Sail 250 New Orleans

Sail 250 New Orleans marks the first port of call for a global fleet arriving to help launch the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. From May 28 to June 1, 2026, the Mississippi River riverfront becomes the focal point, with tall ships and military vessels from more than 20 countries calling New Orleans home for a long weekend. You can expect headline ships such as Colombia’s three-masted ARC Gloria and Chile’s steel-hulled Esmeralda, all within easy reach of the French Quarter and Marigny waterfront.

Plan your day around the Parade of Sail, when the fleet moves in formation along the river for the event’s signature viewing moment. Once docked, many vessels open for free public tours, so you can step aboard, walk the decks, and meet international crews. Along the riverfront, festival programming adds live music, local food vendors, and a seafood cook-off, with select evenings capped by fireworks over the downtown skyline. For clean sightlines, aim for Woldenberg Park and the Moonwalk, though you will get strong views anywhere along the riverfront from the Marigny to the Convention Center.

To stay close to the action, book in the French Quarter or Warehouse District so you can walk to the ships and festival areas. If you prefer a calmer base, look to the Marigny or Bywater, and if you want to compare regional options, you can also research nearby stays and waterfront homes through Lake.com. We recommend arriving early for ship tours since lines build quickly and boarding schedules vary by vessel, and wearing comfortable shoes plus a hat and high-SPF sunscreen for the Louisiana sun.

Getting around is easiest without a car during peak hours. Use the Algiers Ferry or the Riverfront Streetcar to reduce time spent in traffic and searching for parking, and rely on ride-share if you are crossing downtown at night. Most festival areas are wheelchair accessible, though some older vessels may have limited access on board. Light rain typically does not stop programming, but the Parade of Sail or fireworks may shift for safety in heavy storms, and while riverfront parks are generally pet-friendly, dogs are not permitted on ship tours.