Samantha Impaglia 
Memorial Day Weekend will be here in just a few weeks, which means summer plans are full steam ahead. We’re highlighting an activity that is simply a must-try this summer. Enter the Honorable William Wall – aka the Willy Wall – Jersey City’s two-story floating clubhouse, complete with a full bar and good vibes on the Hudson River. The Willy Wall is anchored in New York Harbor, with launches from Jersey City every half hour, and once it opens on May 16th, will be open Tuesday through Saturday, rain or shine. Read on for more about the Honorable William Wall in Jersey City and how to book your spot.
What is the Honorable William Wall?
The Honorable William Wall, commonly known as the Willy Wall to locals, is a two-story floating barge that is anchored in New York Harbor and launches from Jersey City. It is equipped with a full bar, and visitors can bring their own food for snacking (but all drinks must be purchased on board). The upper deck is covered, and the lower deck is completely enclosed, so you can still enjoy the festivities during rainy or overcast weather. The clubhouse only closes in the event of a hurricane or another major storm.
Read More: Floating Island on the Hudson River Could Be a New Home for Hoboken’s Honorary Bird
So, who exactly is the Honorable William Wall, and what is the story behind the clubhouse? According to the Willy Wall website, the Honorable William Wall was an entrepreneur who moved to New York City in the early 1800s. He founded the Wall Rope Works, which became the premium supplier of cordage to the shipping industry. William then went on to serve as Mayor of Williamsburg, head of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and a United States Congressman during the Civil War.
Michael Wall Fortenbaugh is the Commodore of the Manhattan Yacht Club, which manages the Willy Wall. Commodore Fortenbaugh moved to NYC in 1987 and was inspired by his distant relation to build the Willy Wall in 2002.
How Does it Work?
View this post on Instagram
The 2026 season will begin on May 16th. The Willy Wall operates Tuesday through Saturday, with two seatings on Saturdays. Patrons board the Admiral’s Launch vessel at the Manhattan Yacht Club clubhouse, located at 140 Dudley Street in Jersey City. Weekday tickets are $20, and weekend tickets are $30. There are also “Special Manhattan Tickets” available on weekdays for those looking to board from NYC’s Brookfield Ferry Terminal.
The ticket times are as follows:
Tuesday to Friday
- 5:40PM out, 8:15PM return
- 6:10PM out, 8:45PM return
- 6:40PM out, 9:15PM return
- 7:10PM out, 9:45PM return
Saturday (Afternoon)
- 12:30PM out, 3:45PM return
- 1:00PM out, 4:15PM return
- 1:30PM out, 4:45PM return
- 2PM out, 5:15PM return
Saturday (Evening)
- 5:30PM out, 8:15PM return
- 6PM out, 8:45PM return
- 6:30PM out, 9:15PM return
- 7PM out, 9:45PM return
View this post on Instagram
All tickets can be bought on the website here, where you can also choose a launch time. When booking a spot, there is the option to reserve an upper deck table, which can seat four to six people and guarantees a place to sit and enjoy the drinks and views. There is also seating at the bar, as well as standing room. The Willy Wall has a max capacity of 149 people. The Willy Wall is family-friendly, but parents must keep an eye on their children at all times. Life jackets are required for younger children.
See More: The Best Waterfront Dining Spots in Northern New Jersey
Aside from reserving a table, patrons can also rent out the Willy Wall for private events like birthdays, engagements, corporate parties, and more. To learn more, click here, and don’t forget to invite us.
Special Events
View this post on Instagram
From time to time, special events are held on the Honorable William Wall. The clubhouse hosts a Full Moon Party, its signature event, multiple times per year during the Full Moon. The party is rock-n-roll themed, with tunes from the 70s and 80s starting in the early evening. As the night progresses and the moon rises, music from the 80s, 90s, and beyond are played. “If you like to have fun, come out and feel the moon, and feel free to HOWL,” the website reads. Stay tuned on the website for 2026 Full Moon party dates.
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok to stay in the know with all of the local happenings, sign up for our weekly newsletter here, and check out our events calendar.
