2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth in 1776 – The United States of America’s Semiquincentennial. International tall ships and military vessels will sail into the port of Virginia as part of Sail2025® America. More than 4,000 officers, cadets and crews of 55+ ships from 20 nations will engage in events along Virginia’s waterfront. The event will be held in the tradition of the past five iconic OpSail events in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads/Chesapeake Bay region since 1976, and the fleet will once again bring extraordinary experiences and opportunities to every corner of our communities.
About Sail250® Virginia
The 12-day international maritime festival will bring more than 60 tall ships and military vessels representing 30 countries to Norfolk, June 19-23, and 11 Affiliate Harbors across the Chesapeake Bay Region, June 12-23, 2026.
Sail250® Virginia is one of five official national partner ports — New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston — commemorating the Semiquincentennial of the United States. The world fleet’s visit to Virginia will generate local, regional, national, and international media coverage and attract thousands of international visitors, including military and government dignitaries.
“We are creating a once-in-a-generation event and an extraordinary opportunity to honor our naval heritage, strengthen global partnerships, and welcome millions of visitors to the Commonwealth,” said President & CEO Karen Scherberger. “The ships, the sailors, and the stories they carry will inspire millions. Together, we are making history again.”
The weekend will also see the 50th anniversary of Norfolk’s Harborfest event at Town Point Park as well as Juneteenth celebrations on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Schedule
See where to watch the Parade of Sail on Friday, June 19, 2026
This event is all weekend long, hosted at Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, VA – Free & Open to the Public!
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026
(All schedules are subject to change. Visit sail250virginia.com for the most up-to-date information.)
All Day FIFA World Cup Viewing Parties, Waterside District
7:30 a.m. Parade of Sail begins at Lynnhaven Anchorage, Chesapeake Bay, with US Navy Blue Angels flyover (time to be announced)
12:00 Noon Tall Ship Parade of Sail arrives in Downtown Norfolk
12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Juneteenth Celebrations, Town Point Park
12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 50th annual Norfolk Harborfest Celebration, Town Point Park
12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Live Music & Specialty Entertainment, Various locations along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Family & Kids Activities, Various locations along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tall Ship and Character Vessels open for Public Visitation, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Individual ship schedules will vary.
9:30 p.m. Juneteenth/Sail250® Virginia Fireworks Extravaganza. Over the Elizabeth River on the Downtown Norfolk Waterfont
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026
(All schedules are subject to change. Visit sail250virginia.com for the most up-to-date information.)
All Day FIFA World Cup Viewing Parties, Waterside District
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sail250® Virginia International Soccer Tournament, Capt.Slade Cutter Athletic Park
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tall Ship and Character Vessels open for Public Visitation, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Individual ship schedules will vary.
12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 50th annual Norfolk Harborfest Celebration, Town Point Park
12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Live Music & Specialty Entertainment, various locations along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Family & Kids Activities, Various locations along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
9:30 p.m. Sail250® Virginia/Norfolk Harborfest Fireworks Spectacular over the Elizabeth River on the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2026
(All schedules are subject to change. Visit sail250virginia.com for the most up-to-date information.)
All Day FIFA World Cup Viewing Parties, Waterside District
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sail250® Virginia International Soccer Tournament, Capt. Slade Cutter Athletic Park
11:00 a.m. – Noon International Parade of Cadets, Downtown Norfolk
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tall Ship and Character Vessels open for Public Visitation, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Individual ship schedules will vary.
12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. 50th annual Norfolk Harborfest Celebration, Town Point Park
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Live Music & Specialty Entertainment, Various locations along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Family & Kids Activities, Various locations along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026
(All schedules are subject to change. Visit sail250virginia.com for the most up-to-date information.)
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tall Ship and Character Vessels open for Public Visitation, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Individual ship schedules will vary.
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 50th annual Norfolk Harborfest Celebration, Town Point Park
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Live Music & Specialty Entertainment, Various locations along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Family & Kids Activities, Various locations along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
6:00 p.m. Select Tall Ships begin departing, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026
(All schedules are subject to change. Visit sail250virginia.com for the most up-to-date information.)
8:00 a.m. Tall Ships depart, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
(All schedules are subject to change.)
