Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9 AM
Battleship Wisconsin’s 82nd Birthday Celebration
Join us at Nauticus as we celebrate 82 years of history aboard the legendary Battleship Wisconsin—one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy.
Saturday, April 11 | 9 AM – 5 PM
Nauticus | Norfolk, VA
Enjoy a full day of special activities, educational programs, and exclusive tours that highlight the history, technology, and stories of this iconic vessel. Guests can explore new spaces aboard the battleship, participate in hands-on maritime programs like knot tying, rope making, and naval traditions demonstrations, hear from veterans during “Ask a Vet” talks, and more!
At 12 PM, join us for a birthday cake ceremony as we celebrate 82 years of the Battleship Wisconsin.
Special experiences include the VIP Tour, Command & Control Tour, and family-friendly Main Deck Tours, along with a Jellyfish Light workshop where guests can create a colorful keepsake.
Celebrate this historic milestone with us and experience the legacy of the mighty Battleship Wisconsin. 
Special Programs & Events
VIP Experience (90 min)
Experience an exclusive, in-depth tour of one of the most historic battleships ever built!
Times: 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM | $100/person | Up to 10 participants per tour
Command & Control Tour (60 min)
Discover the inner workings of the ship’s command and control operations.
Start Time: 11AM & 2PM | $20/person | Up to 20 participants per tour
Life in the Engine Room Tour (60 min)
Discover the inner workings of the ship’s command and control operations.
Start Time: 12PM & 3PM | $20/person | Up to 20 participants per tour
Battleship 101 (45 min)
A great option for families! This wheelchair- and stroller-accessible tour covers key areas of the main deck, including the fo’c’sle (forecastle), midship, and aft.
Times: 10AM & 1PM | $12 per person | Up to 30 people per tour
All participants under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Jellyfish Light
Start Time: 11:00 AM-2PM | $15 per person | $10 for members
Bring a wave of ocean whimsy into your home! Create your own jellyfish hanging light inspired by the viral trend, glowing with coastal charm. A fun, imaginative workshop for makers of all skill levels.
Sail Nauticus: Outdoor Gear Swap
Start Time: 10AM-4PM | FREE to attend
Join us for a FREE community event celebrating sustainability and the spirit of adventure! Bring your gently used biking, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, running gear, and more to Sail Nauticus, and give it new life. Whether you’re clearing out your gear closet or looking for your next treasure, this is your chance to swap, share, and connect with fellow outdoor lovers.
Don’t miss this one-day celebration filled with history, family fun, and exclusive experiences. Purchase your tickets here! 
Schedule of Events
| Time |
Event |
Location |
| 9am-11am |
Knot Tying |
Design, Build, Sail! |
| 10am-10:45am |
EdTalk: Ask a Vet |
Shipshape Showdown |
| 10am-10:45am |
Battleship 101 Tour |
Battleship Wisconsin |
| 10:30am-12pm |
VIP Experience Tour |
Battleship Wisconsin |
| 11am-2pm |
Jellyfish Light Workshop |
The Lab |
| 11am-12pm |
Command & Control Tour |
Battleship Wisconsin |
| 11am-11:30am |
Secrets of the Sea |
Brock Theater |
| 12pm |
Cake Ceremony |
Battleship Wisconsin |
| 12pm-1pm |
Life in the Engine Room Tour |
Battleship Wisconsin |
| 1pm-1:45pm |
Battleship 101 Tour |
Battleship Wisconsin |
| 1:30pm-3pm |
VIP Experience Tour |
Battleship Wisconsin |
| 1:30pm |
Rope Making |
Atrium – 3rd floor |
| 2pm-3pm |
Command & Control Tour |
Battleship Wisconsin |
| 2:15pm-2:45pm |
The Last Battleship |
Brock Theater |
| 3pm-3:45pm |
EdTalk: Ask a Vet |
Shipshape Showdown |
| 3pm-4pm |
Life in the Engine Room Tour |
Battleship Wisconsin |
