September 17–20, 2026
Newport, RI
450
NIBS | Newport International Boat Show 2026 is a trade show in Newport, RI with approximately 450 exhibitors expected.
More detailed information about this show will be added soon.
The 2025 edition featured over 450 exhibitors and drew packed crowds. According to organizers, the 2025 show generated $22.5 million in economic impact for the local economy. Specific attendee headcount figures are not published by the official sources.
Tickets are sold online, and organizers recommend purchasing in advance to avoid long lines at the gate; adding tickets to a mobile wallet is advised for faster entry on-site.
Key details:
The Newport International Boat Show marks its 55th annual edition in 2026 — its 'Emerald Anniversary' — placing its founding in 1972. Over the decades it has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious boat shows in the Northeast and the traditional kickoff to the region's boat show season. Recent years have seen continued expansion: the 2025 show added a new Brokerage Basin and debuted the Windward VIP Lounge, and now spans over 17 acres across multiple connecting show sites. The event is organized by Informa Markets (Informa US Boat Shows) and is presented by BankNewport.
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
20 Commercial Wharf
The show is anchored at the Newport Yachting Center, a waterfront venue on Newport Harbor that is Rhode Island's premier mooring field and marine service facility. NIBS spans over 17 acres across 7 interconnected show sites in historic downtown Newport, including the Newport Yachting Center, Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, Oldport Marine, Bannister's Wharf, Bowen's Wharf, Market Square, 'Below Deck' at Hammetts, and Perry Mill Wharf. The layout combines in-water docks with on-land exhibits. Key zones include Perry Mill Wharf (boats up to 80 feet, engines, electronics, retail pavilions, and the Windward VIP lounge), the Brokerage Basin (yachts from 30 to 125 feet), and the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina (sea trials). Amenities include restrooms, food vendors, water refill stations, and recycling/composting stations, with Information booths on Commercial Wharf and Market Square.
The recommended parking is at Easton's Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840. A parking pass is $42 per vehicle, valid for any one day (Thursday–Sunday). Continuous, complimentary shuttle bus service runs to and from the boat show entrance (approximately 1.5–1.6 miles) from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm all four days. Passes can be purchased at the beach entrance on arrival (limited availability) or, as recommended, in advance online. Handicapped parking and shuttle service are available at the Easton's Beach lot.
The nearest airports are T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Providence and Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is convenient for getting around Newport.
Ferry options serve the show from points north and south:
For drivers, park at Easton's Beach and use the complimentary show shuttle. Note that in 2026 the show overlaps with the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival (Sept. 18–20), so plan transportation accordingly.
onPeak is the official hotel provider for the Newport International Boat Show, offering discounted rates at conveniently located hotels with no booking fees and flexible policies; reservations can be made through the show's onPeak booking portal. Because Newport is a popular destination that fills quickly in the fall, organizers strongly recommend booking accommodations well in advance. The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina and Hammetts Hotel sit directly on show sites in downtown Newport, placing guests within walking distance of the wharfs.
The 55th annual Newport International Boat Show takes place September 17-20, 2026, at the Newport Yachting Center in historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Hours are 10am-6pm Thursday through Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday.
Tickets are sold online through the show's official ticketing page, and buying in advance is recommended to avoid gate lines. Each ticket is valid for one day only with no refunds; children under 10 are free with an adult. Discounted $21 tickets are available on-site Sunday for military members and Newport County residents with valid ID.
The show is ideal for prospective boat buyers, experienced sailors and powerboaters, marine industry professionals, and families who enjoy maritime culture. Attendees can view new and brokerage boats from about 15 to 125 feet, shop marine products, and take part in seminars and on-water training.
The recommended parking is at Easton's Beach (175 Memorial Blvd), at $42 per vehicle per day, with free continuous shuttle service to the show entrance from 8am to 8pm. Ferry service is also available from Jamestown and Providence, and the nearest airports are T.F. Green in Providence and Logan in Boston.
It is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the U.S. and the traditional kickoff to Northeast boat show season, spanning over 17 acres and 7 connected sites. Highlights include the Brokerage Basin, Windward VIP Lounge, Tech Talks at IYRS, Cruisers Classroom seminars, and boats making their U.S. debut, all set against Newport's scenic historic waterfront.
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyiTrade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Welcome to TradeShows.fyi, your go-to source for everything related to trade shows, exhibitions, and events. Whether you’re an
Read on tradeshows.fyi