Where can I see the ships come in and/or under sail?
The ships will arrive in downtown Bay City on Thursday, July 18 from 1:30-4:00 p.m. (approximately). Guests can purchase a Daily Admission Ticket to enter the parks at noon and watch the ships parade in. The parks will close to the public at 5:00 p.m.
As they arrive downtown, the ships will not be under sail. Unfortunately, there is not a place to see the ships under sail from shore.
What do I need to purchase to access the festival?
Guests are required to pay a daily admission fee to enter the parks for each day you wish to attend. This provides access to all standard festival activities and services. Required for each day you wish to attend the festival.
To board and tour the visiting tall ships, guests must also purchase a Souvenir Passport. Passports are issued to each guest and are not transferable. They are valid Friday - Sunday and allow the bearer to board and tour each visiting tall ship one time. Souvenir Passports are not valid for admission to the festival. Guests much also purchase a daily admission ticket for each day they wish to attend.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the festival?
All festival attendees are required to purchase a daily admission ticket for each day you wish to attend the festival. Children 36” and under are admitted free of charge and must be accompanied by a paying adult.
APPLEDORE SAIL-AWAY PASSENGERS: An admission ticket is included with your purchase and will be issued - via email - prior to July 18.
BAY CITY BOAT LINES PASSENGERS: You are required to purchase a daily admission ticket either online or at the gate.
There is no age limit to enter the festival or sail aboard Appledore IV or V. However, children 6 years old and under are required by Michigan law to wear a lifejacket at all times while aboard the vessel. We strongly advise that you bring your own lifejacket. BaySail and Tall Ship Celebration will not be responsible for providing them to sail-away passengers.
What are my transportation/parking options getting to the event?
FREE PARKING is available for festival attendees at General Motors Powertrain (1001 Woodside Ave). This is the best location for our handicap guests to park. A FREE shuttle service is provided to/from the GM Powertrain parking area to the main festival gate at Wenonah Park on Water Street.
There will be an additional shuttle route taking guests from Wenonah Park (East side) to Veterans Memorial Park (West side) and vice versa.
Shuttle service is provided by Bay Metro. Schedule TBD and will be posted soon.
If you are participating in a sail-away excursion, please remember to allow yourself plenty of time to park and navigate the festival grounds. We recommend arriving 45 mins - 1 hour prior to your scheduled departure time. Ships depart on-time and tickets are not refundable.
What can/can't I bring to the event?
We strongly recommend dressing for the weather. The festival grounds are exposed to the elements and have limited areas of shade/cover from the sun. Sunscreen is essential and should be applied multiple times during your time in the sun. In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately and give your location within the festival.
Absolutely no weapons, coolers, alcohol or illegal substances are allowed within the festival grounds. The no weapons policy extends to guests with a CPL license. All backpacks, purses and bags will be searched by festival security at admission gates. No pets of any kind are allowed inside the festival grounds, with the exception of service animals as permitted by law.
Can I camp at the festival?
Yes! A limited number of trailer/motorhome spaces is available in Veterans Memorial Park south of the bridge. These “dry camping” spots do not include water or electricity and are not available for tents. There are 20 riverfront sites at $40 per night and 40 additional sites for $30 per night. Register for your campsite online here. Camping at Tall Ship Celebration is managed by Bay City Northeast Little League.
What are my other lodging options during my time in Bay City?
Three hotels are located within walking distance of the festival: DoubleTree by Hilton, Comfort Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott. The Courtyard by Marriott at Uptown is Tall Ship Celebration’s headquarters hotel in 2019. More information about local lodging options can be found at www.gogreat.com or by calling the Great Lakes Bay Region Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800.444.9979.
What is your refund policy?
All sales are final. Daily admission tickets, souvenir passports, and sail-away tickets are not refundable.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
For information about Tall Ship Celebration, contact us at (989) 895-5193 or info@tallshipcelebration.com.