Sail250® Virginia
June 19 – 23, 2026
In June 2026, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region will welcome an international fleet of tall ships, military vessels, and character ships to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. This milestone maritime festival – Sail250® Virginia – will include more than 60 ships from 20 countries, bringing 7,000 visiting sailors, officers, and dignitaries to Virginia’s shores.
In the tradition of the past five iconic OpSail® events held in Virginia since 1976, the international fleet will once again bring extraordinary experiences and opportunities to every corner of our communities.
The Sail250® Virginia fleet will officially arrive in the harbor of Hampton Roads with the traditional Parade of Sail on Friday, June 19, 2026, followed by ships docking in downtown Norfolk. Free public ship visits will continue until the fleet departs on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Official Sail250® Virginia Harbors confirmed:
Norfolk – Official Sail250® Virginia Host Port
Event Names: Sail250® Virginia International Fleet of Ships, Norfolk Harborfest®, and Juneteenth.
Dates: Thursday, June 18, 2026 – Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
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.
Sail250® Virginia is one of five official US ports selected to host the 2026 Sail250® America tour, including New Orleans, Baltimore, New York, and Boston. Sail250® Virginia is planned and directed by Sail Norfolk, the maritime division of Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., based in Norfolk, VA.