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.

Tall Ship Sails outside Delaware

Greenport, NY - July 22 - August 3

Provincetown, MA - August 8 - 17

Come aboard The Tall Ship of Delaware for a 2.5-hour day or evening sail and discover the magic of 17th century sailing.  Recommended for children ages 8 and above.  Locations vary. Check schedule for details (below)

  • Tickets are $75/Adult and and $40/Youth 12 & under (outside Delaware)

Get Directions here.

Schedule/Tickets

Tall Ship Sails

Historic New Castle, DE

August 24 - September 7

Explore The Tall Ship of Delaware on a 2.5-hour end of summer day sail and leave your cares on shore. Recommended for children ages 8 and above.

  • Tickets are $65/Adult and and $40/Youth 12 & under.

Location: Historic New Castle Pier, 1 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720 (adjacent to Battery Park).

Schedule/Tickets

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.  Governor Matt Meyer will be honored as our King Neptune Award recipient this year.


Cocktail hour with our ship, live music, local celebrated chef’s stations, silent and live auctions, special guests, and more.



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

Details Coming Soon

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

View 2024 Event

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

Volunteer Programs

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

Plan Ahead