City Cruises Boosts Entertainment Lineup for the Season

City Cruises, the leader in dining and sightseeing cruises worldwide, Tuesday announced the return of its “City Cruises Live, presented by BPA” entertainment series, with an expanded lineup of live concerts, celebrity appearances and culinary experiences aboard City Cruises’ local Spirit and Odyssey vessels.

Attendees will board at Pier 4, 580 Water St. SW, in DC. The cruise line suggests using a rideshare service, using the Metro (two blocks away). There are several nearby parking garages listed on the City Cruises website. 

Building on the success of its inaugural year, the 2026 Washington, D.C. schedule features 11 live events, including nationally recognized country artists, jazz performers, television personalities and celebrity chefs, offering guests intimate, one-of-a-kind experiences against the backdrop of the nation’s capital. 

Here’s this season’s lineup with some descriptions of each evening courtesy of City Cruises!

2026 Washington, D.C. City Cruises Live Schedule

• April 11 – Chris Lane Live: Set sail with City Cruises Live for a one-of-a-kind evening with country star Chris Lane. Come aboard for an intimate cruise where Chris will play a stripped-down acoustic set that’s laid-back but still energetic. He’ll hit all the high points and bring his modern country sound to life in an up-close setting, surrounded by the twinkling city lights and shimmering water. Every note will feel closer and more meaningful during this feel-good, romantic night. 
• April 21 – Margaritas and Memories with Mac McAnally & Scotty Emerick: Sail into a breezy evening as Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mac McAnally, along with Scotty Emerick and Eric Darken, brings an island paradise tribute night aboard City Cruises Live. With salt in the air and stories in the songs, guests will enjoy timeless tunes, feel-good anthems and a rare chance to catch these coastal troubadours up close. It’s the kind of night that feels like an intimate jam session—only floating along iconic skylines.
• June 7 – Rodney Atkins Live: City Cruises Live is going big on the boat for an unforgettable night of country on the water with the multiplatinum country recording artist Rodney Atkins. He’ll be taking his small-town ‘boots on the ground’ energy onto the deck for a wholesome concert filled with a heartland vibe. If you like tailgate energy or just want to enjoy a chill night out with friends, this one-of-a-kind musical event fits any mood
• July 19 – The Bacon Brothers Live: The Bacon Brothers are bringing their signature “forosoco” sound—a blend of folk, rock, soul, and country—to the water for an exclusive Washington, D.C. performance. Michael and Kevin Bacon swap the big stage for a yacht, delivering an intimate, acoustic set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Washington, D.C. skyline. Enjoy a chef-prepared buffet and craft cocktails as the brothers share the stories and harmonies that have filled iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry. For the ultimate experience, go VIP for priority boarding and the best views on deck. It’s rootsy, soulful, and entirely up-close.
• July 25 – Captain Sandy Yawn with Captain Kerry Titheradge & Daryn Carp: Set sail for an exclusive, interactive experience with Captain Sandy from Below Deck Mediterranean, joined by fan favorites Kate Chastain (“Below Deck,” “The Traitors”) and Captain Kerry Titheradge (“Below Deck Adventure”). Hosted by Daryn Carp, this up-close-and-personal event brings you face-to-face with your favorite reality TV stars. Enjoy a live Q&A and photo ops, alongside a buffet dinner and stunning views.
• Aug. 2 – Sunset Jazz with Elan Trotman: 25 Years of Music: Set sail for an unforgettable night of high-energy jazz, soulful rhythms and skyline views as Elan Trotman and Aric B take over City Cruises Live. Elan’s masterful horn textures and groove-driven sound blend seamlessly with Aric B’s smooth R&B stylings, creating a performance full of surprises and dynamic energy. With special guest DJs keeping the vibes alive, this is not just a concert—it’s an exclusive, up-close experience designed for true music lovers. 
• Aug. 30 – Cooper Alan Live (D.C. exclusive): Country star Cooper Alan is taking his sound to the water with City Cruises Live! Delivering a one-of-a-kind stripped-down acoustic performance set against breathtaking waterfront views. This special show reimagines Alan’s fan-favorite hits in an intimate, unplugged setting—bringing his songwriting, storytelling, and personality front and center. Alan has built a massive, self-made fanbase online with over 18 million followers and 750 million+ streams through heartfelt storytelling, clever humor, or outside-the-box genre mashups.
• Sept. 20 – Michael Ray Live: Put on your boots and come aboard for an up-close country music experience with Michael Ray, the artist behind chart-toppers like “Think a Little Less” and “Whiskey and Rain.” With the skyline glowing and the strum of guitar strings in the air, this isn’t just a concert — it’s an up-close country experience set against iconic city views.
• Sept. 26 – Country Cruisin’ with Colt Ford: Colt Ford, the Southern star blending country sounds with rap grit, is bringing a hard-hitting performance to the water with City Cruises Live. Forget the backroads…this time, Colt’s on a yacht in front of the city skyline for a concert experience that’s all horsepower and no brakes.
• Oct. 4 – Maximum Flavor with Chef Adrianne: A Culinary Journey: Meet Chef Adrianne Calvo – Nationally recognized and locally adored, Chef Adrianne is known for her bold, flavor-packed dishes and unforgettable dining experiences. Named Miami’s Best Chef; Bestselling author of Maximum Flavor and Play With Fire; Featured on Food Network, Forbes, and The Today Show
• Nov. 21 – An Intimate Evening with Ken Block & Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel: Set sail for an epic night of music, dining, and scenic views as Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel bring their signature blend of rock and acoustic sounds to some iconic waterways. Two of the driving forces behind the platinum-selling band Sister Hazel, Ken and Drew showcase their signature harmonies and heartfelt songwriting in this stripped-down acoustic experience.

Returning fan favorites include Captain Sandy Yawn, Chef Adrianne Calvo, and Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel.

The 2026 Washington, D.C. City Cruises Live series launches in April during the city’s peak cherry blossom season, offering guests a unique way to experience the nation’s capital from the Potomac River while enjoying live entertainment. Each City Cruises Live event pairs entertainment with City Cruises’ signature hospitality, featuring onboard dining, curated food and beverage offerings, and optional VIP packages that may include meet-and-greet opportunities, premium seating and open bar access.

Tickets and additional event details are available at citycruises.com/live with more announcements and schedule updates expected throughout the year. 

Hornblower Group is a global transportation and experience-based tourism leader, with its City Experiences division representing an expansive portfolio of water- and land-based brands including City Cruises, Walks, Devour Tours, and City Ferry.

City Cruises companies operate dining, sightseeing and private events across 22 destinations in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, as well as service on behalf of the National Park Service and the Niagara Parks Commission. City Cruises currently holds service contracts to provide ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Alcatraz Island, and Niagara Falls.

Through Walks and Devour Tours, City Experiences offers world-class travel experiences, including immersive walking tours, food tours, and VIP experiences at iconic landmarks. City Ferry companies offer specialized knowledge and expertise required to transport passengers, vehicles, and other cargo safely across inland and coastal waterways, serving as operator of NYC Ferry and Puerto Rico ferry system, among others. For more information visit cityexperiences.com.