Things to Do in Richmond: Historic SailFest Brings Free Family Fun Ahead of America's 250th Anniversary

Looking for free things to do in Richmond with kids? This Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can tour tall ships at SailFest to celebrate America's 250th anniversary!

 SailFest is celebrating American history along the James River through a 3-day block festival. From June 12 through June 14, you can tour all ships, enjoy live entertainment, check out public art and experience immersive storytelling thanks to The Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

This special event is family-friendly and free to attend.

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Here's what you need to know about Virginia Museum of History and Culture's SailFest:

Families in Richmond have the special opportunity to step aboard the historic SailFest ships during a free community event celebrating America's upcoming 250th anniversary, offering a unique blend of history, education, and family fun!

Thanks to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and their partnership with The City of Richmond, three tall ships are docked at Intermediate Terminal and Dock Street Park from June 12 to June 14.

When and Where is Richmond SailFest:

Dates: June 12-14

Times: 11am-3pm

Where: Intermediate Terminal on the James (near Rocketts Landing, Dock Street Park & Intermediate Terminal)

GPS location: 3101 Wharf St, Richmond, VA 23223

Cost: Free & open to the community

*You only need to reserve free tickets if you'd like to tour the ships! One ticket provides access to all three ships, and everyone needs a ticket (kids and adults).

What is SailFest in Richmond, Virginia?

Richmond SailFest is a free, family-friendly, weekend-long festival celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. It features historic tall ships and military ships, ship tours, live music, living history interpreters, and fireworks on the James River (*fireworks are Saturday night only).

You can also enjoy art & history exhibitions like VMHC Traveling Exhibitions: Give Me Liberty and We The People, VMFA on the Road Art mobile, Live printing from Studio Two Three, Living history displays, Riding the Fall Line exhibit.

The Family Activities and Exhibition tent has kid-friendly activities provided by Hanover Museum of History and Culture, Agecroft Hall & Gardens, The Poe Museum, Children's Museum of Richmond, Maymont, The Valentine Museum, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation and more!

*I toured the site prior to the festival starting, so you'll notice that the vendor and activity tables are empty in my pictures. Don't worry - it's lively today!

Schedule of Events this Weekend:

Friday, June 12

10:30 am - 11:00 am – Opening Ceremony

11:00 am - 6:00 pm – Ship Tours - reserve free tickets 

12:00-1:00 pm – Live Performance: Rappahannock Whalers (1800s sea shanties) 

1:00 - 2:30 pm – Live Music: Plunky & Oneness

2:30 - 3:30 pm - Live Music: Woody Woodworth & The Piners

3:30 - 5:00 pm – Live Music: Plunky & Oneness

5:00-6:00 pm – Live Performance: Heart of Ireland (Irish dance)

Saturday, June 13

10:00 am - 6:00 pm – Ship Tours - reserve free tickets 

12:00 - 4:00 pm - Paddle In Your Park with RVA Paddlesports

*Get out on the river with a free paddling experience from Great Shiplock Park! Pre registration is highly encouraged.

12:30-1:30 pm – Live Performance: Nathan Elliott (Native American flute)

1:30 - 3:00 pm – Live Music: Bio Ritmo

3:00 - 4:00 pm – Live Performance: Swingers Jump Rope Team

4:00 - 5:30 pm – Live Music: Justin Golden & The Devil's Coattails

5:30-6:30 pm – Live Performance: Ezibu Muntu (West African Dance)

6:30 - 7:30 pm – Live Music: Richmond Symphony

9:00 - 9:30 pm – Epic Fireworks, Drone, & Music Experience over the James River

Sunday, June 14 

10:00 am - 4:00 pm – Ship Tours - reserve free tickets 

11:00 am - 12:00 pm – Live Performance: River City Taiko (Japanese drums)

12:00 - 2:00 pm – Live Music: No BS! Brass 

12:00 - 4:00 pm - Paddle In Your Park with RVA Paddlesports (free experience)

2:00-2:30 pm – Live Performance: Mile of Music (Richmond Symphony) 

*Please note: Richmond Symphony will present the 6th Annual “Mile of Music” as part of Richmond SailFest. This is a unique set of mini-concerts along a one-mile route in Richmond parks as you make your way towards SailFest.

2:30 - 4:00 pm – Live Music: U.S. Fleet Forces Band

Tips for Attending SailFest with Kids:

1. Parking is limited and spread out throughout Rocketts Landing. These lots will fill up quickly!

   1. Stone Brewing parking lots

      1. 3401 Williamsburg Ave, Richmond, VA 23223 

      2. 16 Nicholson St, Richmond, VA 23231 

   2. Street Parking

      1. Gillies Creek Park (~15 min walk)

      2. Shockoe Bottom neighborhood (~20 min walk)

      3. Church Hill neighborhood (~30 min walk) 

         
         

2. Shuttles & Satellite Parking: Those that plan to attend the event can park for FREE in the parking lots immediately connected to Main Street Station and ride for FREE the GRTC Pulse bus to the festival site near East Riverfront Station. 

   1. Free parking is available at Main Street Station ONLY in Lots A, B, and C during Richmond SailFest.

      
      

3. The festival site is all outdoors & it covers about half a mile of riverfront. Be prepared for the weather and walking - wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

   
   

4. Bring a stroller for kids 5 and younger. There is a lot of walking, and it can be your home base as you experience the block party!

   
   

5. Personal coolers are allowed for personal food and non-alcoholic beverages only. Make sure to bring refillable water bottles for children!

   
   

6. Free water refill stations are available in the concessions and food truck area, near the Family Activities tent.

   
   

7. Porta-potties and hand-washing stations are available in the concessions area and by the concert stage. There's also a luxury bathroom trailer with an accessible ramp by the Ship Tour Tent (this only has two individual restrooms).

8. If you have kids 5 and younger, I'd suggest this as a 1:1 parent/kid experience. This festival covers a large space with a crowd, and you have the opportunity to tour boats on the river.

   
   

9. This event is along the James River. There are portions of the sidewalks that do not have a barrier between the path and the river. Keep a close eye on younger children!

10. Strollers are not permitted on the ships. There will be a place to park strollers prior to accessing the ships. 

    
    

11. The historic ships are not accessible to wheelchairs.

*Check here for more information!

things to do in Richmond with kids / free events in Richmond / celebrate July 4 in Richmond

Looking for more things to do in Richmond with kids this summer? Check out the other guides in this series:

1. Richmond Launches SailFest and IllumiNATION Events to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

2. 100 Things to do in Richmond with Kids (Splash Parks, Part 3)

3. 100 Things to do in Richmond with Kids (Special Events in June, Part 2)

4. 100 Things to do in Richmond with Kids (RVA Staples, Part 1)

   
   
   
   

For more things to do in Richmond with kids, follow @thewestendmom on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook!