Ask any local, and he or she will probably tell you that it's normal to see a bunch of boats floating at the Inner Harbor.
But when the boats are so huge that they begin to compete with the skyline, then you know something's up.
Starting Sunday, the waters of the downtown port will be teeming with a selection of the world's tallest sailing ships as the city gears up to celebrate Independence Day.
The ships, ranging from the 170-foot Pride of Baltimore II to the 293-foot Portuguese navy ship Sagres, are featured attractions in this year's weeklong July Fourth Sailabration, which will also include live music and street performers.
In addition to the entertainment schedule, Sailabration is also a chance to interact with people from all over the world.
"This is a chance to see ships of a different kind and meet sailors from around the world," said event spokeswoman Tracy Baskerville of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.
Here's the rundown on the activities.
Sunday
Time: 8 p.m.
Kick off Fourth of July celebrations by catching Linda Ronstadt on tour as she performs her greatest hits with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Cavalier Pavilion, Pier Six.
Tickets start at $42.50.
Information: Visit www. piersixpavilion.com or call 410-481-SEAT.
Monday
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Bring out the fam and enjoy live entertainment at the Inner Harbor Amphitheatre. Magicians and jugglers will be on hand throughout the day and for the rest of the week.
Tuesday
Time: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tall ships will visit Charm City Tuesday when Brazil's 257-foot Navy training ship Cisne Branco arrives at the West Wall at approximately 9 a.m. Portugal's Sagres, the largest of the visiting fleet at 293 feet, will cruise to Pier 5 at 10 a.m., and Canada's 181-foot Bluenose II will arrive around 8 p.m. at the Fells Point Broadway Pier.
Welcome the arriving sailors and watch the live entertainment at the amphitheatre.
Wednesday
Wednesday morning will be chockablock with activities, including the arrival of three more tall ships, an unveiling of the Constellation commemorative stamp and a public welcome of the ship captains at the Inner Harbor Amphitheatre.
Romania's navy training ship, the 269-foot Mircea, takes the stage at 9 a.m. at the harbor's West Wall, followed by Mexico's Cuauhtemoc, measuring 270 feet, at Pier 4 around 10 a.m. The Uruguayan navy's 205-foot Capitan Miranda will anchor at 10 a.m. near the Fells Point Broadway Pier.
The stamp unveiling will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the amphitheater, and the captains' welcome is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
