On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Locally, in Baltimore and Norfolk, Sail 250 events commemorate the Semiquincentennial milestone on the Bay.
First up: Sail 250 in Norfolk, VA, June 19-23. At print time, more than 60 tall ships and military vessels representing 30 countries are expected to attend this epic, free gathering. Virginia is one of five official national partner ports, along with New Orleans, Baltimore, New York, and Boston.
From June 16-18, spectators can view the fleet as it gathers in the Lynnhaven Anchorage off Shore Drive in Virginia Beach. This is the only time spectators on land and water can view all the ships together at one time and in one place. The centerpiece of the event is of course the Parade of Sail on Friday, June 19 commanded by the Virginia Pilot Association. The parade launches at 7:30 a.m. at the Lynnhaven Anchorage and arrives at docking locations in downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth beginning at noon. Fifteen public viewing sites along the 26-nautical-mile route will give spectators unprecedented access to this maritime spectacle, with additional viewing locations on Hampton and Portsmouth waterfronts. The US Navy’s famed Blue Angels will also conduct a flyover during the parade (time TBD).
From June 19-23 there will be four days of free events including daily ship tours, an interactive education center, concerts and live entertainment, fireworks on the Elizabeth River (June 19 and 20 at 9:30 p.m.), the 50th annual Norfolk Harborfest activities June 19-22, and more. The fleet departs for Baltimore on the morning of June 23. Learn more at sail250virginia.com.
Next up: Sail 250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore June 24-30. Activities will take place at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Fells Point, North Locust Point, Baltimore Peninsula, and Martin State Airport in Middle River.
The event offers ship crews, cadets and midshipmen, aviators and, of course, visitors from all over the world to join in an unforgettable experience and a world-class celebration of all things maritime and aviation. The Maryland event will feature the return of the US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron and other aviation performers for an airshow over Baltimore Harbor, flyovers at Baltimore Inner Harbor, and the Open House at Martin State Airport. Other activities include a crab soup cook off, STEM education zone with Living Classrooms, a movie night, Fells Point Farmer’s Market, public ship visitation, and more. Besides the Blue Angels, other possible flyovers and demonstrations include a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue drill and WWII-era “Warbird” flyovers.
To stay in the know, you can even download the free Sail250 Maryland app which features everything from real-time updates on ship arrival times, visitation schedules, and airshow flyovers, to detailed maps of festival zones, parking and transportation tips, and rich descriptions of participating ships and aircraft. Visit sail250md.org to learn more.