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.
Captain Kidd’s Pirate Day
Saturday, May 23
Ahoy Mateys! Our 6th annual day inspired by Captain Kidd (who trolled the coast of Delaware) returns with Tall Ship of Delaware ship tours, sword school, pirate crafts, and much more. Family-friendly fun for all! Stay tuned for details.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Second Saturday
Great American Beaver Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, June 13, 1:00-4:00pm
Join us for The Great American Beaver Scavenger Hunt, a family-friendly activity. You or your group can complete a scavenger hunt in Fort Christina Park focused on world trade in early America. At the same time, you will collect pieces to make your own American beaver.
- Free Admission to Fort Christina Park. Free parking across the road at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Restrooms are available next door at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
- Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s Copeland Maritime Center: Summer admission: $10/Adult, $5/Ages 3-12), and under 3 is free.
Second Saturdays continue on July 11, August 8, October 10, and November 14. Note: September 12 will be SCOUT DAY for registered Troops only.
Location:
Fort Christina Park, 1110 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
DE250 Independence Day
Free Deck Tours
Saturday, July 4th, 2:00-7:00pm
Celebrate July 4th with the City of Wilmington and enjoy a free deck tour on the Tall Ship of Delaware. A full schedule of activities, live music, food vendors throughout the riverfront -- and of course fireworks are planned.
Ship Location on the Rivefront:
Dravo Plaza, 920 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 (adjacent to Homewood Suites)
Second Saturday
What's in a Flag?
Saturday, July 11, 1:00-4:00pm
This fun and educational family-friendly program explores the origins and symbolism of four flags related to the history of Fort Christina Park: the Swedish, Finnish, Stars and Stripes (American), and Delaware State flags. After learning the history and significance of these flags, visitors will be invited to create their own symbolic/national flag.
- Free Admission to Fort Christina Park. Free parking across the road at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Restrooms are available next door a the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (no charge).
- Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s Copeland Maritime Center: Summer admission:
$10/Adult, $5/Ages 3-12, and under 3 is free.
Second Saturdays continue on August 8, October 10, and November 14. Note: September 12 will be SCOUT DAY for registered Troops only.
Location:
Fort Christina Park, 1110 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Second Saturday
Lions, Sea Serpents & Mermaids... Oh My!
Saturday, August 8, 1:00-4:00pm
Find us at Fort Christina State Park for “Lions, Sea Serpents, and Mermaids … Oh My!” to explore sailors’ and sailing ships' folklore and use of sea monsters and other mythical creatures. Visitors will be invited to create their own racing, scary sea serpents! Admission to the park is free.
- Free parking at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation lot across the road from the Park.
- Museum admission is $10/Adult, $5/Ages 3-12, and under 3 is free.
- Second Saturdays continue on October 10, and November 14. Note: September 12 will be SCOUT DAY for registered Troops only.
Location: Fort Christina Park, 1110 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Second Saturday
Unmasking Halloween
Saturday, October 10, 1:00-4:00pm
This fun and educational family program uncovers the spooky and mysterious history of Halloween and our favorite Halloween traditions like Jack-O-Lanterns and Trick or Treating. Afterwards, visitors will be invited to create their own scary masks!
- Museum admission: $10/Adult, $5/Ages 3-12, and under 3 is free. Don’t miss our final 2026 Second Saturday on November 14.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Halloween Ghost Ship
Saturday, October 17 from 12:00-4:00pm
Join us for a spooky, not scarey, afternoon of pumpkin painting, tours of our indoor Ghost Ship, and deck tours of the real Kalmar Nyckel (outdoors), plus crafts and activities. Check back for details.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Second Saturday
Foods We’re Thankful For
Saturday, November 14, 1:00-4:00pm
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
