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.

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Second Saturday: Halloween Unmasked!

Saturday, October 10 • 1 – 4 pm

Join us for a special Second Saturday family program exploring the spooky, surprising history behind Halloween and some of our favorite traditions—including jack-o’-lanterns, costumes, and trick-or-treating.

After uncovering the stories behind these familiar traditions, visitors can reveal their creativity and make their own festive mask out of supplied felt, feathers, and sequins to wear home!

Included with Museum Admission: $10/Adult, $5/Ages 3-12, and under 3 is free.

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

Halloween Ghost Ship

FREE!

Saturday, October 17 • Noon – 4 pm

Celebrate Halloween with an afternoon of family fun at the Copeland Maritime Center!

Ahoy, ghosts, pirates, and sea monsters! Join the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation for an afternoon of Halloween fun at the Copeland Maritime Center and Fort Christina Park. This family-friendly celebration is full of treats, creativity, and adventure, without the scares!

Step aboard Kalmar Nyckel for free ship tours! Enjoy ghost stories inspired by life at sea. Delight in pumpkin and face painting, spooky touch tanks, crafts, live music, and exploration science(concoct slime!) New this year: trick-or-treating in our neighboring Fort Christina Park and free trackless train rides. Assorted food trucks will offer tasty treats to fuel your adventures.

A small fees apply to select activities and food purchases. Most are free!

NEW: Recycled Sea Monster Art Contest!
Turn trash into a legendary creature of the deep! Children ages 5 – 17 are invited to create a sea monster using at least 80 percent recycled materials. Entries will be judged in four age groups, giving young artists a fun way to explore creativity, win prizes, and lern environmental stewardship. Visit kalmarnyckel.org/halloween for contest details and registration.

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

Second Saturday: Foods We’re Thankful For

Included with Museum Admission

Saturday, November 14 • 1 – 4 pm

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