Festivals & Events

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.

Opening Day with Noramco

Sailing Season Begins

Saturday, May 3, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Celebrate the opening of the Kalmar Nyckel’s sailing season in Wilmington, Delaware!

• Free Kalmar Nyckel deck tours from 12:00-4:00pm on behalf of Noramco
• Free Maritime Outdoor Adventure Course activities all day (10:00am-4:00pm).
• Tour the Copeland Maritime Center museum for free from 10:00am - 4:00pm.
• Free admission and parking
  

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

Highmark Walk with KNF Team

Walk for Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

Saturday, May 3, 9:00am

Will you walk 1 mile or 5K for the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation at 9:00am on May 3? If not, could you please sponsor Team KNF with a gift to the Highmark Walk? 100% of proceeds will go to our organization. Celebrate the opening of the Kalmar Nyckel’s sailing season in Wilmington, Del and visit us for a free museum tour after your walk.

• Join the KNF Team for a fun walk on Saturday, May 3 at 9:00am. One mile or 5K.
• All proceeds will go to the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. No entry fee. Snacks and water provided. Parking is $5.
• Team meet up is 7:45am. Opening Ceremonies at 8:30am. Walk/Run start at 9:00am
• A Donation of $30 gets you a Highmark Walk t-shirt
  

Location: Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park, Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801

Day in Old New Castle

Free Deck Tours

Saturday, May 17 from 10:00-4:00pm

Explore The Tall Ship of Delaware with a free deck tour at A Day in Old New Castle, annual house tour and festivities.

Location: Histori New Castle Pier, 1 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720

Captain Kidd’s Pirate Day

Saturday, June 21, 12:00-4:00pm

Ahoy mates! Explore the Delaware world of Captain Kidd and tour our ship, take a treasure hunt, build a pirate ship, and more at this family-friendly event!

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

Free Deck Tours

Independence Day

Saturday, July 4th, Time TBD

Enjoy a free deck tour of the Tall Ship of Delaware on our nation’s birthday!

• Hours: To Be Announced
  

Location:  To Be Announced; Wilmington Riverfront, DE 19801

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. Details coming soon.

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

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

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