Celebrate the Age of Sail at Gloucester Schooner Festival
Attend the Gloucester Schooner Festival, register now, and book your stay to experience historic schooners, maritime heritage, and family-friendly fun in Gloucester Harbor.
Event details
Nestled in the historic Gloucester Harbor, the Gloucester Schooner Festival is a maritime spectacle that celebrates the age of sail with elegance and grace. This annual event, hosted by Maritime Gloucester, an educational non-profit dedicated to preserving the city’s working waterfront, transforms the harbor into a vibrant sea of sails each Labor Day weekend.
Schooners from around the world converge on Gloucester, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience these magnificent vessels up close. Whether you are a sailing enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a family-friendly outing, this festival has something for everyone. Take a deck tour to learn about the rich history of these schooners, or board one for the exhilarating experience of open sailing.
The festival’s origins date back to 1985, when the American Schooner Association and the Nova Scotia Schooner Association held a memorable rendezvous, marking the beginning of this beloved tradition. Today, it features a Parade of Schooners, Maritime Heritage Day, and various demonstrations, food, and fun-filled exhibits. Gloucester’s enduring maritime culture and the festival’s 40-year legacy make this event a must-visit, especially for those who appreciate the beauty and heritage of sailing vessels.
