ALEXANDRIA, VA – Four tall ships will sail into Alexandria in June as part of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Sails on the Potomac will commemorate Alexandria’s role in the American Revolution from June 12 through 14 with music, exhibits, tours, educational events and more.
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Joining the party will be four historic tall ships: the Gazela, the Kalmar Nyckel, the Providence and the Sultana. Free tours of all the ships will be available throughout the event, but timed tickets must be reserved, and slots are running out.
The weekend will be full of other free daytime activities, plus some evening events that will require ticket purchases.
Find the full weekend schedule of events here and see below for some highlights.
Friday, June 12
Noon to 1 p.m.
- Kick-off ceremony at the Old Waterfront Park Stage: Opening remarks and performances, including by George Mason University's Patriots Fife and Drum Corps.
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Special performance by the City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums on the Strand.
Noon to 6 p.m.
- Public ship tours: Four stations for tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Sultana, Providence and Gazela.
- 250th History Villages at New Waterfront Park and at Point Lumley Park: Family-friendly activities and historic programs.
- ALX Jazz Fest presents Americana Roots Music Performances at Old Waterfront Park: Performances by Silver Tones, Irish Breakfast Band, Decades Band and Jason Masi.
- Food and drink row at Old Waterfront Park: Local drinks and food with vendors and food trucks.
- Arts area at Old Waterfront Park: Create your own work of art.
Saturday, June 13
Noon to 6 p.m.
- Public tours of ships: Four stations for tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Sultana, Providence and Gazela.
Noon to 7 p.m.
- 250th History Villages at New Waterfront Park and Point Lumley Park: Family-friendly activities and historic programs in two areas.
- Arts area at Old Waterfront Park: Create your own work of art.
Noon to 9 p.m.
- ALX Jazz Fest presents American Jazz and Poetry at Old Waterfront Park: 9 music and poetry performers.
- Food and drink row at Old Waterfront Park: Local drinks and food with vendors and food trucks.
9 p.m.
- Fireworks at Alexandria Waterfront.
Sunday, June 14
Noon to 6 p.m.
- Public ship tours: Four stations for tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Sultana, Providence, and Gazela.
- 250th History Villages at New Waterfront Park and at Point Lumley Park: Family-friendly activities and historic programs in two areas.
- ALX Jazz Fest presents Future Sounds of America at Old Waterfront Park: Performances by Jordan Curls, DJ One Luv, Orquesta Manplesa and Future Band.
- Food and drink row at Old Waterfront Park: Local drinks and food with vendors and food trucks.
- Arts area at Old Waterfront Park: Create your own work of art.