Pete Davidson and Colin Jost Hosted Ferry Comedy Show

The comedians transformed their decommissioned Staten Island ferry into a free comedy club at Pier 17.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Comedy

Screen-print poster illustration of a microphone on a ferry deck against a harbor skyline, capturing a comedy event.
Comedians Pete Davidson and Colin Jost hosted a free comedy showcase on their decommissioned Staten Island ferry at New York's Pier 17. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pete Davidson and Colin Jost held a free comedy showcase on their decommissioned Staten Island ferry on September 17, 2026. The event, presented by Snapple, featured performances from comedians including Ronny Chieng, Jay Jurden, and Sal Vulcano.

Why it matters

The show allowed the duo to repurpose the vessel they purchased in 2022 as a unique comedy venue. The event offered fans a chance to experience the ferry in a new way, aiming to provide a space for laughter and lighthearted entertainment.

The duo acquired the decommissioned ferry for a purchase price of $280,000 in 2022. The event was held at the vessel's current location at Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan.

The players

Pete Davidson

He is a comedian and actor widely known for his tenure on Saturday Night Live.

Colin Jost

He is a comedian and writer who serves as a co-anchor on the Weekend Update segment of Saturday Night Live.

Ronny Chieng

He is a stand-up comedian and correspondent for The Daily Show.

Sal Vulcano

He is an improvisational comedian best known for his role on the series Impractical Jokers.

Snapple

It is a brand of tea and juice drinks that served as the presenter for the ferry comedy show.

The details

Davidson and Jost hosted the comedy show on the decks of their boat, which was converted into an impromptu club venue. The lineup included secret sets from stand-up performers who entertained the crowd as part of the sponsored event.

Timeline

  1. 2022: Davidson and Jost purchased the decommissioned ferry.

  2. 2025: Davidson noted that he had lost money on the vessel.

  3. September 17, 2026: The duo hosted the free comedy event.

Industry Dynamics

This event highlights the growing trend of comedians using unconventional real estate assets to create unique, intimate live performance experiences. It marks a shift from traditional club settings to high-concept, brand-sponsored activations.

The free nature of this event provided fans with a unique opportunity to attend a live set without the cost of standard ticket prices. Attendees at Pier 17 were able to access the show directly as part of the one-off performance.

The takeaway

Turning large-scale infrastructure into personal project spaces can be financially risky but creates highly memorable cultural moments. Fans should keep an eye on unique local venues for one-off performances that break the mold of standard tours.

Further reading

For more on the local stand-up scene, explore Comedy.

Live Poll

Do you enjoy when celebrities repurpose decommissioned public transport for local entertainment events?