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 supports 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.
Upcoming Sails
New Castle, DE • August 2 – 8
New London, CT • August 14 – 16
Wilmington, DE • Saturdays, October 3 – 24
Labor Day Buoyancy Challenge
FREE Family STEM Event
Fort Christina Park • August 7 • 10 am –4 pm
Can you build a boat that floats... and holds the most weight? Wrap up the summer with the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation at Fort Christina Park for a hands-on Buoyancy Challenge! Discover the science behind why massive boats and ships float—even though they weigh tons—and put your engineering skills to the test.
Design and build your own miniature boat using simple materials, then see how much weight it can carry before it sinks. Along the way, you'll explore the STEM concepts of buoyancy, displacement, balance, and design through fun, interactive experiments.
Perfect for curious kids and families, this free event encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork while making science come alive.
Make a Day of It!
The Copeland Maritime Center will be open from 10 am to – 4 pm with regular admission. Explore our interactive exhibits and learn more about Delaware's rich maritime history.
Please Note: Kalmar Nyckel, the Tall Ship of Delaware, will be away from her home port during this event.
FREE • Family-Friendly • No Registration Required
Toddler Tuesdays!
Copeland Maritime Center 10 am – 11 am
Looking for something fun for the little ones? Join us for Toddler Tuesdays at Copeland Maritime Center.
Designed especially for children 18 months to 5 years old, Toddler Tuesdays spark curiosity through hands-on exploration, creativity, and play. Led by an educator with early childhood experience, each one-hour session features a different theme and includes a hands-on activity, story and/or song, craft, and a small snack.
August Themes
- August 4: Weather
- August 11: Animals
- August 18: Plants
- August 25: Pirates
Sessions are limited to 10 toddlers, so early registration is encouraged.
- Toddler Ticket (ages 18 months–5 years): $10 + processing fee
- Sibling Ticket: $6 + processing fee
Special August PROMO: Use code AHOY at checkout to receive 50% off your registration.
We can't wait to welcome your little explorer for a morning of learning, laughter, and maritime-inspired fun!
Weather Update: Second Saturday
FREE!
Lions, Sea Serpents & Mermaids...Oh My!
Saturday, August 8 • 1 – 4 pm
Due to the extreme heat and high chance of rain, tomorrow’s Second Saturday Lions, Sea Serpents & Mermaids…Oh My! will move indoors to the Copeland Maritime Center. The event will still take place from 1 – 4 pm, and now both the event and admission to the Maritime Center Museum will be free for everyone!
Join us for an afternoon of maritime folklore, mythical sea creatures, and hands-on family fun—now in cool, comfortable surroundings! Play games and create your own racing sea serpent to bring home!
- Free parking at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation lot across the Center.
- Museum admission is FREE from 1 – 4 pm.
- Second Saturdays continue on October 10, and November 14. Note: September 12 will be our Annual Scout Day for registered troops and any scout who would like to enjoy a day of adventure and earn a patch.
Location: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Maritime Center, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE
Annual Scout Day 2026
Saturday, September 12 • Two Sessions
$13 per Scout. | Adult Chaperones Free
Participants will be assigned to groups and rotate through each station during their session.
Session Options
Bonus Activity
Please note: All Scout Day sessions conclude at Fort Christina Park.
Halloween Ghost Ship
FREE!
Saturday, October 17 • Noon – 4 pm
Celebrate Halloween with an afternoon of family fun at the Copeland Maritime Center!
Explore our indoor Ghost Ship, where mysterious sights and playful surprises await around every corner—designed to delight children and adults alike. Enjoy pumpkin painting, storytelling, live music, delicious food trucks, hands-on crafts, and Halloween-themed activities throughout the day. Then climb aboard the real Kalmar Nyckel for free outdoor deck tours and discover the history of Delaware's magnificent tall ship.
Even more exciting activities and special guests will be announced soon. Check back for updates! 🎃👻⚓
Location: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Second Saturday
FREE!
Foods We’re Thankful For
Saturday, November 14 • 1 – 4 pm
This program explores the traditional foods and foodways of the native Lenape and the Swedes/Finns. After learning this culinary history, visitors will be invited to make corn husk dolls, a frontier favorite of both Europeans and Natives as well as reusing a byproduct of food!
- Museum Admission: $10/Adult, $5/Ages 3-12, and under 3 is free. This is our final 2026
Second Saturday.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Fort Christina Park
