Maryland leaders and U.S. Navy officials shared plans Tuesday for the 2026

The event is a free and family-friendly celebration of maritime and aviation. The event will bring military and international ships, sailors, and aviators to the area from June 24 to July 1, 2026. 

What is SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore? 

SAIL250 is a commemorative event that will stop in five cities. The 2026 event will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. 

"Baltimore deserves to shine, and next year it will be right here on our waterfront," said Liz Koontz, with the Baltimore Mayor's Office. "Right here in Downtown Baltimore."

The event will bring naval vessels, U.S. Coast Guard Ships and other historic vessels to port for the week. Some will be open for public tours. 

The event is similar to Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore.

The ships sail from New Orleans to Norfolk to Baltimore, to New York, and finally to Boston. 

During SAIL250, the Blue Angels, a U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, will fly over the Inner Harbor, the Baltimore Peninsula, Canton Waterfront Park, and other locations in the area. 

Flyovers and other demonstrations will also take place. 

Visitors will get to interact with and learn from sailors and aviators.

"Showcase what our mission is, whether it's the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and how we execute that mission," said Rear Admiral David Faehnle, the commandant of Naval District Washington."

Rear Admiral Faehnle hopes visitors will see the pride sailors have in serving the country.. 

Festivals during SAIL250 Maryland 

During SAIL250 in Maryland, several festivals will be held in parts of Baltimore to showcase local businesses, STEM education for young people, and historic ships, including the USS Constellation and the USS Torsk. 

Some of the ships and U.S. Naval vessels will host history exhibits and demonstrations during the week.

Eventgoers will also experience festivals at the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, the Baltimore Peninsula, and Martin State Airport in Baltimore County, showcasing local food, beverages, live music, family-friendly fun, and maritime-themed vendors.

"We encourage them to experience our history and enjoy everything Baltimore County has to offer," said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier.

Economic impact

Maryland Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker, Jr. said Maryland Fleet Week drew in a crowd of more than 150,000 in 2024.

Chris Rowsom, the director of SAIL250 Maryland & Air Show Baltimore, said Fleet Week in 2024 had an economic impact of $63 million.

"I expect that this event could very easily double that," Rowsom said. "We're looking at media impressions in the billions."