What is the minimum age to attend?

Guests must be at least 15 years old to board the Portage Princess for this event.

What happens if it rains?

The pontoon is covered and the cruise runs rain or shine, so the event proceeds unless conditions are unsafe.

How long is the cruise?

The event is a two-hour cruise departing from Old State Park’s boat launch.

Are tickets refundable?

Ticketing and refund policies are handled through the booking link—check the event page for specific cancellation terms.

Is parking available at the meeting point?

There is parking at Old State Park, but spaces can fill quickly on summer weekends; arrive early to secure a spot.

Is the boat accessible for people with limited mobility?

The vessel accommodates many mobility levels, but contact the operator in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.

Ladies Night on the Portage Princess: Sunset Cruise with Live Music on Portage Lakes | Boat Tour | Water Activities

Ladies Night on the Portage Princess turns a simple summer evening into a buoyant social ritual on Portage Lakes, a chain of linked recreational lakes in northeastern Ohio. Departing from Old State Park (4357 State Park Drive, New Franklin), this two‑hour covered pontoon cruise runs July 2 and August 13 and pairs live music with sunset views, small plates, and a pop-up charm bar—everything tuned for a relaxed, convivial night on the water. Boarding the Portage Princess means stepping onto a sheltered deck where the Buck Naked Band supplies spirited covers and originals while the boat slips through broad bays and narrow channels. Tickets are $45 and include a curated charcuterie plate by CharCUTErie Creators and your first handcrafted mocktail; additional beverages and charms from DRIFT are available for purchase. The boat is covered and sails rain or shine, so the mood stays bright even if the sky turns gray. Note: guests must be 15 or older. The scene is easy to read: late-afternoon light softens the lake surface, osprey and herons hunt the shallows, and the shoreline alternates between parkland and private cottages trimmed in native grasses and maples. It’s an intimate way to experience Portage Lakes—less about long-haul navigation and more about good company, live sound, and the small pleasures of an evening cruise. For Akron-area visitors and anyone staying in nearby New Franklin or Canton, this outing makes a low-effort highlight of a summer trip. Practical details are straightforward: the meeting point is Old State Park’s boat launch; parking can fill up on summer weekends so arrive early. The vessel is accessible for most mobility levels, but check with the operator for specific needs. The covered pontoon design keeps passengers sheltered and close to the waterline for photography and wildlife spotting. Why book this instead of a standard bar night? It’s a portable social space—music, food, and a curated shopping moment at the charm bar—set against a living lake backdrop. The event’s format makes it an excellent option for friend groups, bachelorette parties, or visitors looking to tap into local summer culture without planning a full day on the water. If you want a relaxed, music-centered evening that showcases the quieter, watery side of Summit County, the Portage Princess delivers a memorable two hours. Booking is direct through the event link; tickets are limited and often sell out, so reserve early to secure a departure. Wear layered clothing for evening breezes, and bring a small crossbody or bag that won’t trip in boarding. If you’re photographing, bring a polarizing filter to tame glare and a lens in the 24–70mm range for both candid portraits and shoreline scenes. Arrive 20 minutes early to load and find a seat.