Event
Schedule
Four days of tall ships, live music, history, and celebration along Portsmouth’s historic waterfront. June 19–22, 2026.
Free & open to the public
Friday
June 19
Juneteenth
7am – 12pm
Parade of Sails
Hampton Roads Harbor - Portsmouth Waterfront
Portsmouth’s waterfront provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy the dozens of tall ships arriving from Lynnhaven Anchorage to dock on both sides of the Elizabeth River. An added treat this year is…
Time TBC
Blue Angels Flyover
Portsmouth & Norfolk Waterfront
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a flyover of Hampton Roads in conjunction with the Parade of Sails.
1pm – 6pm
Public Tall Ship Deck Tours
Ship locations TBC
Board the visiting tall ships and meet their crews. Explore the decks, rigging, and history up close.
Saturday
June 20
11am – 6pm
Public Tall Ship Deck Tours
Ship locations TBC
Board the visiting tall ships and explore their decks, rigging, and history up close.
Sunday
June 21
11am – 6pm
Public Tall Ship Deck Tours
Ship locations TBC
Board the visiting tall ships and explore their decks, rigging, and history up close.
Monday
June 22
11am – 6pm
Public Tall Ship Deck Tours
Ship locations TBC
Board the visiting tall ships and explore their decks, rigging, and history up close.
Friday
June 19
Juneteenth
9am – 10:30am
Underground Railroad Walking Tour
637 North St, Portsmouth
This lively excursion begins with an interior tour of the perfect stop on the UGRR: Emanuel AME. Guided through the street of Historic Olde Towne by historic figures from Portsmouth's past, guests mee…
11am – 12pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
424 Washington Street, Portsmouth
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
11am – 5pm
History Alive: Strolling Interpreters
High Street East & Landing
Henry Lewis & Clarissa Davis hold a captivating afternoon performance along the High Street East corridor and Landing.
11am – 5pm
History Alive: Strolling Interpreters
North Street Landing & Hotel
Two Union Soldiers hold a captivating live performance at the North Street Landing.
11am – 8pm
MEET PORTSMOUTH’S HISTORIC CHARACTERS FROM THE AGE OF SAIL
High Street West
Clarissa Davis – freedom seeker who hid under a Portsmouth porch for 75 days after missing her rendezvous with the ship that eventually carried her North to freedom.
Major F.W. Emery – Assistant Adju…
12pm – 3pm
Monumental United Methodist Church
450 Dinwiddie Street, Portsmouth
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
12:45pm – 4pm
EMANCIPATION – FOUR DRAMATIC PRESENTATIONS
Green Street Stage, Olde Towne
12:45 p.m. – Lift Every Voice and Sing followed by Welcome by Mayor Shannon E. Glover.
1 p.m. – Crossed Sword/Crossed Hope presented by The Not Just For February Players.
1:30 p.m. – Sounds Like Fre…
2pm – 8pm
History Alive: Strolling Interpreters
High Street West
Josephine Norcom and Pauline Adams hold a live performance along High Street West.
4pm
JUNETEENTH the song NATIONAL DEBUT
Green Street Stage, Olde Towne
Grammy-nominated music producer Mark L. Carman’s powerful anthem to Freedom Day makes its national debut immediately following “Juneteenth: The Bittersweet Challenge” as the finale to a collection of…
7pm – 9:30pm
Underground Railroad Walking Tour
637 North St, Portsmouth
This lively excursion begins with an interior tour of the perfect stop on the UGRR: Emanuel AME. Guided through the street of Historic Olde Towne by historic figures from Portsmouth's past, guests mee…
All Day
Road to Revolution Signage
Various Portsmouth Locations
Explore Road to Revolution, a series of outdoor historical markers highlighting significant locations, events, and individuals that shaped the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the natio…
All Day
Path of History Self-Guided Tour
Various Historic Portsmouth Locations
Many influential leaders have shaped the course of human events from our city. You will unveil more than 250 years of American history during this Walking Tour – from the home that the Union Army’s Pr…
All Day
Mural of Richard Dale
720 County Street, Corner of Effingham Street
A new mural of American naval officer, Richard Dale, will be available for viewing during the entire weekend.
Saturday
June 20
9am – 10:30am
Home & History Tour
Olde Towne Portsmouth
A guided morning walking tour through Olde Towne's historic homes and architecture. See places occupied or visited by William Flora, General Lafayette, General Cornwallis, Benedict Arnold, James Fayet…
11am – 2pm
St. John’s Episcopal Church
424 Washington Street, Portsmouth
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
11am – 5pm
History Alive: Strolling Interpreters
High Street East, High Street Landing & North Landing
William Flora, Colonel Titus, Sailor (M & F), and Dr. Collins bring the revolutionary era to life across the waterfront district.
12pm – 3pm
Hill House Museum
221 North St, Portsmouth
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, the Hill House Museum reflects on members of the Hill ancestral line who lived and breathed the tumult of the Revolutionary War. An inte…
12pm – 3pm
Monumental United Methodist Church
450 Dinwiddie Street, Portsmouth
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
1pm
Richard Dale Mural Dedication
720 County Street, Corner of Effingham Street
There will be a dedication ceremony for the new mural of American naval officer, Richard Dale, on County Street near the Corner of Effingham Street. All are welcome to attend. For more information, pl…
2pm – 8pm
History Alive: Strolling Interpreters
High Street West
Capt. Crawford & Mrs. Crawford hold afternoon and evening performances in the western corridor.
7pm – 8:30am
Home & History Tour
Olde Towne Portsmouth
A guided evening walking tour through Olde Towne's historic homes and architecture. See places occupied or visited by William Flora, General Lafayette, General Cornwallis, Benedict Arnold, James Fayet…
All Day
Road to Revolution Signage
Various Portsmouth Locations
Explore Road to Revolution, a series of outdoor historical markers highlighting significant locations, events, and individuals that shaped the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the natio…
All Day
Path of History Self-Guided Tour
Various Historic Portsmouth Locations
Many influential leaders have shaped the course of human events from our city. You will unveil more than 250 years of American history during this Walking Tour – from the home that the Union Army’s Pr…
All Day
Mural of Richard Dale
720 County Street, Corner of Effingham Street
A new mural of American naval officer, Richard Dale, will be available for viewing during the entire weekend.
Sunday
June 21
8am – 12pm
Trinity Episcopal Church
500 Court Street, Portsmouth
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
8am – 2pm
St. John’s Episcopal Church
424 Washington Street, Portsmouth
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
10:30am
First Presbyterian Church
515 Court Street, Portsmouth
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
11am – 3pm
Monumental United Methodist Church
450 Dinwiddie Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
12pm – 6pm
History Alive: Strolling Interpreters
High Street East & Landing
Two women, both named Eliza Bains, bring a captivating afternoon performance along the High Street East corridor and Landing.
2pm – 8pm
History Alive: Strolling Interpreters
North Street Landing
John Thompson Hill & Eliza Hill hold afternoon and evening performances at the North Street Landing.
All Day
Road to Revolution Signage
Various Portsmouth Locations
Explore Road to Revolution, a series of outdoor historical markers highlighting significant locations, events, and individuals that shaped the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the natio…
All Day
Path of History Self-Guided Tour
Various Historic Portsmouth Locations
Many influential leaders have shaped the course of human events from our city. You will unveil more than 250 years of American history during this Walking Tour – from the home that the Union Army’s Pr…
All Day
Mural of Richard Dale
720 County Street, Corner of Effingham Street
A new mural of American naval officer, Richard Dale, will be available for viewing during the entire weekend.
Monday
June 22
11am – 2pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
424 Washington Street, Portsmouth
Visitors are invited to explore Olde Towne, Portsmouth’s historic churches during designated open viewing hours. This self-guided experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the city's rich archi…
12pm – 6pm
History Alive: Strolling Interpreters
High Street East & Landing
Capt. Fountain, George Teamoh, Ebenezer Thompson, and Jack Sparrow perform along the waterfront on the festival's final day.
All Day
Road to Revolution Signage
Various Portsmouth Locations
Explore Road to Revolution, a series of outdoor historical markers highlighting significant locations, events, and individuals that shaped the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the natio…
All Day
Path of History Self-Guided Tour
Various Historic Portsmouth Locations
Many influential leaders have shaped the course of human events from our city. You will unveil more than 250 years of American history during this Walking Tour – from the home that the Union Army’s Pr…
All Day
Mural of Richard Dale
720 County Street, Corner of Effingham Street
A new mural of American naval officer, Richard Dale, will be available for viewing during the entire weekend.
Friday
June 19
Juneteenth
5pm – 10pm
Juneteenth Celebration
Court Street Stage, Olde Towne
A full evening of live entertainment and community celebration hosted by ULHR.
9:30pm – 10:30pm
Fireworks
Norfolk & Portsmouth Waterfront
Opening night fireworks display over the harbor, best viewed from the Portsmouth waterfront.
Saturday
June 20
11am – 10pm
High Street Festival
High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth
The High Street Festival returns with 8 live bands, food trucks, and more.
Sunday
June 21
11am – 10pm
High Street Festival
High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth
The High Street Festival continues with live bands, food trucks, and family activities.
Monday
June 22
11am – 10pm
High Street Festival
High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth
The High Street Festival continues with live bands, food trucks, and family activities.
Friday
June 19
Juneteenth
9am – All Day
Starbase Victory STEM Bus
High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth
Build it. Float it. Move it. Stop by our mobile classroom to design and build your own miniature cargo barges using engineering and creativity to tackle a real-world maritime challenge: Can your barge…
11am – 4pm
Sensory Room for Kids
Children's Museum of Virginia
The Children's Museum will have its Sensory Room open throughout the weekend, located in the side room next to the birthday party room.
11am – 8pm
Aerial Performance and Play with Visual Artistry Entertainment
Museum Mall
Experience the beauty and athleticism of aerial arts as a professional performer from Visual Artistry Entertainment takes to the air on an aerial hoop. Combining strength, grace, and acrobatic skill,…
11am – 11pm
Carnival
High Street - Blocks 100, 200 & 300
Three blocks of family fun - face painters, caricature artists, balloon art, mini zoo, and mascots. Featuring a Double Ferris Wheel on Water Street, Carousel, Wave Thunder, and Willy the Whale!
2pm – 8pm
Jack's Jungle Ultimate Petting Zoo
Middle Street
Get up close with fascinating animals at Jack’s Jungle Ultimate Petting Zoo, an interactive educational experience featuring mammals and reptiles from around the world. Designed to inspire curiosity,…
7:30pm
Friday Night Flix: Zootopia 2
Portsmouth Pavilion
Bring the whole family for Zootopia 2! Event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Doors open at 7:30PM and the movie starts at sundown. Outside food is welcome. No outside alcohol will be permitted.
All Day
Family & Kids Activities
High Street
Inflatables 11am - 8pm – sports package (basketball, baseball, soccer, football, ski ball), obstacle course, off shore adventure, 9 hole mini golf, giant slide
Photobooth & 360 Photobooth 11am - 8pm…
Saturday
June 20
9am – All Day
Starbase Victory STEM Bus
High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth
Build it. Float it. Move it. Stop by our mobile classroom to design and build your own miniature cargo barges using engineering and creativity to tackle a real-world maritime challenge: Can your barge…
10am – 4pm
ASNE-Sika Ultimate Build-A-Boat Challenge
North Landing, Olde Towne Portsmouth
Watch 20 two-person teams construct and design boats from scratch in preparation for race day.
11am – 4pm
Sensory Room for Kids
Children's Museum of Virginia
The Children's Museum will have its Sensory Room open throughout the weekend, located in the side room next to the birthday party room.
11am – 8pm
Aerial Performance and Play with Visual Artistry Entertainment
Museum Mall
Experience the beauty and athleticism of aerial arts as a professional performer from Visual Artistry Entertainment takes to the air on an aerial hoop. Combining strength, grace, and acrobatic skill,…
11am – 11pm
Carnival
High Street - Blocks 100, 200 & 300
Three blocks of family fun - face painters, caricature artists, balloon art, mini zoo, and mascots. Featuring a Double Ferris Wheel on Water Street, Carousel, Wave Thunder, and Willy the Whale!
12pm – 4pm
Magic Circus Shows by MerMan
Museum Mall
Experience an unforgettable blend of comedy, magic, and audience participation with MerMan, a nationally touring entertainer with more than 30 years of experience. Featuring mind-bending illusions, fa…
2pm – 8pm
Jack's Jungle Ultimate Petting Zoo
Middle Street
Get up close with fascinating animals at Jack’s Jungle Ultimate Petting Zoo, an interactive educational experience featuring mammals and reptiles from around the world. Designed to inspire curiosity,…
All Day
Family & Kids Activities
High Street
Inflatables 11am - 8pm – sports package (basketball, baseball, soccer, football, ski ball), obstacle course, off shore adventure, 9 hole mini golf, giant slide
Photobooth & 360 Photobooth 11am - 8pm…
Sunday
June 21
11am – 4pm
Sensory Room for Kids
Children's Museum of Virginia
The Children's Museum will have its Sensory Room open throughout the weekend, located in the side room next to the birthday party room.
11am – 11pm
Carnival
High Street - Blocks 100, 200 & 300
Three blocks of family fun - face painters, caricature artists, balloon art, mini zoo, and mascots. Featuring a Double Ferris Wheel on Water Street, Carousel, Wave Thunder, and Willy the Whale!
12pm – 4pm
Magic Circus Shows by MerMan
Museum Mall
Experience an unforgettable blend of comedy, magic, and audience participation with MerMan, a nationally touring entertainer with more than 30 years of experience. Featuring mind-bending illusions, fa…
12pm – 4pm
Bubble Art and Sidewalk Chalk
Museum Mall
There will be bubble art and chalk for kids to play with outside of the Museum Mall.
2pm – 8pm
Jack's Jungle Ultimate Petting Zoo
Middle Street
Get up close with fascinating animals at Jack’s Jungle Ultimate Petting Zoo, an interactive educational experience featuring mammals and reptiles from around the world. Designed to inspire curiosity,…
2:30pm – 4:30pm
ASNE-Sika Ultimate Build-A-Boat Challenge
North Landing, Olde Towne Portsmouth
It's race day! Watch 20 two-person teams put their newly constructed boats to the test on the water.
All Day
Family & Kids Activities
High Street
Inflatables 11am - 8pm – sports package (basketball, baseball, soccer, football, ski ball), obstacle course, off shore adventure, 9 hole mini golf, giant slide
Photobooth & 360 Photobooth 11am - 8pm…
Monday
June 22
9am – All Day
Starbase Victory STEM Bus
High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth
Build it. Float it. Move it. Stop by our mobile classroom to design and build your own miniature cargo barges using engineering and creativity to tackle a real-world maritime challenge: Can your barge…
11am – 4pm
Sensory Room for Kids
Children's Museum of Virginia
The Children's Museum will have its Sensory Room open throughout the weekend, located in the side room next to the birthday party room.
11am – 11pm
Carnival
High Street - Blocks 100, 200 & 300
Three blocks of family fun - face painters, caricature artists, balloon art, mini zoo, and mascots. Featuring a Double Ferris Wheel on Water Street, Carousel, Wave Thunder, and Willy the Whale!
All Day
Family & Kids Activities
High Street
Inflatables 11am - 8pm – sports package (basketball, baseball, soccer, football, ski ball), obstacle course, off shore adventure, 9 hole mini golf, giant slide
Photobooth & 360 Photobooth 11am - 8pm…
Friday
June 19
Juneteenth
9am – 4pm
Special exhibit: Leonardo's Lab
221 High St, Portsmouth
Children's Museum of Virginia | Hands-on art, science, and invention for all ages.
9am – 5pm
Special exhibit: Moments that Made US.
206 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Welcome Center | Open daily for visitor information and the new exhibit: Moments that Made US.
10am – 4pm
Special exhibits: The Dieselpunk Art of Tony Snipes and A Seat of Justice.
400 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
10am – 4pm
Special exhibit: America's Shipyard - The 10 Most Important Ships of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
2 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
10am – 4pm
Special exhibit: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month.
904 Elm Ave, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum
10am – 4pm
Portsmouth Lightship Museum
London & Water St, Portsmouth
One of the best-preserved lightships in America - open for tours.
11am – 6pm
Jewish Museum and Cultural Center
607 Effingham St, Portsmouth
Tours are $10 per person or $25 per family and include a beverage and a snack. We also offer a cool respite and a bathroom.
Saturday
June 20
9am – 4pm
Special exhibit: Leonardo's Lab
221 High St, Portsmouth
Children's Museum of Virginia | Hands-on art, science, and invention for all ages.
9am – 5pm
Special exhibit: Moments that Made US.
206 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Welcome Center | Open daily for visitor information and the new exhibit: Moments that Made US.
10am – 4pm
Special exhibits: The Dieselpunk Art of Tony Snipes and A Seat of Justice.
400 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
10am – 4pm
Special exhibit: America's Shipyard - The 10 Most Important Ships of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
2 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
10am – 4pm
Special exhibit: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month.
904 Elm Ave, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum
10am – 4pm
Portsmouth Lightship Museum
London & Water St, Portsmouth
One of the best-preserved lightships in America - open for tours.
12pm – 1pm
Color Craze Art Activity
400 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center — Courtyard | Hands-on art activity in the PACC courtyard.
12pm – 3pm
Hill House Museum
221 North St, Portsmouth
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, the Hill House Museum reflects on members of the Hill ancestral line who lived and breathed the tumult of the Revolutionary War. An inte…
All Day
Kids Activity: Rain Gutter Regatta Ship Racing
2 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum — Outside | Kids ship racing activity outside the museum.
11am – 6pm
Jewish Museum and Cultural Center
607 Effingham St, Portsmouth
Tours are $10 per person or $25 per family and include a beverage and a snack. We also offer a cool respite and a bathroom.
Sunday
June 21
9am – 4pm
Special exhibit: Leonardo's Lab
221 High St, Portsmouth
Children's Museum of Virginia | Hands-on art, science, and invention for all ages.
9am – 5pm
Special exhibit: Moments that Made US.
206 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Welcome Center | Open daily for visitor information and the new exhibit: Moments that Made US.
10am – 4pm
Special exhibits: The Dieselpunk Art of Tony Snipes and A Seat of Justice.
400 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
10am – 4pm
Special exhibit: America's Shipyard - The 10 Most Important Ships of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
2 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
10am – 4pm
Special exhibit: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month.
904 Elm Ave, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum
10am – 4pm
Portsmouth Lightship Museum
London & Water St, Portsmouth
One of the best-preserved lightships in America - open for tours.
All Day
Kids Activity: Rain Gutter Regatta Ship Racing
2 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum — Outside | Kids ship racing activity outside the museum.
11am – 6pm
Jewish Museum and Cultural Center
607 Effingham St, Portsmouth
Tours are $10 per person or $25 per family and include a beverage and a snack. We also offer a cool respite and a bathroom.
Monday
June 22
9am – 4pm
Special exhibit: Leonardo's Lab
221 High St, Portsmouth
Children's Museum of Virginia | Hands on art, science, and invention for all ages.
9am – 5pm
Special exhibit: Moments that Made US.
206 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Welcome Center | Open daily for visitor information and the new exhibit: Moments that Made US.
10am – 4pm
Special exhibits: The Dieselpunk Art of Tony Snipes and A Seat of Justice.
400 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center | Special Lecture at 1:30pm.
10am – 4pm
Special exhibit: America's Shipyard - The 10 Most Important Ships of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
2 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
10am – 4pm
Special exhibit: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month.
904 Elm Ave, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum
10am – 4pm
Portsmouth Lightship Museum
London & Water St, Portsmouth
One of the best-preserved lightships in America - open for tours.
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Exhibit Lecture & Reception: Hidden Histories of the Portsmouth Aeroship Building Co.
400 High St, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center | Lecture and reception presented by Tony Snipes.
11am – 6pm
Jewish Museum and Cultural Center
607 Effingham St, Portsmouth
Tours are $10 per person or $25 per family and include a beverage and a snack. We also offer a cool respite and a bathroom.
Friday
June 19
Juneteenth
3pm
USA vs. Australia
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
6pm
Scotland vs. Morocco
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
9pm
Brazil vs. Haiti
Griff's - Olde Towne Portsmouth
Saturday
June 20
1pm
Netherlands vs. TBD
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
4pm
Germany vs. Ivory Coast
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
8pm
Ecuador vs. Curacao
Griff's - Olde Towne Portsmouth
Sunday
June 21
12pm
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
Griff's - Olde Towne Portsmouth
3pm
Belgium vs. Iran
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
6pm
Uruguay vs. Cape Verde
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
9pm
New Zealand vs. Egypt
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
Monday
June 22
1pm
Argentina vs. Austria
Griff's - Olde Towne Portsmouth
5pm
France vs. Iraq
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
8pm
Norway vs. Senegal
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
11pm
Jordan vs. Algeria
Venue TBC - Olde Towne Portsmouth
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