Season 29 is officially underway aboard the Princess Wenonah and it’s shaping up to be our best summer yet. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly afternoon on the Saginaw River, a high-energy night of live rock music, or a laid-back evening cruise perfect for date night, Bay City Boat Lines has something on the water for you this summer.
Tickets for Saginaw River Tours, Rock the Boat, and Carefree Cruisin’ are available now. Read on for the full 2026 lineup and grab your seats before they’re gone.
Saginaw River Tours — Family-Friendly Guided Tours Starting June 5
Explore the best of Bay City from the water on one of our guided Saginaw River Tours. Each tour features a knowledgeable live guide pointing out local landmarks along the river, including the USS Edson naval ship, our historic lighthouse, and the wildlife and scenery that make the Saginaw River one of Michigan’s hidden gems.
Tours run most Saturday afternoons from June 5 through October 17, departing at 1:00 pm and returning at 3:00 pm.
Tickets: $28 for adults | $25 for children
Private tours for groups of 30 or more are also available on select dates outside the regular schedule — perfect for school groups, family reunions, or corporate outings looking for a unique daytime experience in Bay City, MI.
🎟 Reserve your Saginaw River Tour tickets
Rock the Boat — High-Energy Live Music Dinner Cruises
When the sun goes down on a Friday night, the Princess Wenonah comes alive. Rock the Boat is our high-energy entertainment cruise series featuring rockin’ live bands, dinner, dancing, and a great selection of beverages onboard. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Bay City, Michigan, and the best way to spend a Friday night on the Saginaw River.
Tickets: $67–$74 per person | Group pricing available on most dates Alcohol available for purchase; not included in ticket price.
Rock the Boat 2026 Schedule 🎸
Friday, June 19 — The Pool Boys Kick off summer on the water with The Pool Boys and their infectious, feel-good sound. A perfect opening night for the season. 👉 Book June 19 tickets
Friday, July 10 — The RockShow Band The RockShow Band delivers exactly what the name promises — a powerhouse rock performance to get the whole boat moving. 👉 Book July 10 tickets
Friday, July 17 — Pat Emerine Pat Emerine brings a crowd-pleasing, versatile set to the river for a great midsummer Friday night out. 👉 Book July 17 tickets
Friday, July 24 — The Soul Xpress Get ready to dance. The Soul Xpress brings soul, R&B, and funk to the Saginaw River for one of the most electric nights of the summer. 👉 Book July 24 tickets
Friday, August 7 — Jim Pagel Jazz Trio A sophisticated Friday night on the water. The Jim Pagel Jazz Trio sets a smooth, refined mood perfect for a date night or a special evening out. 👉 Book August 7 tickets
Friday, August 14 — Marty Viers Marty Viers brings his signature energy and crowd connection to a Friday night on the Princess Wenonah. 👉 Book August 14 tickets
Friday, August 21 — The RockShow Band The RockShow Band returns for another Friday night on the Saginaw River. If you missed them in July, here’s your second chance. 👉 Book August 21 tickets
Friday, August 28 — The Soul Xpress The Soul Xpress closes out August with another high-energy, soul-fueled performance. One of the best entertainment cruise nights of the season. 👉 Book August 28 tickets
Friday, September 4 — Rebel Line Rebel Line proves the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends, bringing a powerful performance to kick off the fall cruise season. 👉 Book September 4 tickets
Friday, September 11 — Jim Pagel Jazz Trio The Jim Pagel Jazz Trio returns for a smooth, elegant fall evening on the river. 👉 Book September 11 tickets
Friday, September 18 — ROCKtober Fest featuring The RockShow Band End the 2026 Rock the Boat season with a bang. ROCKtober Fest brings The RockShow Band back to the Princess Wenonah for a high-energy close to an unforgettable summer. 👉 Book September 18 tickets
👉 See all Rock the Boat dates and book your tickets
Carefree Cruisin’ — Laid-Back Saturday Night Dinner Cruises 🌅
Not every great night out needs to be high-octane. Carefree Cruisin’ is our Saturday evening entertainment cruise series designed for a more relaxed vibe — perfect for date night, a birthday celebration with friends, or anyone who just wants to unwind on the water with great music and good company.
Each Carefree Cruisin’ cruise features dinner, dancing, and a wide bar selection onboard aboard the beautiful Princess Wenonah.
Tickets: $69 per person | Group pricing available Alcohol available for purchase; not included in ticket price.
Carefree Cruisin’ 2026 Schedule
Saturday, June 20 — Marty Viers Start the Carefree Cruisin’ season right with Marty Viers, whose warm, engaging performances are a perfect fit for a relaxed Saturday night on the river. 👉 Book June 20 tickets
Saturday, June 27 — Greg Hind of The Little River Band The standout event of the summer. Greg Hind, lead vocalist of the legendary Little River Band, performs live aboard the Princess Wenonah. Classic rock fans — do not miss this one. 👉 Book June 27 tickets
Saturday, July 11 — Daze of Glory Daze of Glory brings smooth classic rock to a warm July Saturday evening on the Saginaw River. 👉 Book July 11 tickets
Saturday, July 18 — Billy Gunther and the Midwest Riders Country and Americana sounds meet the river as Billy Gunther and the Midwest Riders take the stage for a laid-back Friday night out. 👉 Book July 18 tickets
Saturday, July 25 — Highway Drifters The Highway Drifters bring their signature sound to the water for a mellow, enjoyable end to the week. 👉 Book July 25 tickets
Saturday, August 1 — Rebel Line Rebel Line opens August with a relaxed but spirited Saturday night performance on the Princess Wenonah. 👉 Book August 1 tickets
Saturday, August 8 — Highway Drifters The Highway Drifters return for another Carefree Cruisin’ Saturday. A great option if you missed them in July. 👉 Book August 8 tickets
Saturday, August 15 — Billy Gunther and the Midwest Riders Billy Gunther and the Midwest Riders are back for a second Saturday night on the river. One of the most popular acts of the season. 👉 Book August 15 tickets
Saturday, August 22 — Bob Hughes Bob Hughes winds down the summer Carefree Cruisin’ series with a soulful, seasoned performance for a memorable Saturday night. 👉 Book August 22 tickets
Saturday, August 29 — Pat Emerine Pat Emerine closes out Carefree Cruisin’ for the summer on a smooth, feel-good note. 👉 Book August 29 tickets
👉 See all Carefree Cruisin’ dates and book your tickets
What to Expect Aboard the Princess Wenonah
The Princess Wenonah is Bay City’s beloved former car ferry and the heart of Bay City Boat Lines for 29 seasons. Every cruise, day or night, takes place on the Saginaw River, passing landmarks like the USS Edson, local wildlife, and the Bay City waterfront.
For evening entertainment cruises, dinner and a wide bar selection are available onboard. Alcohol is available for purchase and is not included in the ticket price. Cruises run approximately 2-3 hours.
The Perfect Outing for Any Occasion
Bay City Boat Lines entertainment cruises are one of the most unique things to do in the Great Lakes Bay Region — and they work for just about any group or celebration:
- Date nights — dinner, drinks, and live music on the Saginaw River
- Birthday parties — celebrate on the water with your favorite people
- Bachelor/Bachelorette parties — a night out unlike anywhere else in Bay City
- Night out with friends— grab your crew and make a night of it
- Corporate outings — a memorable alternative to the usual team event in Bay City, MI
- Anniversary celebrations — romantic, relaxed, and completely one of a kind
Book a Private Charter
Want the Princess Wenonah all to yourself? Private charters are available for weddings, corporate events, school groups, and large celebrations. Groups of 30 or more can also book private Saginaw River Tours outside the regular schedule.
👉 Inquire about private charters and group bookings
Book Your 2026 Bay City Boat Lines Cruise
Whether you’re after the high energy of Rock the Boat, the relaxed vibes of Carefree Cruisin’, or a family-friendly afternoon on the Saginaw River Tour, your perfect cruise is waiting. Tickets are available now — and popular dates sell out early.
👉 View all available events and book your cruise today
Questions? Contact us and we’ll help you find the right cruise for your group.