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.
Volunteer Open Houses
Learn to Sail our Tall Ship!
Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:00am-12:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:00am-12:00pm
Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, 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
Winter Deck Tours
Saturday, December 6, 10:00am-4:00pm
Winter deck tours on Kalmar Nyckel are offered on Saturdays from December 6 hrough April 25) for an additional $5/person ages 5 & older. Inclement weather and heavy maintenance projects will close the ship when it’s unsafe to tour. The schedule may change without notice.
- Please call the office at 302.429.7447 on Friday or Saturday to confirm availability.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Navigating Freedom:
Stories of the Underground Railroad
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Explore Underground Railroad history through the stories of William Still, performed by actor historian Keith Henley of The American Historical Theatre.
Location:
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
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
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