The largest maritime and aerial gathering in U.S. history is sailing into NYC

A once-in-a-generation maritime spectacle is headed to New York Harbor for America’s 250th birthday celebration.

Organizers behind Sail4th 250 announced today, Thursday, that 44 nations, nearly 50 tall ships and dozens of naval vessels will take part in what’s being called the largest maritime and aerial gathering in American history on July 4, 2026.

The massive event will feature an International Parade of Sail stretching from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge, with ships sailing past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River.

Organizers say more than 120 aircraft — led by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels — will fly overhead during the celebration, while Macy’s annual Fourth of July fireworks and a separate Jersey City fireworks display will cap off the night.

Among the participating vessels are ships from countries including Spain, Germany, Brazil, Canada, Norway, South Korea and Mexico, alongside U.S. Navy ships like the USS Kearsarge, USS Arlington and USS Iwo Jima.

Organizers estimate roughly 15,000 sailors will be in port and as many as 6 million spectators could line 15 miles of waterfront across the New York metro area.

The celebration will also include free public boarding of visiting tall ships from July 5 through July 7, though tickets will be required.

Officials say reservation details and ship berthing locations will be announced in the coming few weeks. The full event schedule, participating ships and additional details can be found at the event website.

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Top: The tall ship Hermione passes near the Statue of Liberty as it leads the Lafayette Parade of ships up the Hudson River in New York’s Upper Bay Saturday, July 4, 2015. The Hermione is a replica of the 18th century ship the Marquis de Lafayette, sailed to the America’s with news of full French support for the revolutionary cause. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)