Boston To Host Five-Day Maritime Festival for US 250th Anniversary

Mark your calendars and plan to catch Sail Boston's tall ship fleet as part of Sail250 this summer. The gathering of military and tall ships will be held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States from Saturday, July 11, through Wednesday, July 15.

According to a Cape Cod Times report, Sail250's Boston celebration will feature fireworks, educational programs, and a sail parade with more than 50 ships participating. Eight have been invited to attend from Cape Cod, the Islands, or Plymouth County. They include the following:

*Home ports are noted in parentheses.

While the boats have been invited to participate in the sailing event, Sail250 has not yet confirmed which boats will attend. Officials with Sail250 did not immediately return a request to respond.

According to the Cape Cod Times, participating ships will be open to the public for boarding and viewing at the Boston Fish Pier, Commonwealth Pier, Pier 5 South Boston, Courthouse Dock, Fan Pier, Rowe's Wharf, and Charlestown Navy Yard. Admission to board the ships is free. The pier will be accessible from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Sunday, July 12, through Wednesday, July 15.

Fireworks will be held off the Fan Pier on July 11 and July 15, while a sailing parade will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 11. Tickets for grandstand seating for the parade will go on sale this month. The parade will be viewable from Castle Island, Long Wharf, Charlestown Piers 4 & 6, Harborwalk, and East Boston.