The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its floating drag show this summer, with the fourth annual Drag on the River set for Friday, July 17, 2026.
The 19-and-over cruise runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. aboard the Sea Fox II, operated by 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises. Boarding starts at 7:45 p.m. at Blockhouse Island, and the boat leaves the dock at 8 p.m. sharp. Tickets are on sale now through Ophelia Upp’s website at opheliaupp.com/book.
Hosted by Brockville’s own drag queen Ophelia Upp, the evening pairs live drag performances with drinks, a raffle and a silent auction. Ophelia Upp has been performing across the region since 2013 and holds local Pride titles including Miss Brockville Pride 2014. The Chamber runs the cruise as a fundraiser, with details posted on its online calendar.
Captain Andy Neeteson, who operates 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises, which has been in business since 1994, provides the vessel. Passengers depart from the downtown waterfront at 30 Blockhouse Island Parkway, the same spot 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises uses for its other themed cruises.
Last year’s Pride parade in Brockville drew a record crowd, and the Chamber adopted a formal diversity and inclusion policy in 2021 that covers sexual orientation and gender identity. The Drag on the River cruise is one of several themed outings the company runs each season.
