Tall Ships Boston 2026
| Locations: | Multiple see below |
| Dates: | Saturday, July 11, 2026 - Thursday, July 16, 2026 |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free see below |
| Category: | Special Events |
The Tall Ships Return to Boston Harbor for Sail Boston®JULY 11 – 16, 2026
Update: The last Tall Ships Boston event took place in 2017. The Tall Ships are scheduled to return to Boston Harbor in July 2026 as part of Sail Boston® 2026, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Boston’s waterfront will once again welcome a spectacular fleet of tall ships from around the world when Sail Boston® 2026 sails into the harbor this summer.
This highly anticipated maritime festival will bring historic sailing vessels, international crews, and family-friendly waterfront celebrations to Boston for the first time in nearly a decade.
View the 2026 Event Schedule
If you missed the 2017 event - or want to experience it again - 2026 will be your chance!
What to Expect at Sail Boston® 2026
While the full schedule is still being finalized, families can expect:
⚓ Parade of Sail
Watch the majestic tall ships enter Boston Harbor in a dramatic kickoff procession.
⚓ Dockside Viewing Along the Waterfront
Ships will be docked at locations such as the Seaport District, Fan Pier, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and other Boston Harbor destinations.
⚓ Public Ship Tours
In past events, many ships have offered boarding opportunities where visitors can meet crew members and explore the vessels. (Details and ticketing info to be announced.)
⚓ Maritime & Cultural Programming
Expect exhibits, educational displays, and activities celebrating Boston’s rich maritime history — perfect for curious kids and history-loving adults.
Best Family Viewing Spots
Some of the most popular Tall Ships viewing areas in previous years included:
- Boston Harborwalk
- Christopher Columbus Park
- Fan Pier & Seaport District
- Charlestown Navy Yard
- Castle Island
Arrive early, bring water and sun protection, and plan for large crowds — this is one of Boston’s biggest waterfront events.
View a list of participating ships
Why This Event Is So Special
Tall Ships visits are rare. The last major Tall Ships gathering in Boston was in 2017, drawing millions of visitors to the waterfront.
The 2026 celebration will be part of the national Sail250® commemoration, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States — making this return even more historic.
For many families, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see these impressive vessels up close. Public boarding opportunities, when available, are typically limited and in high demand - making the chance to step aboard one of these majestic ships even more memorable. Families hoping to tour a vessel should plan ahead when details are released.
Planning Tips for Families
🚗 Use public transportation if possible — parking will be limited.
☀️ July waterfront weather can be hot; bring sunscreen and hats.
🧺 Make it a day trip — pair your visit with the New England Aquarium, a Harbor Cruise, or lunch in the Seaport.
📬 Sign up for our newsletter for updates as event details are announced.
This spectacular event offers crews, cadets and visitors from all over the world an unforgettable experience and a world-class maritime celebration.
About Tall Ships Boston (Past Events)
Boston has hosted Tall Ships gatherings several times, including the most recent event in 2017, which brought an international fleet to Boston Harbor and attracted visitors from across New England and beyond. Come and see why Tall Ships America named Boston its 2009 and 2017 Port of the Year.
We’ll continue updating this page as more details about the 2026 return are released.
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Tall ships and naval vessels from across the world will be coming to Boston to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the role of the USS Constitution in the conflict. A fleet of 120 ships have been invited to be in Boston from June 17 to July 22 2017.
Tall Ships Locations
Boston's Seaport District
+ Fish Pier - Boston Seaport District
+ North Jetty
+ Black Falcon Terminal
+ Charlestown Navy Yard
View a list of participating ships
Planned activities include parades of sail, public tours of the vessels, and air shows, according to organizers. The ceremonies will also commemorate the writing of “The Star Spangled Banner,’’ which Francis Scott Key wrote in 1814.
MBTA Schedule
During Boston's Tall Ships Festival this Fourth of July weekend, the MBTA will accommodate thousands of additional visitors as they travel through the Boston area.
View MBTA Service Schedule
Customers are advised to check T-Alerts and www.mbta.com for the most up-to-date service information. Buying your return CharlieTicket at the beginning of your trip is strongly encouraged and will help to avoid long lines during your travels.
Sail Boston will entertain its younger audience with educational programs focusing on US and international maritime history. Cadets and crewmembers will be available to educate children of all ages of their personal experiences at sea, home countries and more.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
Public Access to Piers - 10:00am - 6:00pm
See complete schedule for all pier times
| COST | ↑ top |
Free public viewing; boarding and tours may vary
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATIONS | ↑ top |
| Boston | --- | map | Fish Pier; Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA |
| Boston | --- | map | South Boston Maritime Park, Boston, MA |
| Charlestown | --- | map | Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA |
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
- Events
- Tall Ships Boston 2026, 7/11/26-7/16/26
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Tall Ships Boston 2026 before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
