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.

Winter Deck Tours

Saturday, March 30, 10:00am-4:00pm

Tour The Tall Ship of Delaware during winter "maintenance season" on Saturdays in March from 10:00am - 4:00pm

  • Admission includes self-guided tours of our museum exhibits.
  • Fees:  $10/Adult, $5/Ages 5-12 and free for ages 4 and under.
  • NOTE: This schedule is subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, heavy maintenance projects, and training sessions. You may call ahead (302.429.7447) to confirm deck tours are happening on your date.

Location: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801


Plan Your Visit

Kalmar Nyckel Opening Day

Saturday, May 4, 10:00am-4:00pm

Sailing season begins!

  • Our Copeland Maritime Center is open from 10:00am-4:00pm with a new Join The Crew lobby exhibit for all to enjoy.
  • Christina River Cruises (1.5 hours) for all ages launch at 10:00-11:30am and 1:30-3:00pm. Tickets now on sale, $45/adults and $25/youth 12 & under.

Location:  Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Explore Sails

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

Get Details

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.

  • Free admission and parking

Location: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Get Details

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


Plan Ahead
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