The tall ships are back! From July 11–16, 2026, Sail Boston brings a majestic international fleet to Boston Harbor — and almost everything is free, making it one of the best family outings of the summer. Walk the decks of working sailing ships, watch a parade of masts glide up the channel, catch a Ferris wheel with harbor views and cap it all with fireworks. Here's what to know before you go.
The big events
Jul
11
Sat · 9 AM–4 PM
⛵ Meet Boston Parade of Sail
The fleet parades in flotillas from Broad Sound into the main harbor channel. Great free viewing spots include Castle Island, the Seaport District, the Downtown Waterfront, East Boston, the North End and Charlestown. Arrive early with snacks, sunscreen and hats — the best spots fill up fast.
Jul
11–15
Daily · 10 AM–10 PM
🎡 Sail Boston Festival
At 302 Northern Avenue in the Seaport, the festival features live entertainment, food concessions, merchandise and a Ferris wheel with sweeping harbor views. Free and open to all ages, no tickets required.
Jul
11–15
Board the ships
🚢 Board the Tall Ships
The highlight for most kids: after the parade, ships dock at the piers and open for free public boarding — Saturday evening from 5–10 PM, then daily July 12–15 from 10 AM to 10 PM. Walk the decks, meet international crews and see these working ships up close. Mornings tend to be quieter than afternoons.
Jul
11 & 15
9:15 PM
🎆 Fireworks Over the Harbor
Two fireworks shows launch from a barge off Fan Pier — one on July 11 to welcome the fleet and one on July 15 to send it off. Both begin around 9:15 PM.
Jul
13
Mon · 12–2 PM
🎏 Crew & Cadet Street Parade
Roughly 1,000 sailors from around the world march a 1.3-mile route from Leader Bank Pavilion to Christopher Columbus Park. Line the route and cheer them on — a colorful, high-energy moment kids love.
Jul
14
Tue · from 10 AM
⚽ Sail Boston Cup
A free-to-attend 5v5 soccer tournament between visiting Navy crews at LoPresti Park in East Boston — a fun, low-key way to see the international crews off the ships.
Jul
16
Thu · morning
👋 Departure
The fleet sails out Thursday morning — one last chance to wave goodbye from the waterfront.
Family tips before you go
- Take the T. Waterfront streets will be crowded and parking scarce — public transit is strongly recommended.
- Strollers are allowed, along with easily searchable diaper bags. Large bags, backpacks, wagons, pull carts and pop-up tents are prohibited.
- Plan for lines at popular ships during public boarding — mornings tend to be quieter than afternoons.
- Pack light: water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes go a long way on the piers.
More summer in Boston with kids
Looking for more to do around the harbor this month? See our Fun Events roundup and the family calendar for concerts, festivals and free things to do all summer long.
Have a wonderful week on the water! ⛵
Source: schedule details, times and locations in this guide were compiled from Sail Boston 2026's official events schedule at sailboston.com/events. Times and access can change — always confirm the latest details there before you go.