2026 Chicago Boat Show Features
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.
Opening Night Social: $5 after 5
When: Wednesday, January 28| 5:00 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Work Boat Zone
Booth F20 & F30
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.
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 TBD
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.
