NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — To celebrate The United States of America’s Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, Sail250 is coming to Hampton Roads.
For the celebration of this milestone, Norfolk Festevents said a fleet of “the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships,” will sail into Norfolk, the host city for Hampton Roads.
Sail250 will bring 55 ships from 20 nations. These ships will bring with them 4,000 officers, cadets, and crews who will engage with residents and visitors in events and programs over the seven days they are here.
The Sail250® Virginia fleet will arrive in Hampton Roads in June 2026 with a traditional Parade of Sail, followed by ships docking in downtown Norfolk and several other Virginia locations. Free public ship visits will continue until the fleet departs on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
The Sail250® Virginia schedule will coincide with the national Juneteenth celebration and the 50th annual Norfolk Harborfest.
Festevents said Affiliate Harbors in Virginia will be joining the host port of Norfolk to help host several of the visiting ships, beginning on June 12.
The following Sail250® Virginia Harbors and events are confirmed:
Cape Charles
Event Name: Tall Ships at Cape Charles
Location: Cape Charles Harbor (Town Docks) 11 Marina Rd, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Dates: Friday, June 19, 2026 – Monday, June 22, 2026.
Hampton
Event Name: Blackbeard Pirate Festival
Location: Mill Point Park and the Docks at Downtown Hampton 710 Settlers Landing Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
Dates: Friday, June 12, 2026 – Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Smithfield/Isle of Wight County
Event Name: Smithfield Maritime Rendezvous
Location: Smithfield Station Marina, 409 S. Church Street, Smithfield VA 23430
Dates: Friday, June 12, 2026 – Monday, June 15, 2026
Yorktown
Name Event: Yorktown Tall Ships Festival, a Sail250® Virginia Affiliate Event
Location: Yorktown Waterfront 331 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690
Dates: Friday, June 12, 2026 – Monday, June 15, 2026.
In addition to coming to Norfolk and the Affiliate Harbors in Virginia, Sail250 will visit New Orleans, Baltimore, New York, and Boston.
Regular updates and more information can be found at sail250virginia.com.
