Under sail, the schooner Thomas E. Lannon will open the bay by arriving in Duxbury Bay on Friday, May 24!

The 16th Annual Opening of the Bay Celebration takes place over a wonderful evening and the next day, and marks the biggest event and fundraiser of the year for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School.

The gala Dockside Reception begins Friday evening at 6:30 with an Island Creek Oysters raw bar, hors d’oeuvres by the "Silent Chef", a Silent Auction and a cash bar.

The musical entertainment features the jazz stylings of the Williams Reunion Jazz Band, followed by the dance sounds of Dale and the Duds.

A limited number of tickets should be available at the door, but don't count on it. Buy advance tickets online here.

Saturday, May 25, is Family Day. From 11:00-3:00 you will be able to tour the schooner Thomas E. Lannon, enjoy great entertainment, food, vendors, a dunk tank, two bouncy houses, kids’ games and activities and, well, the bay on a spring day!

Admission to Family Day is free. Tickets can be purchased for food, ship tours and children’s activities and raffles.

A navy's worth of volunteers are needed to make Opening of the Bay possible. Sign up here!

Sponsorships are also available. Click here for sponsorship information.

For more information about the non-profit Duxbury Bay Maritime School, click here.