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 Day Sails

Historic New Castle, DE

August 27 - 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. Note: We cancelled Sunday, August 24 sails due to weather delays from Hurricane Erin.

  • 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

Tall Ship River Cruises

Wilmington, DE

September 13 - October 25 (Fall weekends)

Take a smooth 90-minute Christina River cruise in Wilmington and discover the great view from the water. Haul lines, sets sails, and hear tales from the crew or just relax and enjoy. Recommended for children all ages. Children can hear a pirate story, take a scavenger hunt, and costumes are welcome.

  • Tickets are $45/Adult and and $25/Youth 12 & under.

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

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.


Enjoy a dockside cocktail hour with our ship, live music, local celebrated chef’s stations, silent and live auctions, special guests, and more. Tickets are now on sale ($195/person).


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

Get Tickets

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