King Neptune Gala

Our 19th-Annual King Neptune Gala, which benefits The Tall Ship of Delaware as well as our education programs on ship and shore, will return on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

We will honor Tracey Quillen Carney and the City of Wilmington’s Honorable Mayor John Carney for their outstanding contributions to the City and the State of Delaware – which have made a lasting impact. Among their many priorities, they are strong supporters of the public education programs that advance the mission of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.

To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s event will feature a black-tie optional cocktail reception in our museum and aboard Kalmar Nyckel, followed by a formal, seated dockside dinner. Live music, along with silent and live auctions, are part of our festive evening.

Enjoy photos of last year's Gala by volunteer Thom Unger.

Gala Tickets

Tickets for the 19th1Annual King Neptune Gala are $250 per person and are now available for purchase. Host Benefactors who make gifts of $1,500 to $3,000 receive Gala tickets as part of their sponsorship benefits.

Tickets may be purchased:

• Online by clicking the button below
• By calling (302) 429-7447
• By mailing a check payable to Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Please note "Gala Tickets" in the memo line.

Mailing Address
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
1124 East 7th Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

Auction Donations

Support the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation by donating an item, experience, or service to our Silent or Live Auction. Your generous contribution helps make the King Neptune Gala our most successful fundraiser of the year while supporting maritime education, historic preservation, and community programs.

Our online Silent Auction opens in mid-September, allowing supporters to browse and bid from anywhere. Bidding concludes during the King Neptune Gala on Saturday, September 26, giving everyone the opportunity to participate—even if they cannot attend the event.

• To donate an auction item or learn more, please contact the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's Office Administrator by email or call (302) 429-7447.

Gala Sponsors

Become a sponsor of the 19th Annual King Neptune Gala and help support the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's mission of maritime education, historic preservation, and community engagement. As our most important fundraiser of the year, the Gala provides meaningful recognition for businesses and individuals while making a lasting impact on our programs.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, benefits, and recognition levels, please download the 2026 Gala Sponsorship Form. Complete the form and return it to our sponsorship team to reserve your sponsorship.

King Neptune Gala Sponsors
Godmother’s Circle $10,000

King Neptune’s Court $5,000

Mermaid’s Circle $2,500

Patron $1,500

Gala Host Benefactors

Share an unforgettable evening with friends, family, clients, or colleagues while supporting the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Host Benefactors receive preferred access to the King Neptune Gala and enjoy the satisfaction of helping sustain our educational programs and historic preservation efforts.

Host Benefactor gifts of $1,500–$3,000 include Gala tickets and ensure your seats are reserved before tickets become available to the general public.

To learn more about becoming a Host Benefactor, contact our Office via email or call at (302) 429-7447

Our Mission

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation is a non-profit educational organization with the mission of preserving and promoting the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware and the Delaware Valley for the education and enrichment of all. The Foundation is a volunteer-based organization that built, owns and operates Kalmar Nyckel.