Schedule of Events
Opening Ceremony
Friday, July 10
11:45 AM
Boston Harbor Hotel Rotunda
With Boston Harbor and the Boston fireboat ceremonially spraying water as a backdrop, the Opening Ceremony will kick-off Sail Boston 2026. There will be a ceremonial welcome with a speaking program to follow which will include a Blessing of the Sails and a presentation of the flags from each country.
Meet Boston Parade of Sail
Saturday, July 11
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Boston Harbor
The Meet Boston Parade of Sail will highlight the day’s activities as vessels parade in flotillas from Broad Sound into the main harbor channel, turning around near Charlestown and heading to their assigned berthing locations. Public viewing of the parade will be spectacular from Castle Island, the Seaport District, the Downtown Boston Waterfront, East Boston, the North End, and Charlestown.
Sail Boston Festival
Saturday, July 11 – Wednesday, July 15
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
302 Northern Avenue, Boston
Celebrate by the Sea! Join crews from around the world at the Sail Boston Festival for live entertainment, a Sam Adams beer garden, concessions, merchandise, and the Sail Boston Ferris Wheel, which provides stunning views of Boston Harbor. Located on the water’s edge, the festival is free for all, and no registration is required. Ferris wheel rides are available for purchase. Guests of all ages are invited to take in the celebratory atmosphere, and enjoy some landside music between boarding the nearby Tall Ships.
Public Boarding of Ships
Saturday, July 11 · 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, July 12 – Wednesday, July 15 · 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM*
Following the Parade of Sail on Saturday, July 11, the Tall Ships will be berthed at various piers for the public to view and board. Boarding times will be posted closer to the event and may vary at the Captain’s discretion.
*Boarding of ships at Boston Fish Pier will begin at 12:00 PM on Sunday and 2:00 PM on Monday–Wednesday.
Fireworks
Saturday, July 11 and Wednesday, July 15
9:15 PM
Fan Pier
Fireworks will illuminate Boston Harbor and the Tall Ships below twice during Sail Boston. The fireworks will launch from a barge located off of Boston’s Fan Pier.
U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demonstration
Sunday, July 12
1:00 PM
East of Coast Guard Base Boston in Boston Harbor
A Coast Guard helicopter will perform a dynamic search and rescue demonstration, showcasing its precision hovering capabilities and deployment procedures. During the demo, the aircrew will lower a rescue swimmer into the water to simulate responding to a person in distress. The swimmer will conduct standard rescue techniques before being hoisted back into the aircraft, highlighting the teamwork and readiness of Coast Guard search and rescue operations.
Crew & Cadet Street Parade
Monday, July 13
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Leader Bank Pavilion to Christopher Columbus Park
Join us as we welcome 1,000 sailors and crew members of Tall Ships from around the world to Boston! Along the 1.3-mile route, spectators will have a chance to catch a glimpse of the parade at various locations listed below:
- 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)
Sail Boston Cup
Tuesday, July 14
Game 1 Kickoff – 10:00 AM
LoPresti Park, 33 Sumner Street, East Boston
Sail Boston will host a competitive 5v5 Soccer Tournament open to all Navy ship crew and cadets in honor of the FIFA World Cup. We expect teams from multiple countries to participate. Come on down for this free and fun tournament!
2nd Marine Division Band Patriotic Concert Finale
Wednesday, July 15
6:30 – 8:30 PM
DCR Hatch Memorial Shell
Join us for a patriotic concert featuring the renowned 2nd Marine Division Band. Celebrate the conclusion of Sail Boston as this special performance honors our nation’s military, veterans, and first responders.