The Mayflower II is a familiar sight along Plymouth’s waterfront, but this month the historic vessel will leave her home berth to take part in one of the nation’s largest maritime commemorations. From July 9-17, Mayflower II will travel to Boston for Sail Boston 2026 (Sail 250), a centerpiece of our state’s America 250 celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The voyage is historic on several counts. Mayflower II has never participated in a tall ship gathering on the scale of Sail Boston. It also marks the ship’s first appearance in Boston Harbor in 25 years. Plans to bring the vessel to Boston following its extensive restoration in 2020 were canceled because of the pandemic, making this long-awaited return especially meaningful. More than 4 million visitors are expected to attend Sail Boston.
While the ship is in Boston, at Fan Pier, visitors can book a ticket for several different sailing experiences, including the spectacular Parade of Sail from aboard the ship on July 11, or enjoy a Sunset Sail through Boston Harbor on July 14. These limited sailing experiences – starting at $2,500 per person – offer a rare opportunity to sail aboard the historic vessel.
Last winter, the vessel traveled to Mystic Seaport for routine maintenance.
“We hauled the ship out of the water, cleaned and painted the whole ship, did some caulking, and just generally got her looking her best,” said Captain Whit Perry, Kenneth Shaw Safe Jr. Director of Maritime & Historic Preservation at Plimoth Patuxet Museums. “This is how we ensure not only that Mayflower II looks refreshed but also provides the preventative maintenance that keeps her operational and protects her for the future.”
Like the original 17th-century merchant vessel she replicates, Mayflower II has no propulsion system of her own and will travel to Boston with the assistance of a tug. Whenever wind conditions allow, the crew hopes to raise sail during the transit and while in Boston Harbor.
For Plimoth Patuxet Museums, participating in Sail Boston is about far more than showcasing one of the nation’s best-known historic ships.
“Mayflower II is a floating classroom and tangible reminder of how revolutionary ideas started here, in Patuxet and Plymouth,” said Tom Begley, executive director of Plimoth Patuxet Museums. “We are honored to participate in Sail Boston as a way to commemorate the United States’ Semiquincentennial and to share this special educational resource with audiences gathered in the city for this historic event.”
Donna Curtin, senior historian and curator emerita at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, said the festival provides an opportunity to introduce millions of visitors to the region’s foundational role in American history.
“Millions of people are expected to attend the festival, creating new opportunities to engage the public in the vital history that played out in Patuxet and Plymouth 400 years ago,” Curtin said. “We will be able to share with attendees that revolutionary ideas started here and illustrate how the events of 400 years ago shaped those of 250 years ago.”
“Mayflower II is more than a symbol,” Perry said. “She is a living ship with a living story, and our entire maritime team is proud to steward and share that story with the city of Boston.” Perry said the voyage will include members of the museum’s interpretive staff, volunteers, maritime apprentices and professional mariners, giving them opportunity to experience sailing the Mayflower as well.
Mayflower II will be berthed at Fan Pier in Boston’s Seaport District. The ship will return to reopen for public visitation in Plymouth on July 18. To learn and explore ticketed events, go here.
Monday, July 6
Silent Friend (NR), a poetic drama with a 95% critics’ score, will run through July 9 at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth. Screenings are at 4:30 and 7 p.m. The film follows a centuries-old ginkgo tree in Marburg, Germany, as it silently bears witness to three interconnected stories set in 1908, 1972, and 2020. Blending history, science, and quiet reflection, Silent Friend explores human curiosity, our relationship with the natural world, and the enduring mysteries of plant consciousness. For information, visit plimothcinema.org.
Peter Asher: Everywhere Man will run at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave, through July 9 at the Linn Theater. From Swinging London and Beatle-era pop to the rise of the California singer-songwriter movement, Peter Asher’s life and career intersect with some of the most iconic artists and cultural moments of the last six decades. A pop star, producer, manager, and creative force, Asher helped shape the sound and story of modern music while working alongside Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Barbra Streisand, and many more. The film is a compelling music documentary about influence, artistry, friendship, and one extraordinary life in rock and roll history. Show times are 4:30 and 7 p.m. For tickets go to www.plimothcinema.org.
Wednesday, July 8
Priscilla Beach Theatre’s second play of the season is based on the classic farces of ancient Rome. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a hilarious, fast-paced musical romp that promises “a comedy tonight!”. The story follows Pseudolus, a wily slave who schemes to win his freedom by playing matchmaker for his young master, Hero. Performances nightly from July 7 through 12. 800 Rocky Hill Road. For tickets go here.
Project Arts returns for the summer with its first free concert at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 16 Water St., on the waterfront, featuring Chicago Total Access with Chakulla Opening, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Come early and treat yourself to dinner from a food truck. For information and schedule go here. Free concerts will take place every Wednesday through August 26.
Every Wednesday in July a movie related to the American Revolution will be screened at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Celebrate America’s 250th with a Revolutionary War era movie every Wednesday of the month of July. This week’s feature is, 1776 – THE MUSICAL —the award-winning Broadway musical celebration of the founding of the United States comes to the screen. A musical retelling of the American Revolution’s political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence. For information go here.
Thursday, July 9
Two historic Cape Cod schooners—one of which is the celebrated American Eagle—are expected to transit the Cape Cod Canal on July 9, or possibly early July 10, depending on weather, wind, and tidal conditions. Those hoping to spot the ships can follow their progress on Sail Boston Fleet Tracker: Sail Boston Fleet Tracker or VesselFinder: VesselFinder.
Discover the overlooked stories of women who sailed aboard merchant vessels during the 19th century in this Carriage Barn Talk at the Hedge House, 126 Water St. Carolyn Ravenscroft, from 4 to 5 p.m. Archivist and historian for the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, will share research uncovering the lives of women from Plymouth, Duxbury, and Kingston who went to sea between 1809 and 1890 using historical records, census data, and personal manuscripts. For information go to plymouthantiquarian.org.
Americana Theatre Company brings Broadway’s delightfully macabre musical “The Addams Family”to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25½ Court St. Based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, the show follows Wednesday Addams as she falls for a charming young man from a very ordinary family, setting the stage for an unforgettable dinner where secrets, surprises, and plenty of spooky humor unfold. Performances are Thurs – Sat, July 9 through 26. Show starts at 7 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For information, visit americanatheatre.org.
Friday, July 10
Fridays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
Step aboard the historic Mayflower II for Welcome Sail in Boston Harbor, a special daytime sail from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Boston Harbor ahead of Sail Boston, which officially begins July 11. This rare opportunity lets passengers experience the iconic vessel under sail while taking in Boston’s waterfront from the deck of one of America’s most celebrated historic ships. Tickets start at $2,500 per person. For more information: plimoth.org.
Celebrate Spars Under the Stars, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. the opening of Sail Boston with an evening aboard Mayflower II in Boston Harbor. Tickets are $250 per person. Enjoy a unique twilight experience on the historic ship as the harbor comes alive in anticipation of the arrival of tall ships from around the world. Tickets and information: plimoth.org.
Saturday, July 11
Experience Sail Boston: Parade of Sail Aboard Mayflower II the spectacular Sail Boston Parade of Sail from the deck of Mayflower II from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. As tall ships from around the world enter Boston Harbor during the America 250 commemorations, passengers will enjoy a front-row view of one of New England’s signature maritime events. Tickets and information: plimoth.org.
Saturdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North continues weekly, from 2 to 8 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. For information go here.
Pilgrim Festival Chorus celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with American Landscapes: 250 Years of Song at The Church of the Pilgrimage, 15 Town Square at 7:30 p.m. Led by Artistic Directors William B. Richter and Elizabeth Chapman Reilly, the concert traces the nation’s history through folk songs, spirituals, patriotic anthems, Broadway favorites, and a community sing-along. Tickets are $20, with free admission for children 18 and under and Card to Culture participants. Information and tickets are available at pilgrimfestivalchorus.org.
Sunday, July 12
Sundays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. will continue into October. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. For information go here.
Tuesday, July 14
Take in the beauty of Boston Harbor from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for a Sunset Sail aboard the historic Mayflower II. As daylight fades and the city skyline begins to glow, guests will experience the harbor from a unique perspective while sailing aboard the faithful reproduction of the ship that carried the Pilgrims to Plymouth. Tickets and information: plimoth.org.