Special Event

WHAT IS OUTBOUND HOPE? The Outbound Hope Mission is a multi-day, live-action role playing event intended to give players the realistic, immersive experience of being aboard a space-bound starship. Hosted within the interior of the decommissioned USS Edson in Bay City, MI, players will be engaged in four days of exciting science-fiction adventures and missions. For the duration of the event, the  Edson will be outfitted to serve as the Flame of Liberty, a 23rd-century starship proudly leading a fleet of colonists in the unknowns of space. With a crew of more than 100 individuals, players will need to work together to fulfill duties and objectives unique to their character.   THE STORY SO FAR In November of 2019, more than 200 daring participants braved bitter temperatures to join us for our first Outbound Hope events. There, players served as the crew of the Ascendant Dawn, the legendary flagship of the Outbound fleet. Despite great success, the international pandemic prevented our 2020 return for Season Two and presented severe challenges thereafter. Now, Windfall Entertainment, LLC finally invites players back to the USS Edson. Restarting our story from the launch of the mission, join us as we begin the new and original story of the Flame of Liberty — another proud vessel of the colonial fleet. With an all new ship, new characters and new adventures to be had, Outbound Hope is back… bigger an bolder than ever before!   WHAT IS A LARP? The Outbound Hope Mission is a live-action roleplaying game, commonly referred to as a “larp.” For participants unfamiliar with this style of gameplay, it is easily comparable to many popular tabletop games or video game RPG’s– but with a powerful element of full immersion and a tangible environment. As in a murder mystery event, a player is physically present in a space and actively participating in the events around them. Because of this, participants should expect full and active immersion into a fictional world. Players will be able to embody characters and allow them to experience a world of adventure and excitement. As a member of the Outbound Fleet, your decisions will direct your path, and your actions may dramatically impact those around you – including the ship as a whole.  

Celebrate Independence Day with us aboard the USS EDSON for a thrilling Salute from Our Ship! Witness the power and history of our cannon as we honor our nation’s birthday with an unforgettable naval tribute. Event Details: Date: July 4, 2026 Time: Cannon fires at 12:00 PM Location: Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum Experience the pride, power, and patriotism of a naval salute right here in the Great Lakes Bay region! Bring your family and friends and make this 4th of July one to remember aboard a historic destroyer.

More details to be provided soon!

Thunder Rally in Saginaw Valley is a family-friendly, public motorcycle event featuring tent camping, food and merchandise vendors, service vendors, a beer tent, and live live music throughout the weekend. Created to honor past and current U.S. military service members, Thunder Rally brings the community together for a weekend of celebration while raising funds for the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. We welcome Michigan-based U.S. military 501(c)(3) organizations to participate. Please email [email protected] to learn how your organization can be involved at a very low cost—or possibly no cost at all. A limited number of overnight bunks aboard the USS Edson are available exclusively for U.S. military veterans. To be considered for a stay on the ship, please email [email protected]. Event details will be added as they become available, so be sure to follow this page for updates. Vendors: Please email [email protected] for participation information.

Join us on September 11, 2026, as we honor and remember the heroes of 9/11 with a special Salute aboard the USS EDSON at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. This meaningful event invites community members to participate in a tribute of respect, reflection, and remembrance for the brave first responders, military personnel, and civilians affected by the events of September 11, 2001. Take part in a solemn flag ceremony, learn about the significance of service and sacrifice, and stand in unity with others to honor this important day in history. More details are coming soon—stay tuned for event schedules and participation information.

Dare to step aboard the USS EDSON after dark? The Edson Incident returns for another season of terror, kicking off with Opening Night on September 25 from 8:00 PM to Midnight! Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding haunted experience as the historic destroyer transforms into one of Michigan’s most terrifying paranormal attractions. Navigate the eerie corridors, encounter restless spirits, and face the unknown—if you dare. This is just the beginning of a thrilling season of scares, and you won’t want to miss out! More details coming soon. In the meantime, visit EdsonIncident.com for updates, tickets, and more information. Date: September 25, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight Location: USS EDSON – Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum Details & Tickets: EdsonIncident.com Are you brave enough to face the Edson Incident?

Dare to step aboard the USS EDSON after dark? The Edson Incident returns for another season of terror, on September 26 from 7:00 PM to Midnight! Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding haunted experience as the historic destroyer transforms into one of Michigan’s most terrifying paranormal attractions. Navigate the eerie corridors, encounter restless spirits, and face the unknown—if you dare. This is just the beginning of a thrilling season of scares, and you won’t want to miss out! More details coming soon. In the meantime, visit EdsonIncident.com for updates, tickets, and more information. Date: September 26, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM – Midnight Location: USS EDSON – Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum Details & Tickets: EdsonIncident.com Are you brave enough to face the Edson Incident?

Dare to step aboard the USS EDSON after dark? The Edson Incident returns for another season of terror, on October 2 from 8:00 PM to Midnight! Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding haunted experience as the historic destroyer transforms into one of Michigan’s most terrifying paranormal attractions. Navigate the eerie corridors, encounter restless spirits, and face the unknown—if you dare. This is just the beginning of a thrilling season of scares, and you won’t want to miss out! More details coming soon. In the meantime, visit EdsonIncident.com for updates, tickets, and more information. Date: October 2, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight Location: USS EDSON – Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum Details & Tickets: EdsonIncident.com Are you brave enough to face the Edson Incident?

Dare to step aboard the USS EDSON after dark? The Edson Incident returns for another season of terror, on October 3 from 7:00 PM to Midnight! Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding haunted experience as the historic destroyer transforms into one of Michigan’s most terrifying paranormal attractions. Navigate the eerie corridors, encounter restless spirits, and face the unknown—if you dare. This is just the beginning of a thrilling season of scares, and you won’t want to miss out! More details coming soon. In the meantime, visit EdsonIncident.com for updates, tickets, and more information. Date: October 3, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM – Midnight Location: USS EDSON – Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum Details & Tickets: EdsonIncident.com Are you brave enough to face the Edson Incident?

Dare to step aboard the USS EDSON after dark? The Edson Incident returns for another season of terror, on October 9 from 8:00 PM to Midnight! Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding haunted experience as the historic destroyer transforms into one of Michigan’s most terrifying paranormal attractions. Navigate the eerie corridors, encounter restless spirits, and face the unknown—if you dare. This is just the beginning of a thrilling season of scares, and you won’t want to miss out! More details coming soon. In the meantime, visit EdsonIncident.com for updates, tickets, and more information. Date: October 9, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight Location: USS EDSON – Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum Details & Tickets: EdsonIncident.com Are you brave enough to face the Edson Incident?

Dare to step aboard the USS EDSON after dark? The Edson Incident returns for another season of terror, on October 10 from 7:00 PM to Midnight! Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding haunted experience as the historic destroyer transforms into one of Michigan’s most terrifying paranormal attractions. Navigate the eerie corridors, encounter restless spirits, and face the unknown—if you dare. This is just the beginning of a thrilling season of scares, and you won’t want to miss out! More details coming soon. In the meantime, visit EdsonIncident.com for updates, tickets, and more information. Date: October 10, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM – Midnight Location: USS EDSON – Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum Details & Tickets: EdsonIncident.com Are you brave enough to face the Edson Incident?

Dare to step aboard the USS EDSON after dark? The Edson Incident returns for another season of terror, on October 16 from 8:00 PM to Midnight! Prepare yourself for an intense, heart-pounding haunted experience as the historic destroyer transforms into one of Michigan’s most terrifying paranormal attractions. Navigate the eerie corridors, encounter restless spirits, and face the unknown—if you dare. This is just the beginning of a thrilling season of scares, and you won’t want to miss out! More details coming soon. In the meantime, visit EdsonIncident.com for updates, tickets, and more information. Date: October 16, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight Location: USS EDSON – Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum Details & Tickets: EdsonIncident.com Are you brave enough to face the Edson Incident?