A #SummertimeChi Black Yacht Experience
The Biggest Weekend of The Summer
Welcome aboard Black Yacht Weekend, a floating party created for black boaters to party on Lake Michigan each year. Boaters connect and party on the water while sitting against the stunning backdrop of Chicago’s iconic skyline. Since launching, Black Yacht Weekend has quickly become a highlight of the city’s summer calendar, drawing black boaters to the vibrant vibes of the water each year.
Enjoy a full weekend of parties, cruising on the water, and chilling in the Playpen. Grab your crew, find a boat and meet us in the water.
Event Dates:
2025 Dates
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Sunday, June 22, 2025
Location: Chicago
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
Thursday, June 19, 2025 — Welcome to the Windy City!
Black Yacht Weekend X Jerk and Jollof — Join us for an UNFORGETTABLE Juneteenth party featuring live music. djs. food and more.
Friday, June 20, 2025 — Day & Night Vibes
Play Hooky @ Recess – GET TIX
Riddim on The River – Amapiano Fest – GET TIX
Beach Fest – RSVP (SOLD OUT)
The R&b Cruise
Agave After Hours @ Ghost Donkey – GET TIX
Souled Out Dates – SOLD OUT
Saturday, June 21, 2025 — BLACK YACHT DAY (11 am – 6 pm)
Second boat day added – Sunday, June 22, 2025 (11 am – 4 pm)
Yacht Day 9 AM PARTY at 31st Beach
Yacht Day
Please note: Black Yacht Day is a general outing where hundreds of boats gather. Tie-ups are not required and are at the sole discretion of individual boat owners or charterers. Registration is required for those who want to display the official event boat flag and be recognized as part of the festivities.
Souled Out Dates – Day 2 – Get Tix
Blavity House Party – Sold Out
Nightlife: Afterparty — TBA
Sunday, June 22, 2025 — Week-END Celebration
Second boat day added – Sunday, June 22, 2025 (11 am – 4 pm)
The R&B and Bottomless Mimosas Cruise
Brunchdaze Rooftop Brunch and Day Party
Something For The Summer Block Party — live music, food, Art Gallery and more.
Sunday Night:
Chicago vs Everybody at The House of Blues
Register Early for
BYW 2025!
Reserve a Spot
Register for the weekend to get access to our charter rental partners, event information, and day of tie-up information. Registration also includes branded swag for each charter. Only one boat tie up registration is needed for each charter group.
Find a Crew and Join a Boat
Want to join the weekend but you don’t have a group to book with? Join our facebook group to match with other boaters looking to fill boats.
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