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.

"Goonies"

Movies on Tap to benefit KNF

THIS Friday, March 28, 6:30pm

Enjoy a fan favorite at Penn Cinema Riverfront plus a craft beer from Tired Hands Brewing Co. and popcorn all while raising money for a great cause, thanks to Out & About Magazine!

• All proceeds go to the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
• Get your tickets from Penn Cinema.

Location: Penn Cinema Riverfront, 401 S. Madison, Wilmington, DE 19801

Kalmar Nyckel's Last Battle

Gallery Talks & Cannon Drills

Saturday, April 5, 1:00-4:00pm

Enjoy free activities from 1:00-4:00pm. Learn about the last voyage of the original Kalmar Nyckel in the Battle of Buchan Ness. Then take a shot at “firing” a cannon (model with your drill team. Do you have what it takes to sink a ship? Start your weekend with these free family friendly activities.

• Free admission & parking
• Musem is open from 10:00am - 4:00pm

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

Shipbuilding Saturday

Buoyancy Challenge

Saturday, April 19, 1:00-4:00pm

Build a boat from aluminum foil and straws, then test its buoyancy with lead weights. Who has the best built boat?

Free activity & parking.

• Regular Museum admission fees: $10/Ages18+, $5/Ages 5-17, Free/Ages 1-4.
• Hours: 10:00am-4:00pm
  

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

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, Del.

• Free Kalmar Nyckel deck tours from 12:30-4:00pm on behalf of Noramco
• 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 for Us

Walk for the 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. Then Opening Ceremonies at 8:30am.
• A Donation of $30 gets you a Highmark Walk t-shirt
  

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

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

King Neptune Gala

Saturday, September 2025 (date TBA)

Celebrate the Tall Ship of Delaware and support our education mission while enjoying our biggest fundraising event of the year. Details to be announced in 2025!

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