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.
Captain Kidd’s Pirate Day
Saturday, June 21, 12:00-4:00pm
Ahoy mates! Explore the Delaware world of Captain Kidd and tour our ship, take a treasure hunt, build a pirate ship, and more at this family-friendly event!
- Special thanks to Dr. Pepper, Noramco, Walmart, and Diamond State Recycling.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Tall Ship River Cruises
June 21 - July 13, select dates
Come aboard The Tall Ship of Delaware for a 90-minute Christina River Cruise in Wikmington and discover the view from the water. Children welcome with costumes for a scavenger hunt and pirate story.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Free Deck Tours
Independence Day
Saturday, July 4th, 3:00-7:00pm
Enjoy a free deck tour of the Tall Ship of Delaware on our nation’s birthday!
Location:
Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park, Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801
King Neptune Gala
Saturday, September 20
Celebrate the Tall Ship of Delaware and support our education mission while enjoying our biggest fundraising event of the year at festive party under the stars and our dockside tents. Details coming soon.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Halloween Ghost Ship
Saturday, October 18, 12:00-4:00pm
Celebrate early with a maritime twist on spooky fun at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's 7th annual family-friendly event. Enjoy our in-door "Ghost Ship,” pumpkin painting, crafts, and more.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Volunteer Open Houses
Fall 2025 (October/Nov./Dec.)
Learn to sail the Tall Ship of Delaware. Learn to teach our hands-on history programs and maintain our ship. Explore numerous volunteer opportunities with the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Dates to be announced during Summer 2025.
Questions? Please call 302.429.7447 or email [email protected]
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
LEGO Shipbuilding Day
Saturday, March 2026
Plan ahead for our 11th annual LEGO Shipbuilding Day!
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801