Pride of the Susquehanna, 2026
The Pride of the Susquehanna is back in the water and ready to set sail for the summer, following a two year hiatus.
The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society announced the launch of the Pride’s 2026 season on Thursday.
“We are thrilled to return to the river this summer, and we invite people of all ages and interests to ride the Pride with us and see why everyone has been cheering for our comeback,” said board Chair Deborah Donahue.
The signature red-and-white paddlewheel boat’s first cruise of the season will take place next Friday, May 22, featuring renowned jazz pianist Steve Rudolph. Public cruises will begin the following day, May 23.
The society also announced that it will host two Memorial Day cruises on the Pride for veterans and current members of the military (who are each permitted to bring a guest). Both will take place the evening of Monday, May 25.
Tickets are now on sale for cruises with live entertainment, two Memorial Day dinner-cruises dedicated to veterans, and other inventive theme rides for the 2026 season.
“In addition to our popular 45-minute sightseeing cruises, we will host private parties and public theme parties, featuring favorite themes that include princesses and superheroes, live music, murder-mysteries, and fine cuisine,” according to the Riverboat Society.
The society also plans to host “Sips on the Susquehanna” on the Pride this year, in partnership with “Brewery Tours,” complete with craft beer and trivia.
The nonprofit Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society has owned and operated the Pride since 1988. The group relies on ticket sales, donations and grants to operate the paddleboat. The Pride did not sail in 2024 due to unexpected repairs and also did not sail in 2025.
“We invite the community to help us keep the boat afloat for generations to come,” said Donahue.
“In past years, we had such great momentum, and we are dedicated to reclaiming those banner years and rebuilding our fiscal strength.”
Veterans and active-duty military can still ride the Pride for free for all public cruises. Boat staff still plan to offer Senior Mondays, River School for children, worship services and more.
Visit www.hbgriverboat.org or call 717-234-6500 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays to buy tickets.
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