Black Yacht Weekend 2026 is a multi-day cultural experience about connection, celebration, culture—on land and on the water— and summer in Chicago. The weekend features a mix of daytime and nighttime events, including yacht-adjacent experiences, rooftop parties, nightlife activities, and live performances.
This Gemini Takeover features dinner and brunch at iconic Chicago restaurants, access to the Black Yacht Weekend events, and a tour of the city in mid-air— in true '90s fashion!
Day 1: June 18, Thursday
Check In Hotel (2 options)
Day 2: June 19, Friday
Dinner at Kitchen + Kocktails
Black Yacht Weekend Event TBD
Day 3: June 20, Saturday
Afro Fusion Day Party (Optional)
Black Yacht Weekend Yacht Party
Black Yacht Weekend Relaxed Firework Cruise (Optional)
Day 4: June 21, Sunday
Chicago Helicopter Tour (Optional)
Brunch at Batter & Berries
Black Yacht Weekend Event TBD
Spray Paint & Sip (Optional)
Day 5: June 22, Monday
Check Out Hotel
**Stay flexible as real-time updates may occur throughout the weekend.**
Important Details
Flights:
- Not included in ANY of the prices
- Price will be for round-trip from your destination to Chicago (ORD)
- Flights can be secured here.
- ROUGH estimate is $200-$300 [ATL-to-ORD] (miles points and credits are highly recommended to help you save)
Package Deposits:
'90's Chill
- $150 Deposit Per Person - Non Refundable
- Must be paid in full by May 20th, 2026
- Autograph Collection by Marriott
LIT '90's Baby
- $200 Deposit Per Person - Non Refundable
- Must be paid in full by May 20th, 2026
- Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
Luxe & '90's LIT
- $250 Deposit Per Person - Non Refundable
- Must be paid in full by May 20th, 2026
- The Wade
*Hotel payments received after your deposit are refundable through April 1st, 2026! If you wish to make any changes to the hotels please book a consult with me below!
⚠️ The Black Yacht Weekend tickets and yacht access are NON-REFUNDABLE. Ticket details are listed in each package.
If you want to modify a package or purchase BYW tickets and/or Yacht access separately please specify that in your quote and book a consult with me below.
Choose a package that fits what you envision for your experience, where every moment is packed with culture and exclusivity.
$150 Deposit Per Person
Hotel + Ground Transportation
This option is for that explorer on a budget who still desires to experience the Black Yacht Weekend culture but without the the major expense.
Included:
- 4 Nights @ Autograph Collection by Marriott
- Round trip transportation from airport/hotel
- Dinner Reservation at Kitchen + Kocktails
- Brunch Reservation at Batter & Berries
- Spray Paint & Sip
- Afro Fusion Day Party Entry
- OR Black Yacht Weekend Fireworks Cruise
- Gemini Takeover Swag Bag
*Single & Double Occupancy Available
Click here to Request A Quote.
$200 Deposit Per Person
Hotel + Ground Transportation + BYW Access
This option is for that LIT explorer who came to be a part of the culture, dress in '90s fashion, but maybe not participate in all Black Yacht Weekend events.
Included:
- 4 Night @ Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
Round-trip transportation from the airport/hotel
Dinner Reservation at Kitchen + Kocktails
Brunch Reservation at Batter & Berries
Spray Paint & Sip
Black Yacht Weekend General Admission
BYM Merch Kit with 2026 Flag
5-Hour Luxury Yacht Party with Food & Open Bar
- Gemini Takeover Swag Bag
*Single & Double Occupancy Available
Click here to Request A Quote.
$250 Deposit Per Person
Luxe Hotel + Ground Transportation + BYW VIP
This option is for that LIT explorer who came to be immersed in the culture, dress in '90s fashion, and participate as an exclusive VIP in all Black Yacht Weekend events.
Included:
4 Night @ The Wade
Round-trip transportation from the airport/hotel
Dinner Reservation at Kitchen + Kocktails
Brunch Reservation at Batter & Berries
Helicopter Tour
Black Yacht Weekend VIP Admission
Express VIP Entry
VIP Exclusive Events
VIP Kit with BYW 2026 Flag
5-Hour Luxury Yacht Party with Food & Open Bar
Gemini Takeover Swag Bag
*Single & Double Occupancy Available
Click here to Request A Quote.
I am Monet' Walker, CEO of Explore The World. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois and I believe that everyone should be able to experience everything the world has to offer. We specialize in group travelers that enjoy unique and luxury experiences.
I also teach entrepreneurs how to turn their passion for travel into income while earning and saving on travel, including their own.
Below are options that you can add to your trip to build your ideal explorers LIT experience.
$65 Per Person (Rough Estimate)
Celebrating a Gemini?
Purchase a ’90s airbrush-style shirt as a gift to your favorite Gem. Gift bags include a shirt and Gemini-styled trinkets.
Sizes will range from small to 2x.
Designs and exact pricing available to view on March 21st.
Limited Availability! Pre-Order available!
Atlanta (ATL) 🔄 Chicago (ORD)
American Airlines flights as of 2/22/26 are $250-$300 for a round trip to Chicago from Atlanta and this is subject to increase or decrease over time. Any flight bookings will require an additional fee prior to booking.
Due to people traveling from different parts of the USA, Explore The World will accept flight bookings until April 30th.
Any group rate flights will require a minimum of 10 seats to secure that special pricing.