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.

Join our Volunteer Crew!

Tours, Chili & Brew Party

Thursday, November 13, 4:00-6:30pm

Meet our crew, tour our ship, and hear about all the ways you can get involved. Learn to sail the Tall Ship of Delaware, help maintain our ship, teach school children about our history, guide our visitors, work at community events. Join us for conversation and cups of free chili and cash bar. Free admission and parking.

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

Register Online

Volunteer Open Houses

Learn to Sail our Tall Ship!

Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:00am-12:00pm

Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:00am-12:00pm

Interested in sailing? 17th century maritime history?Woodworking, learning new skills, meeting new people? Attend a fall/winter Volunteer Open House, tour our ship, and learn about Winter Crew Training.


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

Register Today

Underground RailRoad History Event

Details to be announced

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Explore Underground Railroad history through the stories of its heroes. Performances by an actor historian to be announced this winter.


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

View 2025 event

LEGO Shipbuilding Day

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Plan ahead for our 11th annual LEGO Shipbuilding Day! Learn to build model ship kits at all skill levels. And discover your inner LEGO spirit in our free play spaces. Enter our Home Build Contest and/or Maritime Center Build Contest to win LEGO gift cards (judged by age group).


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

Plan Ahead

Opening Day of Sailing

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Stay tuned for our fun kick-off of the 2026 sailing season and the 250th Anniversary of our country.


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

Details TBA