Photo by Jon Caspar, courtesy of Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
The Kalmar Nyckel is a full-scale, accurate reproduction of a ship that served alternatingly as a colonial vessel and a warship in the Swedish Navy.
From Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, Alexandria’s major signature 250th event, Sails on the Potomac, will host iconic tall ships as a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor and will feature a weekend packed with activities including Alexandria Jazz Fest performances.
From the creation of the Fairfax Resolves to being the hometown of George Washington, Alexandria played a unique role in the birth of our new nation and its impact on today. Join the City as it commemorates America’s Story with music, family activities, exhibits, tours, public art, educational programs and more.
With centuries of history and hospitality to its credit, Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor Alexandria offers an array of historic and cultural attractions. As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Sails on the Potomac will highlight Alexandria’s role in helping construct the foundation of the revolution.
Sails on the Potomac will host the tall ships GAZELA, KALMAR NYCKEL, PROVIDENCE and SULTANA as part of their event.
Here's a look at the weekend schedule:
Friday, June 12
VIEW THE EVENT MAP
FESTIVAL KICK OFF CEREMONY @ OLD WATERFRONT PARK STAGE
Gather at 11:30 a.m., Ceremony from Noon – 1 p.m.
- Kick off this special weekend with opening remarks and performances.
- Featuring George Mason University's Patriots Fife and Drum Corps.
NOON - 6 P.M.
Public Ship Tours
- Four stations for tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Sultana, Providence, and Gazela
250th History Village @ New Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
- Join in on family-friendly activities and experience engaging historic programs. Explore the vibrancy of the region through booths hosted by local museums and organizations.
ALX Jazz Fest presents Americana Roots Music Performances @ Old Waterfront Park
- Silver Tones | 1 – 2 p.m.
- Irish Breakfast Band | 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
- Decades Band | 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
- Jason Masi | 5 – 6 p.m.
Food and Drink Row @ Old Waterfront Park
- Experience local drinks and food with vendors and food trucks
Arts Area @ Old Waterfront Park
- Get inspired and create an artwork that commemorates your visit to the Waterfront and Sails on the Potomac.
250th History Outpost @ Point Lumley Park
- Join in on family-friendly activities and experience engaging historic programs. Explore the vibrancy of the region through booths hosted by local museums and organizations.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE, 2-2:30 P.M.
City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums on the Strand
Saturday, June 13
NOON - 6 P.M.
Public tours of ships
- Four stations for tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Sultana, Providence, and Gazela
Tour the four historic tall ships from Noon – 6 p.m. each day of the festival. It is recommended guests reserve a timed ticket to tour a tall ship. Your ticket is valid for 30 minutes from the ticketed time. A ticket is needed for each ship and for each person, regardless of age. A walk-up line will be available, but entrance is not guaranteed for walk-ups.
NOTE: Due to the nature of historic tall ships, strollers are not permitted and most are not wheelchair accessible. The Sultana can accommodate lightweight wheelchairs. The Providence’s education center on the waterfront is wheelchair accessible. The Providence can accommodate walkers on the gangway, but there are steps that lead down to the deck. Service animals are welcome.
Here's more about each ship:
Kalmar Nyckel – Dutch Pinnace, 93 feet long on deck
The Kalmar Nyckel is a full-scale, accurate reproduction of a ship that served alternatingly as a colonial vessel and a warship in the Swedish Navy. In 1638, Swedish colonists in the Kalmar Nyckel arrived in Lenape land that became Delaware. Since 1997, the ship has served as a floating classroom to teach maritime heritage and history.
Sultana – Schooner, 52 feet long on deck
The Sultana is a full-scale reproduction of a Royal Navy schooner that served in the American colonies from 1768 to 1772. She played a role in the rising tensions between the British and Americans on the eve of the Revolution. In 1768, Sultana transported thousands of troops to Boston to subdue rebellious colonists. She also patrolled the Atlantic Coast to enforce the Townsend Acts and search ship cargos.
Providence – Sloop, 61 feet long on deck
The Providence, originally named the Katy, is a reproduction of one of the first ships in the Continental Navy. The Katy was a merchant ship, whaler, privateer, and flagship of the Rhode Island Navy. The Providence had a distinguished record in the Revolutionary War, including seizing more than 40 ships, capturing Fort Nassau in the Bahamas, and escaping a British blockade.
Gazela – Barkentine, 140 feet long on deck
The Gazela is the oldest and largest ship at Sails on the Potomac. She was built in Portugal in 1883. The Gazela fished in the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, Canada until 1969, when she was retired due to damage. Since the 1970s, she has served as an educational vessel in Philadelphia.
NOON - 7 P.M.
250th History Village @ New Waterfront Park
- Join in on family-friendly activities and experience engaging historic programs and performances. Explore the vibrancy of the region through booths hosted by local museums, organizations, and vendors.
Arts Area @ Old Waterfront Park
- Get inspired and create an artwork that commemorates your visit to the Waterfront and Sails on the Potomac.
250th History Outpost @ Point Lumley Park
- Join in on family-friendly activities and experience engaging historic programs. Explore the vibrancy of the region through booths hosted by local museums and organizations.
NOON - 9 P.M.
ALX Jazz Fest presents American Jazz and Poetry @ Old Waterfront Park
- Opening Remarks | Noon – 12:15 p.m.
- Eric Byrd | 12:15 – 1 p.m.
- Alex Parchment | 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
- Improviso Jazz | 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
- Poetry | 4:15 – 4:20 p.m.
- Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood | 4:20 – 5:20 p.m.
- Poetry | 5:50 – 5:55 p.m.
- Kayazhanna | 5:55 – 6:55 p.m.
- Alexandria Poet Laureate and ACPS Student Poetry | 7:25 – 7:35 p.m.
- Madz Johnson | 7:35 – 9:05 p.m.
Food and Drink Row @ Old Waterfront Park
- Experience local drinks and food with vendors and food trucks
Fireworks @ Alexandria Waterfront, 9 p.m.
- Witness a stunning spectacle and celebrate the 250th as fireworks light up the Potomac River.
Sunday, June 14
Noon – 6 p.m.
Public Ship Tour
- Four stations for tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Sultana, Providence, and Gazela
250th History Village @ New Waterfront Park
- Join in on family-friendly activities and experience engaging historic programs and performances. Explore the vibrancy of the region through booths hosted by local museums, organizations, and vendors.
ALX Jazz Fest presents Future Sounds of America @ Old Waterfront Park
- Opening Remarks | Noon – 12:15 p.m.
- Jordan Curls | 12:15 – 1 p.m.
- DJ One Luv | 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
- Orquesta Manplesa | 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
- DJ One Luv | 4:15 – 5 p.m.
- Future Band | 5:10 – 6 p.m.
Food and Drink Row @ Old Waterfront Park
- Experience local drinks and food with vendors and food trucks
Arts Area @ Old Waterfront Park
- Get inspired and create an artwork that commemorates your visit to the Waterfront and Sails on the Potomac.
250th History Outpost @ Point Lumley Park
- Join in on family-friendly activities and experience engaging historic programs. Explore the vibrancy of the region through booths hosted by local museums and organizations.
