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Where it started

About Black Yacht Weekend

Welcome to Black Yacht Weekend — A Cultural Experience Anchored in Community.

Launched in 2020, Black Yacht Weekend has grown into one of the most recognized summer cultural experiences in Chicago and beyond. What began as a gathering of Black boating enthusiasts has evolved into a multi-day, citywide event series celebrating culture, music, entrepreneurship, and connection.

Inspired by global lifestyle festivals and premium travel experiences, Black Yacht Weekend curates elevated moments across iconic venues throughout the city — bringing together professionals, creators, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers for a weekend defined by style, access, and unforgettable energy.

What We’re About

Black Yacht Weekend is a professionally produced, land-based event series. Our focus is curating premium cultural experiences — including concerts, day parties, networking events, branded activations, and curated nightlife — in partnership with licensed venues and event operators.

At our core, we exist to:

  • Create meaningful connections across industries

  • Amplify Black-owned businesses and creators

  • Deliver high-quality, responsibly managed live experiences

  • Celebrate culture in sophisticated, safe environments

A Growing Cultural Platform

From a small grassroots gathering in 2020 to an 8,000+ attendee cultural festival weekend, Black Yacht Weekend has expanded significantly in both scale and reach. The brand now generates millions of impressions and hosts programming across multiple venues citywide.

The 2025 and 2026 editions continue to build on that momentum with expanded land activations, headline performances, curated nightlife, and Juneteenth-centered programming.

What to Expect

  • Live Performances & Headline Events

  • Curated Day & Night Experiences

  • Juneteenth Celebrations & Cultural Programming

  • Networking Mixers & VIP Dinners

  • Marketplace & Brand Activations

Each event is ticketed and operated in partnership with permitted venues and licensed event professionals.

Important Clarification

Black Yacht Weekend does not organize, coordinate, manage, or operate boating flotillas, marine parades, or on-water vessel gatherings.

Any individual boating activities that may occur during the weekend are independently organized by private boat owners and participants at their own discretion and risk. Attendees are solely responsible for complying with all U.S. Coast Guard regulations, local maritime laws, and safety requirements.

We are not simply producing events — we are building a lasting cultural institution.

Black Yacht Weekend is committed to expanding access, visibility, and economic opportunity within lifestyle, hospitality, and maritime-adjacent industries. By spotlighting Black-owned charter companies, captains, creators, venues, and businesses, we are reshaping how premium cultural experiences are curated and who gets to lead them.

Our vision is to create a platform that:

  • Drives real economic impact for Black entrepreneurs

  • Elevates representation within luxury and boating spaces

  • Produces world-class, responsibly executed live experiences

  • Builds generational community and connection

Black Yacht Weekend is about ownership. Ownership of narrative. Ownership of space. Ownership of opportunity.

We are building something that outlives a weekend — a brand that grows across cities, industries, and generations.

Join us as we move the culture forward and continue creating experiences that matter.

Black Yacht Weekend FAQs

General Information

Who can attend Black Yacht Weekend?

Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re coming solo, with a small group, or with a full crew, the event is open to all who want to network, and enjoy great experiences.

Registration and Tickets

How do I register for Black Yacht Weekend?

Tickets and packages are available here.

What does the ticket include?

Ticket access varies by tier and may include entry to:

  • Curated networking mixers

  • Day parties and nightlife experiences

  • Designated Black Yacht Weekend programming days

  • Select VIP experiences and premium activations

Each ticket grants access to officially produced, land-based Black Yacht Weekend events during the festival weekend.

Are there VIP tickets available?

Yes, VIP tickets are available in limited quantities.

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?

All sales are final. Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable.
We strongly encourage attendees to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending.

When will the event itinerary be listed?

The full weekend itinerary will be provided closer to the date of the event.

Boating and Chartering

Safety & Compliance Reminder: Any vessel carrying paying passengers must comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations (46 CFR Parts 15 & 176). Always confirm that your captain is licensed and that your vessel meets inspection requirements before boarding

 

No Organized On-Water Programming Notice

Black Yacht Weekend is a multi-day cultural and social experience featuring land-based events, nightlife, and community programming. Black Yacht Weekend does not organize, operate, coordinate, direct, or supervise any on-water activities, vessel movements, or boating gatherings.

Any boating activity that occurs during the weekend is independently organized by individual vessel owners and operators and is not part of an official Black Yacht Weekend program. Black Yacht Weekend does not provide instructions, meeting locations, schedules, or coordination for on-water activity.

All vessel owners, operators, and participants are solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local boating laws and regulations.

How do I find a boat or crew to join?

BYW does not arrange rentals. If you choose to charter, verify that the vessel and captain hold all required Coast Guard credentials (e.g., COI for >6‑passenger charters or OUPV license for 6‑pack charters). Well‑known charter marketplaces such as boatsetter.com, getmyboat.com or sailo.com may help you locate legal operators

Are captains required for all boats?

Yes, all boats must have a licensed captain for safety. Many charter companies include captains as part of their packages.

Events and Activities

What events are included in the weekend?

The lineup includes:

  • Kickoff Party
  • Beach Fest
  • Various nightlife events

Are children allowed?

Black Yacht Weekend is an adult-focused event, and most activities are 21+.

Accommodations and Travel

Where should I stay during the weekend?

We recommend staying in downtown Chicago or near Lake Michigan for easy access to events. Partner hotels listed on our homepage may offer special rates.

Is transportation provided between events?

While transportation isn’t provided, ride-sharing services, public transportation, and parking options are available in Chicago.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Yes! We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may affect your ability to attend, as all ticket sales are final, and no refunds will be issued.

Get in Touch With Us:

For all inquiries message us at:

info@blackyachtweekend.com