Pete Davidson and Colin Jost will host a free, one-night-only comedy show aboard their decommissioned Staten Island Ferry on Thursday, September 17, at Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan. The 60-minute event, branded the “Snapple Island Ferry,” marks the first public entertainment use of the vessel since the two comedians purchased it at a city auction in 2022.
Key Takeaways
- The Snapple Island Ferry comedy show takes place Thursday, September 17, at Pier 17, 89 South Street, in Lower Manhattan, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8:30 p.m.
- Pete Davidson and Colin Jost will host the 60-minute show, which features six emerging comedians produced by The Stand Group.
- The decommissioned John F. Kennedy ferry was purchased by Davidson, Jost, and comedy club owner Paul Italia for $280,000 at a New York City auction in 2022.
- Admission is free, with a limited number of tickets distributed through daily online drops at 3 p.m. throughout September, capped at one pair per person.
- The vessel, built in the mid-1960s, was the oldest ferry in the Staten Island fleet when it was retired in 2021 due to mechanical issues.
A $280,000 Impulse Buy Gets Its First Real Purpose
The backstory of the John F. Kennedy ferry has become part of New York City comedy lore. Davidson, Jost, and Paul Italia, the founder of The Stand Restaurant & Comedy Club, purchased the vessel as part of an investment group at a city surplus auction in 2022. Davidson later acknowledged in a 2023 interview that the group had been under the influence at the time of the purchase, adding that he had no clear plan for the boat. The admission only added to the absurdity of two Saturday Night Live cast members owning a retired municipal ferry.
For nearly four years, the ferry sat without a defined public use, generating more headlines than revenue. That changes on September 17, when the vessel will be docked at Pier 17 in the Seaport District and outfitted as a functioning comedy venue for one evening. The Stand Group, which operates The Stand Comedy Club and is a partner in the ferry, is handling production.
Snapple Partners With Davidson and Jost on the Branded Comedy Event
The event is a collaboration between the ferry’s ownership group and Snapple, the beverage brand owned by Keurig Dr Pepper. Snapple is branding the vessel as the “Snapple Island Ferry” and positioning the night as a break from the grind of fall routines for New Yorkers returning from summer schedules.
Brad Smith, Vice President of Marketing for the Stills & Hydration Portfolio at Keurig Dr Pepper, said the concept connects Snapple’s identity with comedy in a tangible way. The brand described the event as an effort to bring its personality into the physical world through a timely and entertaining experience. Snapple will also distribute clips and content from the show across its social media channels for audiences who cannot attend in person.
The Lineup Features Rising Comics Alongside Two SNL Veterans
Davidson and Jost will serve as co-hosts for the night, with six yet-to-be-announced comedians filling out the hour-long set. The production team has described the lineup as a showcase for some of comedy’s fastest-rising performers, though specific names have not been released as of mid-September. The curation is being handled by The Stand Group, which has a track record of developing emerging talent through its Manhattan comedy club.
The show adds to a fall season that continues to position New York City as a hub for live performance. The return of The Rocky Horror Show to Broadway at Studio 54 is one of several productions reinforcing Manhattan’s draw for audiences seeking experiences that go beyond traditional venue formats. The Snapple Island Ferry fits that same impulse, turning a commuter vessel into something unrecognizable from its original purpose.
Free Tickets Are Available Through Daily Online Drops
Tickets for the event are free but limited. A small batch is released each day at 3 p.m. through an online portal, with each person allowed to claim one pair. The distribution method is designed to build anticipation throughout September while keeping the audience size manageable for the vessel’s capacity. No standby or walk-up options have been announced.
The ferry will be docked at Pier 17, located at 89 South Street in Lower Manhattan’s Seaport District. The venue choice places the event in one of the city’s more active waterfront entertainment zones, surrounded by restaurants, retail, and seasonal programming that draws foot traffic year-round.
FAQs
Is the Snapple Island Ferry a Permanent Venue?
No. The Snapple Island Ferry is a one-night-only event taking place on September 17, 2026. There has been no announcement regarding future recurring shows aboard the vessel, though the ownership group has previously discussed converting it into a permanent nightlife and hospitality destination.
How Much Did Pete Davidson and Colin Jost Pay for the Ferry?
Davidson, Jost, and comedy club owner Paul Italia purchased the decommissioned John F. Kennedy ferry for $280,000 at a New York City surplus auction in 2022. The vessel had been retired from the Staten Island Ferry fleet in 2021 after serving as a commuter vessel since the mid-1960s.
How Can Attendees Get Tickets for the Comedy Show?
Free tickets are released daily at 3 p.m. through an online portal. Each person may claim one pair. No purchase is required, and no standby admission has been announced. Fans are encouraged to follow Snapple’s social media accounts for updates on ticket availability.
Where Is the Event Located?
The Snapple Island Ferry will be docked at Pier 17, 89 South Street, in the Seaport District of Lower Manhattan. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8:30 p.m.
