Marking the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, a fleet of international tall ships will sail into the port of Virginia on June 19, 2026.  The 26 nautical mile spectacular parade will feature ships from around the world sailing together into downtown Norfolk. 

On Friday, June 19, 2026, The Parade of Sail escorting the international tall ship fleet will depart from the Lynnhaven Anchorage off the Virginia Beach Shore Drive Lesner Bridge area, sail through Hampton Roads, and into the Elizabeth River.

More details can be found on the official website.

Four Days of FREE Public Events in Downtown Norfolk – June 19-23, 2026*

(*all schedules subject to change. Visit sail250virginia.com for the updated information.)

• Hours: Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20 – 12 noon to 11 p.m.
• Hours: Sunday, June 21 – 12 noon to 8 p.m.; Monday, June 22 – 12 noon to 6 p.m.

• 10 tall ship docking locations along 5 miles of continuous waterfront access: Waterside Marina, Otter Berth, Town Point Park, Nauticus, USS Wisconsin Basin, Freemason, NOAA, Front Street, US Army Corps of Engineers.
• Daily public ship tours* beginning at 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 19; Saturday-Sunday- Monday, June 20-22, 12 noon to 6 p.m. (*individual ship schedules subject to change.)
• Interactive Education Center, Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, 12 noon to 5 p.m. at  Nauticus Outdoor Pavilion.
• Concerts and live entertainment, Friday, June 19 to Monday, June 22
• Fireworks on the Elizabeth River, Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, at 9:30 p.m.
• Juneteenth National Holiday celebrations on June 19
• 50^th annual Norfolk Harborfest festival activities, Friday, June 19 to Monday, June 22
• Fleet departs for Baltimore, Tuesday a.m., June 23
• All events are FREE and open to the public