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NYC waterways will be full of tall ships to celebrate July 4. Here's how to see them.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Jun 29, 2026
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Courtesy of Sail4th.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Jun 29, 2026
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An imposing fleet of spectacular ships has begun converging on New York City in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
The anniversary celebrations, Called Sail4th, will peak on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, once more than 150 aircraft and 75 ships have descended upon the boroughs, ready to parade down and above our rivers. This includes 48 large, traditionally rigged sailing vessels or “tall ships” hailing from Argentina, Monaco, Sweden, Uruguay and beyond. They vary widely in build year and history, but all number among their nation’s grandest vessels.
The occasion follows in the tradition of the 1976 Bicentennial, the 1986 Statue of Liberty Centennial, the 1992 Columbus Quincentennial, the 2000 Millennium celebration and the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial, in which international sailors also came together in the name of universal fellowship on New York’s waterways.
The nautical portion of NYC’s 250th festivities breaks down into a few key happenings. Check them out below, and download the official Aqua Map app to learn more about the boats and track them in real time:
July 3: Preliminary tall ship parade
A procession of “Class B” sailing vessels slightly smaller than the largest featured in the main event will make their way down the East River from from 1 to 4 p.m., beginning at the Hell Gate Bridge, between Randalls Island and Astoria, and heading to southern Brooklyn’s Gravesend Bay. Spectators can expect a decent view from most vantage points along the East River.
July 4: The International Parade of Sail
The main event! A great array of vessels ranging from 161 to 378 feet long will parade under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, past Lady Liberty and up the Hudson to the George Washington Bridge from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Folks will be able to see the parade from all along the Hudson in both New York and New Jersey. Alternatively, a number of relatively affordable cruises will be taking place, providing the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle from the water.
Happening at the same time will be the International Naval Review, where 37 U.S. and allied naval vessels from 22 nations will anchor along the Hudson. Also happening simultaneously in the air, will be the International Aerial Review, in which more than 150 aircraft led by the elite Navy flight demonstration squadron the Blue Angels, will fly over the parade. That begins at approximately 10:15 a.m.
Have a boat of your own? The U.S. Coast Guard has designated free spectator vessel anchorages in New York Harbor from July 3-5 on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is free. There's more information on the Sail 4th website.
Out of town this weekend? A live broadcast of the events will be airing on NBC, NBC News NOW, Peacock and Telemundo.
July 5, 6 and 7: Free public tall ship tours
Post-parade, many of the visiting tall ships will be berthed around Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island and are offering free tours to the public. Timed tickets can be reserved in advance on the Sail4th website.
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Hannah Frishberg
Hannah Frishberg covers New York City arts and culture. Got a tip? Email Hannah at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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