BOSTON, MA — More than 50 tall ships will return to Boston Harbor this weekend for a six-day waterfront event tied to America's 250th anniversary.
Sail Boston 2026 is set to run from Saturday, July 11, through Thursday, July 16. The event brings international tall ships representing dozens of countries and military vessels as part of Sail250.
The main event is the Meet Boston Parade of Sail, at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Boston Harbor. Ships will parade from Broad Sound into the main harbor channel, turn near Charlestown and head to assigned berths.
Public viewing areas include Castle Island, the Seaport District, the Downtown Boston Waterfront, East Boston, the North End and Charlestown, according to Sail Boston.
Many ships will be open for public viewing and boarding after the parade. Boarding is scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, although times may vary by vessel and captain. Boarding at Boston Fish Pier begins at noon Sunday and 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, according to Sail Boston.
A free Sail Boston Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday at 302 Northern Ave. The festival will include live entertainment, concessions, merchandise, a beer garden and a Ferris wheel.
Fireworks are also planned for 9:15 p.m. Saturday and Wednesday from a barge off Fan Pier.
A Crew & Cadet Street Parade is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, July 13, from Leader Bank Pavilion to Christopher Columbus Park. The 1.3-mile route will bring sailors and crew members through the Seaport and waterfront, according to Sail Boston.
Visitors should expect road closures and restricted travel in South Boston, the Seaport District, the Boston Waterfront, East Boston, the North End and Charlestown on parade day.
Backpacks, large bags, wheeled coolers, weapons, fireworks, pop-up tents, glass containers, alcohol, wagons, drones, pets other than service animals, grills, bicycles and electric scooters are prohibited in event areas.
The ships are scheduled to depart Boston Harbor on the morning of Thursday, July 16.
You can find a full list of events here, and an overview of the more than 50 participating ships here.
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