Sail Boston 2026 | Tall Ships
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If this is a recurring event that will be happening again this year, please let us know.
If this is a recurring event that will be happening again this year, please let us know.
| Dates: | Saturday, July 11, 2026 - Thursday, July 16, 2026 |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| Ages: | Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free |
| Category: | Special Events |
Sail Boston 2026 brings more than 60 tall ships and naval vessels from over 20 countries into Boston Harbor for six days of free, family friendly programming. It's the first time tall ships have visited Boston since 2017, and the event also serves as the grand finale of the nationwide Sail250 tour marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Parade of Sail
The celebration kicks off with an Opening Ceremony on Friday at 11:45am at the Boston Harbor Hotel Rotunda. The signature event is the Parade of Sail on Saturday, 7/11, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, when the fleet sails into the harbor in full view of spectators along the waterfront.
Sail Boston Festival
The Sail Boston Festival runs Saturday, 7/11 through Wednesday, 7/15, from 10:00am to 10:00pm at 302 Northern Ave. The free festival includes live entertainment, a beer garden, concessions, and a Ferris wheel with harbor views.
Ship Boarding
Public boarding of the ships is open Saturday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, then Sunday through Wednesday from 10:00am to 10:00pm, though hours may shift day to day at each Captain's discretion, so it's worth checking same day if possible.
Fireworks
Boston Harbor lights up with fireworks over the tall ships twice during the event, on Saturday, 7/11 and Wednesday, 7/15, both starting at 9:15pm.
Other Events
Other highlights include a Crew and Cadet Street Parade on Monday, 7/13 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, running from Leader Bank Pavilion to Christopher Columbus Park, and the Sail Boston Cup Soccer Tournament on Tuesday, 7/14 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at LoPresti Park in East Boston.
Crew and Cadet Street Parade Route
Leader Bank Pavilion to Christopher Columbus Park
- Step off from Leader Bank Pavilion on Northern Avenue, heading west
- Continue straight on Seaport Boulevard passing Commonwealth Pier
- Cross the Evelyn Moakley Bridge
- Turn right onto Atlantic Avenue
- Continue north along Atlantic Avenue
- End at Christopher Columbus Park (110 Atlantic Avenue)
Tall Ships Depart
The ships depart Boston the morning of Thursday, 7/16.
All official Sail Boston events are free and open to the public. Reserved grandstand seating at Boston Fish Pier is available for a fee for those who want guaranteed seats for the Parade of Sail.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
Grand Parade of Sail: Saturday, 7/11, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Sail Boston Festival: Saturday, 7/11 through Wednesday, 7/15, 10:00am to 10:00pm daily
Public Boarding of Ships: Saturday, 7/11, 5:00pm to 10:00pm, then Sunday, 7/12 through Wednesday, 7/15, 10:00am to 10:00pm. Hours may shift day to day at the Captain's discretion.
Boston Fish Pier boarding: Sunday starts at 12:00pm, Monday through Wednesday starts at 2:00pm
Fireworks: Saturday, 7/11 and Wednesday, 7/15, both at 9:15pm
Crew and Cadet Street Parade: Monday, 7/13, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Sail Boston Cup Soccer Tournament: Tuesday, 7/14, 10:00am to 3:00pm
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Boston Harbor, Boston, MA map
Public viewing of the Grand Vessel parade will be spectacular from Castle Island, the Seaport District, the Boston Waterfront, East Boston, the North End and Charlestown.
Tall Ships will berth at Boston Fish Pier, World Trade Center, Fan Pier and Charlestown Navy Yard
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- Getting There: Ferry service runs on a normal schedule 7/12 through 7/16, but expect delays from harbor congestion. Loading at least $5 onto a Charlie Card is recommended for ferry travel, or consider a 7 day pass if attending multiple days. Download the Sail Boston app for parking restrictions, rideshare pickup zones, shuttle options, and street closures.
- What to Expect: Boarding hours can change at the Captain's discretion, so check same day listings if you're set on touring a specific ship. Fireworks nights are 7/11 and 7/15, both at 9:15pm, making this a good second chance to catch a display after the 4th. The Parade of Sail, festival, boarding, fireworks, and crew parade are all free. Only reserved grandstand seating and nearby paid attractions require tickets.
- Best Free Viewing Spots: Castle Island, the Seaport District, the downtown waterfront and Rowes Wharf, Charlestown Navy Yard, East Boston's Piers Park, and the North End.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Sail Boston 2026 | Tall Ships before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
