2026 Chicago Boat Show Features
Opening Night Social: $5 after 5
When: Wednesday, January 28| 5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Where: Discover Boating Beach Club
Kick off the show with a splash! Round up your crew for our opening night celebration and score $5 admission starting at 5 pm. Enjoy drink specials, complimentary #BoatAppetit bites, and soak up the summer vibes.
Roll up like a VIP! Valet Parking: $30 (Wednesday Jan. 28 only, starting at 5 pm.)
Discount tickets available online and at the door beginning at 5 pm on January 28, 2026.
Boatgating at the Boat Show | Boating & Football Feud—Saturday, January 31
Bear down! It’s been a season to celebrate—and we’re bringing the buzz to Rosemont! Suit up and head out to the show for exclusive Boatgating festivities on Saturday.
From the Sidelines to Dockside: Panel Discussion 11:00 am–12:00 pm
Chicago football legends Charles “Peanut” Tillman, Israel “Izzy” Idonije, and Jerry Azumah unite off the field for a lively football meets boating lively football meets boating conversation, swapping game-day stories, career highlights and their passion for life on the water. Moderated by TV host/sideline reporter Lauren Screeden, and closing with audience Q&A.
Boating & Football Feud Game—1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Think you can take care of business playing with the pros? Put your game day face on and get ready to rumble! Three audience members will get a chance to take on the guys in a Boating & Football Feud Game. It’s a fun, fast-paced nautical twist on the classic TV game show—hosted by TV host/sideline reporter Lauren Screeden.
Meet & Greet*—2:00 pm–2:30 pm
Meet the players and snap a photo to prove you were there.
*Please note: To ensure the line moves quickly, autographs will not be permitted.
PaddleFest Pool
SPACE F520
Experience the fun of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking. We’ll provide all the gear and instruction you need to take a test ride.
Bumper Boats
SPACE F620
Kids can enjoy a splash-tastic adventure as they spin, whirl, and bump into their fellow boaters—it’s a smashing good time! Open to children ages 2 to 12.
Huck Finn Trout Pond
SPACE F720
A show tradition! Catch-and-release fishing pond is a great way to introduce youngsters to the fun of fishing. Free for kids aged 12 and younger!
Virtual Reality Adventure Game
SPACE F220 Discover Boating Beach Club
Enjoy a splash-tastic adventure without leaving the show floor. This hands-on VR experience brings boating to life so you can virtually experience the excitement of a day on the water.
Get Sparked Pop-Up Shop
SPACE F220 Discover Boating Beach Club
Bling your boat show experience! Get Sparked is a local boutique that specializes in water-resistant permanent jewelry and charms, just perfect for boaters. Stop in to buy and customize a bracelet that can handle the splash zone or style a keychain for your boat keys. It’s on trend and a fun way to create a one-of-a kind keepsake.
First 25 guests per session get a FREE bracelet + nautical charm. After that, purchase and add charms to make it uniquely yours.
Schedule*
Friday 4:30 pm–6:30 pm
Saturday: 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am–1:00 pm
*Pop-up dates and hours subject to change.
Discover Boating Beach Club
SPACE F220
Bring on the summer vibes. Kick back with your crew and soak up the fun—enjoy music, food, drinks, games, and more all throughout the show.
EXP Rosemont Pop Up
Lobby | Saturday, January 31, 11 am–1pm
Step into stories that move you. Just minutes from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, EXP Rosemont uses cutting-edge technology to create virtual reality adventures that respond to your movements, choices, and interactions. Get a taste of what’s waiting for you with a sneak peek of the Life Chronicles experience—a journey through the story of life on Earth—or Horizon of Khufu, an awe-inspiring exploration of ancient Egypt. It’s immersive storytelling unlike anything you’ve ever tried before—and it’s right around the corner.
Surf Simulator
SPACE F220 Discover Boating Beach Club
Surf’s up! Can you ride the waves like you own them or “hang ten” like a pro? Only one way to find out—take a ride on the Surf Simulator. This immersive attraction pairs a dynamic moving surfboard with a vivid screen to offer you the sensation of carving across real ocean swells.
Fred’s Shed How-to Center—presented by Progressive®
SPACE C1120
Tips, tricks, and DIY advice for every boater—from first timers to experienced captains. Have a boat or engine problem you haven’t been able to fix? Stop by and ask our tech expert about it.
Golf Simulator
Space F220: Discover Boating Beach Club
Tee off at Tahoe! Step off the show floor and onto the fairway to experience the iconic 17th Hole of Lake Tahoe’s Edgewood Golf Course. Grab a club, take a swing and see what it feels like to play like the pros.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Booth C1220
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is here to ensure everyone stays safe and well-informed. Stop by to get up to date on the latest boating safety tips and requirements.
ABC Boating Course
Location Room 14
Offered by the Power Squadron, the NASBLA-approved America’s Boating Course helps boaters in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin meet their boater education requirements for operating powered watercraft.
All registrations for this course are being managed by the Power Squadron through this link.
Work Boat Zone
Booth F120 & F125
Check out a lineup of workboats, all actively operating on Illinois waterways. See vessels from the Illinois Conservation Police alongside watercraft from the United States Army Corps of Engineers.