KINGSTON EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Evening Concerts Afloat: Kingston’s Solar-Powered Music Nights on Solaris
A 1 hour 15 minute Thursday-evening cruise offering intimate performances by local artists aboard Solaris, the Hudson River’s only 100% solar-powered passenger boat.
Evening Concerts Afloat: Kingston’s Solar-Powered Music Nights on Solaris.
On warm summer evenings, Solaris slips from Kingston’s Rondout Landing and becomes a hushed, floating music room: an electric, solar-powered passenger boat where local musicians play close enough to trade a story between songs. The vessel’s quiet drive foregrounds the sound of voices and strings while the Hudson Valley’s creek-and-river setting provides a slow-moving backdrop to a lineup that ranges from folk and sea shanties to soul and indie rock.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A true solar vessel
Solaris is operated by the Hudson River Maritime Museum and runs entirely on solar power—no fossil fuels—making the boat itself a main attraction and a quiet platform for live performance.
Local artists in an intimate setting
Thursday evenings feature a rotating lineup of Hudson Valley performers—indie rock, folk, sea shanties, soul and more—presented close enough that conversation with the musicians is part of the experience.
Quiet propulsion, focused listening
Because Solaris runs on a solar-powered electric motor, the boat is extraordinarily quiet, allowing the music and the river’s ambient sounds to dominate the evening.
What the day feels like
What the night feels like
The outing is compact and intentionally intimate: a roughly 75-minute round-trip cruise that departs from Rondout Landing, glides along creek and river waters, and returns to the dock while local musicians take center stage. Bring a camera, sunscreen and a small beverage or snack, settle into the vessel’s low-key seating, and let the quiet hum of the solar motor recede behind the music.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should prepare differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Camera, sunscreen, and a beverage or small snack of your choice are recommended for the short evening cruise.
Do not bring large coolers, luggage, strollers, or very large bags aboard Solaris.
Pack minimal, easy-to-carry items—the docks connect via a gravel path and gangways, so light, manageable gear is advised.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Solaris Live Music Cruise?
The cruise runs approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Where do I meet for the cruise?
Boarding takes place at 50 Rondout Landing in Kingston, NY.
Can I bring food or drink onboard?
Yes—guests are welcome to bring a beverage and/or small snack; the operator specifically notes non-alcoholic beverages and small snacks.
Is Solaris really solar-powered?
Yes—Solaris is operated by the Hudson River Maritime Museum and is the Hudson River’s only 100% solar-powered passenger boat.
Are strollers or large items allowed?
No—large coolers, luggage, strollers and very large bags are not permitted aboard Solaris.
Who do I contact about accessibility or special boarding needs?
For more information on accessibility, contact the Hudson River Maritime Museum staff at 845-338-0071 or [email protected].