure and outdoor fun, maritime history, and cultural events – the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation has it all. Our annual community events offer family-friendly activities and hands-on discovery. Our tall ship and facilities provide a one-of-a-kind year-round riverfront venue for private parties and rentals – on ship and shore.
We host a range of events that are open and accessible to our local and regional community and designed for people of all ages. Our ship’s history and Swedish connection also informs our annual lecture series and fundraisers to support the work of preserving and promoting the cultural and maritime heritage of the Delaware Valley. The Copeland Maritime Center offers a unique riverfront venue for any occasion including private celebrations.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our upcoming events schedule and the latest updates from the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Kalmar Nyckel Opening Day
with Noramco
Saturday, May 4, 10:00am-4:00pm
All ages are welcome! Tour the Copeland Maritime Center and The Tall Ship of Delaware for FREE on Saturday, May 4 thanks to Noramco. Celebrate the opening of our sailing season, visit our maritime campus, and check out our new exhibits.
- FREE Ship Deck Tours from 12:30-4:00pm
- FREE Copeland Maritime Center tours from 10:00am-4:00pm with a new Join The Crew lobby exhibit for all to enjoy.
- Christina River Cruise (1.5 hours) for all ages from 10:00-11:30am on May 4 and 11 (limited tickets remain). Tickets now on sale, $45/adults and $25/youth 12 & under.
Location: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Battleship Bingo
Saturday, June 15, 2:00-4:00pm
Like Battleship? Like BINGO? Mix them together, and you get Battleship BINGO! Win great prizes at this family-friendly event. See if you can sink our ships before yours go under! Who will remain? Advanced Tickets Recommended
- $10/Adult, $5/Youth ages 5 -17, and Free to Members of Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
- Online Registration opens soon.
Location: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Captain Kidd's Pirate Day
Saturday, July 13, 12:00-4:00pm
Ahoy! Dress as your favorite pirate for our 4th annual family event inspired by Delaware’s infamous Captain Kidd! KalmarNyckel ship tours, pirate crafts, scavenger hunts, cannon demonstrations, face painting, and more. Plan ahead, mates! Sponsored by the City of Wilmington.
- Ship tours from 12:30-4:00pm
- Free admission and parking
Location: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
King Neptune Gala
Saturday, September 28, 5:00pm
Celebrate the The Tall Ship of Delaware and support our education mission that reaches 35,000 people each year by attending our 17th annual King Neptune Gala.
- Sponsor the event or make a donation to our Silent or Live Auction by contacting Jan Ross by email or call 302.429.7447.
- Tickets will go on sale in early August. Request an invitation for tickets by sending a note below (click the button).
Location: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Halloween Ghost Ship
Saturday, October 19, 12:00-4:00pm
Come visit our Copeland Maritime Center campus for the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's family-friendly twist on Halloween fun. Enjoy our in-door "Ghost Ship,"outdoor pumpkin painting, crafts, Kalmar Nyckel, The Tall Ship of Delaware tours, and more. Please thank our sponsors: Kenny Family ShopRite Stores and the Kenny Family Foundation.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801