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.
Winter Deck Tours
Saturdays, January 3 through April 25 from 10:00am-4:00pm
Winter deck tours on Kalmar Nyckel are offered on Saturdays in December hrough April 25 for an additional $5/adult and $3/ages 3-12 (under 3 are free). Inclement weather and heavy maintenance projects will close the ship when it’s unsafe to tour. The schedule may change without notice.
- Please call the office at 302.429.7447 on Friday or Saturday to confirm availability.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Volunteer Open House
Learn to Sail our Tall Ship!
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm
Interested in sailing? 17th century maritime history?Woodworking, learning new skills, meeting new people? Attend a fall/winter Volunteer Open House, tour our ship, and learn about Winter Crew Training. (Our last Open House this winter.)
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Volunteer Pop-Up Happy Hour
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 4:00-5:30pm
Join us for an informal happy hour to meet crew, tour our ship and Maritime Center for free and enjoy a cold beverage. Explore our program to learn to sail, teach, guide and maintain our ship and building. No experience needed! Free snacks and cash bar ($5 beer/wine/soft drinks).Register online for our Happy Hour. Don’t miss the ship!
- Our Winter Crew Training course starts on Saturday, January 17. Get details here. Register online or contact our Captain’s office with questions
- REGISTER ONLINE TODAY. Questions? Call 302.429.7447 to learn more.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Second Saturdays 2026
Cabins and Cocoa
Saturday, January 10 from 1:00-4:00pm
Visit us on the Second Saturday each month and explore hands-on history at our riverfront Maritime Center. Crafts and activities are included with admission. Winter admission fees: $5/adult, $3/ages 3-12), and under 3 is free.
Delaware can get chilly and we love snuggling under a cozy blanket with some hot chocolate. Have you ever wondered how the Swedes and Finns stayed warm during freezing winters? They were the first to build log cabins —and now it’s your turn!
- Create your own log cabin picture out of popsicle sticks, construction paper & glue.
- Warm up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate donated by Sweet Lucy’s and play with our Lincoln Log sets — the perfect way to end your chilly-day adventure in Wilmington
Mark your calendar for Second Saturdays on February 14 - December 10.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Navigating Freedom:
Stories of the Underground Railroad
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Explore Underground Railroad history through the stories of William Still, performed by actor historian Keith Henley of The American Historical Theatre. Co-sponsored by the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Guest Bartender Night at
La Tolteca Greenville
Taco Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Show your love for the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation and the Tall Ship of Delaware at our annual fundraiser with special Guest Bartenders who deserve your “tips!” ALL DONATIONS support our education mission on ship and shore. Learn more.
Location:
La Tolteca Greenville, 304 Buckley Mill Rd., Greenville, DE 19807
Second Saturdays 2026
Sailors’ Valentine’s
Saturday, February 14 from 1:00-4:00pm
Set sail on a crafty adventure and learn about Sailors’ Valentine's, beautiful keepsakes made by talented Caribbean artisans from tiny seashell mosaics for sailors to send home to their loved ones.
- Design and decorate your very own seashell Valentine. You can spread a little love and give it to someone special OR or keep it as your own sparkling treasure
Visit us on the
Second Saturday
each month, March 14 - December 10, and explore hands-on history at our riverfront Maritime Center. Crafts and activities are included with admission. Winter admission fees: $5/adult, $3/ages 3-12), and under 3 is free.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
LEGO Shipbuilding Day
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Plan ahead for our 11th annual LEGO Shipbuilding Day! Learn to build model ship kits at all skill levels. And discover your inner LEGO spirit in our free play spaces. Enter our Home Build Contest and/or Maritime Center Build Contest to win LEGO gift cards (judged by age group).
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Second Saturdays 2026
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Saturday, March 14, 1:00-4:00pm
March is Women’s History Month, and you can MARCH for what matters! Come get creative, get loud, and celebrate history in the most awesome way. What you believe in is important! Here’s a fun, hands-on activity:
- Create your own megaphone or marching sign.
- Then show off your masterpiece and let the world know what you stand for!
Crafts and activities are included with admission. Winter admission fees: $5/adult, $3/ages 3-12), and under 3 is free. Mark your calendar for Second Saturdays each month: April 10, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, October 10, November 14, and December 10. Note: September 12 will be SCOUT DAY for registered Troops only.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Second Saturdays 2026
Poetry Month - to be announced
Saturday, April 11, 1:00-4:00pm
Crafts and activities are included with admission. Mark your calendar for Second Saturdays each month: May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, October 10, November 14, and December 10. Note: September 12 will be SCOUT DAY for registered Troops only.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Opening Day of Sailing
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Stay tuned for our fun kick-off of the 2026 sailing season and the 250th Anniversary of our country.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801