King Neptune Gala

Our 19^th  annual King Neptune Gala, which benefits The Tall Ship of Delaware as well as our education programs on ship and shore, will return on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

We will honor the City of Wilmington’s Honorable Mayor John Carney and Mrs. Tracey Quillen 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 the Kalmar Nyckel, followed by a formal, seated dockside dinner. Live music, along with silent and live auctions, are part of our festive evening.

• 2025 Photo Album:  Enjoy photos of last year's Gala by volunteer Thom Unger.

Gala Tickets

Tickets will go on sale for this summer. Host Benefactors with a gift of $1,500, will receive four (4) Gala tickets

• You may purchase online, call our office at 302.429.7447, or mail a check noting "Gala Tickets" made payable to: Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Auction Donations

We are seeking donations for our Silent and Live Auction and hope you can support our biggest fundraiser of the year. Our online Silent Auction will open in mid-September and close the evening of Saturday, September 26 during the gala. Anyone can view and bid from anywhere. If you would like to donate an item, please contact KNF’s Office Administrator by email (link) or call 302.429.7447.

• Please download and complete our 2026 Auction Donation Form.

Gala Sponsors

Please consider sponsoring our most important fundraiser of the year. To learn more about sponsorship benefits, fees, and details please download our 2026 Gala Sponsorship Form. Please complete the form, scan and email our sponsor team.

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

Would you like to bring a group of four guests to the Gala? For a commitment of $1,500, you may participate as a Host Benefactor and support the important work of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Please email our Donor Relations Specialist or call our office, 302.429.7447 and download this 2026 Host Benefactor Form.

Questions?

Please call the KNF office at 302.429.7447 or email our Donor Relations Specialist.

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 the Kalmar Nyckel.