In 2026, the United States of America will mark its 250th anniversary. This once-in-a-generation moment—one of celebration, reflection, and aspiration—will be marked with numerous events across the country, including a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships making their way up the country’s east coast in an epic peacetime gathering. Primary ports include New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston.
The City of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture are proud to partner in hosting Richmond SailFest, a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor. Kicking off Central Virginia’s countdown to America’s 250th anniversary, Richmond will host several impressive tall ships along with dockside entertainment and concessions. This FREE, family-friendly, weekend-long festival will feature ship tours, live music and performances, historical re-enactors, exhibitions of history and art, and much more. The evening of Saturday, June 13, will end with an epic display of fireworks over the James River!
Festival Highlights
- Three days of free public visitation and festivities
- Ship tours of three sailing vessels - Ship Rules | Tour Details
- Live music and family-friendly programming
- Art and history exhibitions, including:
- VMHC Traveling Exhibitions: Give Me Liberty and We The People
- VMFA on the Road Artmobile
- Live printing from Studio Two Three
- Living history displays
- Riding the Fall Line exhibit
- Deltaville Maritime Museum's Captain John Smith’s Shallop Explorer
- Cultural performances
- Paddle In Your Park with RVA Paddlesports: Get out on the river with a free paddling experience from Great Shiplock Park! While some walk-ups are allowed, pre-registration is highly encouraged. Learn more and pre-register here.
- Food and beverage concessions, including craft beer from Hardywood and concessions from Strawberry Street Catering
- Fireworks (Saturday evening only)
Day-by-Day Schedule
All schedules are subject to change.
Friday, June 12
- 10:30 am - 11:00 am – Opening Ceremony
- 11:00 am - 6:00 pm – Ship access - Learn More.
- 12:00-1:00 pm – Live Performance: Rappahannock Whalers (1800s sea shanties)
- 1:00 - 2:30 pm – Live Music: Plunky & Oneness
- 2:30 - 3:30 pm - Live Music: Woody Woodworth & The Piners
- 3:30 - 5:00 pm – Live Music: Plunky & Oneness
- 5:00-6:00 pm – Live Performance: Heart of Ireland (Irish dance)
Saturday, June 13
- 10:00 am - 6:00 pm – Ship access - Learn More.
- 11:00 am -12:30 pm – Live Music: Garden Variety String Band
- 12:00 - 4:00 pm - Paddle In Your Park with RVA Paddlesports
- Get out on the river with a free paddling experience from Great Shiplock Park! While some walk-ups are allowed, pre-registration is highly encouraged. Learn more and pre-register here.
- 12:30-1:30 pm – Live Performance: Nathan Elliott (Native American flute)
- 1:30 - 3:00 pm – Live Music: Bio Ritmo
- 3:00 - 4:00 pm – Live Performance: Swingers Jump Rope Team
- 4:00 - 5:30 pm – Live Music: Justin Golden & The Devil's Coattails
- 5:30-6:30 pm – Live Performance: Ezibu Muntu (West African Dance)
- 6:30 - 7:30 pm – Live Music: Richmond Symphony
- 9:00 - 9:30 pm – Epic Fireworks, Drone, & Music Experience over the James River
Sunday, June 14
- 10:00 am - 4:00 pm – Ship access - Learn More.
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm – Live Performance: River City Taiko (Japanese drums)
- 12:00 - 2:00 pm – Live Music: No BS! Brass
- 12:00 - 4:00 pm - Paddle In Your Park with RVA Paddlesports
- Get out on the river with a free paddling experience from Great Shiplock Park! While some walk-ups are allowed, pre-registration is highly encouraged. Learn more and pre-register here.
- 2:00-2:30 pm – Live Performance: Mile of Music (Richmond Symphony)
- Please note: Richmond Symphony will present the 6th Annual “Mile of Music” as part of Richmond SailFest. Experience this unique set of multiple mini-concerts along a one-mile route in Richmond parks as you make your way towards SailFest. Mile of Music runs from 12:00-2:30 pm, starting in Jefferson Park and ending at SailFest's event grounds with the 2:00-2:30 performance. More details.
- 2:30 - 4:00 pm – Live Music: U.S. Fleet Forces Band
