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Fun is Sailing into Chesapeake

June 20-21, 2026

Chesapeake is throwing the summer's best party, and history is sailing in with it. Tour the Sultana, a historically accurate replica of an 18th-century British schooner, docked right at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum all weekend long. Then stay for free live music, food trucks, free family fun, hands-on crafts, and living history reenactors. Tour the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum (tickets required) and discover Chesapeake's remarkable role in the American Independence story. Hear the stories of the colonists, the indigenous peoples of this region, and some extraordinary local heroes who helped shape a nation.

This Charter to Chesapeake celebration is a once-in-a-generation VA250 event that you really don't want to miss!

Meet the Sultana 2
Meet the Sultana

The Sultana is a beautiful full-scale reproduction of a 1768 schooner. She’s hand-crafted history with historically accurate rigging, working sails, and a crew who knows every plank of her story. She is a lovingly built replica of the kind of British vessel that once patrolled Colonial American waters. You will experience a rare, up-close look at life on the water during that era.

She’s docking in Chesapeake for visitors to step aboard and explore. Don’t just admire her from the shore, climb aboard!

What's Happening

Come for the ship. Stay for everything else. Here's what to expect.

Tour the Sultana

Walk the decks of a real 18th-century tall ship. Meet the crew.

Live Music

Live bands all weekend on the waterfront. Folk, classics, and more!

Food Trucks

Local trucks, great food. Arrive hungry. Come back for seconds.

Kids Activities

Tricorn hats, hands-on crafts, and reenactors bringing history to life.

Living History

Spinning, weaving, barrel making, and quill writing.

Artisan Vendors

Handmade goods from local makers.

Tour the Museum

Ticket required at the door.

 

MUSEUM HOURS

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
Sunday: noon – 4:00 p.m.

Waterfront Setting

Right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Bring a blanket or chair.

Plan Your Visit

We’re updating this section as more details are confirmed. Check back for the latest information on this Sail250 event.

Location

Battlefield Park
1775 Historic Way
Chesapeake, VA 23320

Hours

The event is free and open to the public from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Museum admission is separate.

Parking Info

Free parking at Chesapeake City Hall with continuous, free shuttle service. 

Map

Map coming soon.

Stay, Dine, Explore

Turn your visit into a full experience. From local dining spots to nearby hotels, everything you need is close by.

Wickers-Crab-Pot
Restaurants
A kayaker in a blue kayak glides through a serene Lake Drummond, bordered by cypress trees, reflecting in the calm water under a clear blue sky.
Things to Do
a bed inside Springhill suites hotel
Hotels
Classic Antique Car at the fall festival and car show in Chesapeake, VA
Trip Planning

Get a Free Visitors Guide

Get a Free Visitors Guide

1224 Progressive Drive.
Chesapeake, VA 23320 Phone: (757) 382-6411
Chesapeake Convention & Visitors Bureau is a division of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation & Tourism
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