Black Yacht Weekend in Chicago: Was It a Vibe or a Disaster? By Gerry P.

Black Yacht Weekend 2025 arrived in Chicago with the promise of unity, celebration, and culture on Lake Michigan. Marketed as a “floating festival,” this Juneteenth-themed event drew a massive crowd of partygoers, influencers, and yacht owners ready to turn the lakefront into a celebration of Black excellence. But while the event delivered energy and unforgettable views, a tragic incident during the festivities cast a dark shadow over the weekend.

The Energy: A Celebration on Water

For most attendees, Black Yacht Weekend lived up to the hype. Boats lined up near Navy Pier, with DJs blasting hip hop and R&B as hundreds of young adults danced, laughed, and raised a toast to freedom and community.

The vibe was unmatched. Many described it as a floating version of a block party. Fireworks lit up the skyline on Saturday night, and social media was flooded with yacht-side views, sunset selfies, and group shots of friends decked out in designer swimwear and black-owned brands. For a lot of people, it was more than just fun—it was about pride, visibility, and joy.

Chicago’s yacht culture has grown significantly in recent years, and this weekend showed how Black Chicagoans and visitors from around the country are embracing the lake as a place of leisure, luxury, and connection.

The Tragedy: A Life Lost

Unfortunately, the weekend also saw heartbreak. On Saturday night, 27-year-old celebrity stylist Zahrie Walls fell overboard and drowned in Lake Michigan near Navy Pier. She was reportedly attending one of the yacht parties. The incident triggered a major emergency response from the Chicago Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard, and 11 other people were rescued from the water.

Zaharia’a death sent shockwaves through the community. Friends, clients, and fellow stylists took to social media to mourn her passing. Posts that had once hyped the weekend quickly shifted to grief, anger, and frustration. Some began questioning whether safety was taken seriously enough on the yachts.

While the full investigation is still ongoing, the incident highlighted a lack of clear safety protocols. People were partying on multi-level vessels without life jackets, often drinking heavily, and sometimes jumping between boats in open water.

Mixed Reactions: What Now?

The overall experience of Black Yacht Weekend now sits in a complicated space.

The Good:

A cultural moment of pride and visibility

High energy, joyful celebration

Community and networking among Black professionals and creatives

Incredible views, music, and social connection

The Bad:

A preventable tragedy that shook the community

Gaps in event planning and safety enforcement

A reminder that fun doesn’t erase the need for caution

Some are calling for stricter oversight and accountability, while others fear the event’s future may be jeopardized entirely. What’s clear is that the joy of Black Yacht Weekend should never come at the cost of a life.

Final Thought

Black Yacht Weekend was a vibe—until it wasn’t. It reflected the best of Black celebration and the worst of event oversight. The tragic death of Zahrie Walls will remain part of its legacy, but it can also be a wake-up call. If this event is to continue, it must evolve—not just as a party, but as a professionally managed, safety-first celebration that honors the lives of everyone on board.

Chicago showed the world what Black joy looks like on the water. Now it must show how to protect that joy in the future.