Sail4th 250 kicks off — here’s what’s in store for America’s 2026 semiquincentennial bash in NYC
New York is celebrating America’s 250th birthday all year long.
Sail4th 250 organizers officially launched the blockbuster celebration on Wednesday — offering New Yorkers a glimpse of what’s to come for America’s 2026 semiquincentennial party.
The six-day, once-in-a-lifetime event will feature more than 30 tall ships from international militaries, a spectacular Blue Angels flight show, displays of rare historical documents and more — and is expected to generate a record-breaking $2.85 billion revenue windfall for the Big Apple.
“We’re bringing the world’s greatest fleet of tall ships to the port of New York and New Jersey as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” Chris O’Brien, president of Sail4th 250, announced at a press conference aboard the iconic World War II-era Intrepid aircraft carrier.
“I like to call this beautiful harbor — and there’s no harbor like it — America’s home port. On July 4, 2026, this port will serve as the world’s home port as we bring so many nations together to mark this milestone of America’s 250th.”
