Windy City Boat & Yacht Show 2026
Event Date
June 12–14, 2026
Location
Chicago, IL
Expected Exhibitors
50
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Windy City Boat & Yacht Show is Chicago's premier in-water marine event, staged along the lakefront at Burnham Harbor with Lake Michigan and the city skyline as its backdrop. Produced by Informa, the show invites visitors to explore the latest luxury yachts, powerboats, sailing vessels, and cutting-edge marine technology. Attendees can board many of the vessels on display, take select boat test drives and sea trials, and be among the first to see new 2026 models debut.
The event draws boating enthusiasts, prospective buyers, boat owners, and families. On the water, guests can browse 100+ boats up to 75 feet, both new and brokerage, while land-based exhibits feature marine accessories, safety gear, and boating essentials from 50+ brands. A festival atmosphere rounds out the weekend with live music, gourmet food, handcrafted cocktails, and VIP experiences.
Whether you are a seasoned boater or simply looking for a fantastic day out on Chicago's lakefront, the show offers something for everyone. Its central, easily accessible location makes it simple to pair a visit with the city's top attractions before or after the event.
Show Highlights
Signature experiences and features include:
- In-water display of 100+ boats and yachts up to 75 feet, including powerboats and sailboats, both new and brokerage, with select boat test drives and sea trials
- 50+ exhibiting brands showcasing marine technology, luxury accessories, and safety gear
- Start Sailing Now / On-Water Sail Training in partnership with Sail America and SailTime — a chance to get out on the water with no experience needed
- Cruisers Classroom educational seminars
- Fishing Fun for Kids family activities
- Yacht Club Lounge VIP setting with live music, gourmet cuisine, and handcrafted cocktails
- Anchored in Hope: A Community Sunday featuring community partners
Registration
Tickets must be purchased online in advance — there is no onsite box office. Adding the ticket to an Apple or Google Wallet is recommended for quick entry.
Ticket types for the 2026 show:
- One-day general admission: $20 (valid any single day, Friday June 12 through Sunday June 14)
- Two-day ticket: $35
- Marine Trades ticket: $60 (valid all three days; requires proof of marine trades status via email to customer service)
- Children 5 and under: free, no ticket required
- Children ages 6–11: free, but a (no-cost) ticket is required
- Active military and veterans: complimentary one-day general admission (advance request recommended; bring Military ID)
All tickets are subject to processing fees and are non-refundable; refunds are issued only if the event is cancelled in full. This is a rain-or-shine event.
History
The Windy City Boat & Yacht Show is a brand-new event debuting June 12–14, 2026 in downtown Chicago at Burnham Harbor. Produced by Informa — the world's leading event organizer and producer of seven additional North American International Boat Shows — the 2026 edition marks the inaugural year of the show. It is a separate, independent event and was not part of the Navy Pier in-water boat show produced by Revel in August 2025. To stage the show, organizers are building temporary docks on the south end of the harbor and utilizing an existing permanent dock, working with Chicago Harbors and the Chicago Park District.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Burnham Harbor
Burnham Harbor
Burnham Harbor is located along Chicago's lakefront near the Museum Campus, set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. For the show, organizers are building temporary docks on the south end of the harbor and utilizing an existing permanent dock to accommodate the boats on display, in coordination with Chicago Harbors and the Chicago Park District. The site includes on-water boat displays, land-based exhibit areas, food vendor zones, restrooms, and information and registration booths.
Parking
Several paid parking options are available near the show entrance with hundreds of spots:
- South Lot — 459 E 18th Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 (closest, near show entrance)
- Waldron Deck Garage — 458 E 18th Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 (closest, near show entrance)
- Burnham Harbor / Museum Campus Parking Garage — 1356 Special Olympics Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
- McCormick Place Garages — Lot A (2301 S Prairie Ave), Lot B (3050 Moe Dr), and Lot C (2227 Ft. Dearborn Dr), Chicago, IL 60616
- Northerly Island Parking Lot — 1400 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
- Millennium Park Garage (Downtown) — 6 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, ideal for guests coming from downtown or the North Side, with a scenic ~30-minute Lakefront Trail walk or a Divvy bike ride to the harbor
Getting There
Burnham Harbor is accessible by car, public transit, bike, or on foot. The show is easily reachable and also served by water taxis.
- CTA Trains: Red, Orange, and Green Lines to Roosevelt Station, roughly a 15–20 minute walk east to Burnham Harbor
- CTA Buses: Routes serving the Museum Campus / Soldier Field area stop within a short walk of the show entrance; check schedules via the Chicago Transit Authority
- By bike: Divvy bike-share stations are located near Museum Campus and along the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail, which runs adjacent to Burnham Harbor; bike racks are available on the show grounds
- Rideshare and driving: Multiple nearby parking lots and garages serve the harbor (see parking details)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) are the two major airports serving Chicago.
Nearby Hotels
Informa has partnered with onPeak as the official hotel booking service, offering exclusive rates and flexible booking for exhibitors and attendees; reservations can be made through the onPeak booking portal linked on the show's Hotel/Travel page. Because Chicago is a popular summer destination, organizers recommend booking accommodations well in advance. The harbor's central lakefront location places attendees near downtown and South Loop hotels close to Museum Campus, Millennium Park, and the Loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show 2026?
The show takes place June 12–14, 2026 at Burnham Harbor along Chicago's lakefront. Show hours run Friday through Sunday, closing at 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.
How much are tickets and how do I buy them?
Tickets are sold online only — there is no onsite box office. One-day general admission is $20 and a two-day ticket is $35; children 5 and under are free, and kids ages 6–11 require a free ticket. Active military and veterans receive complimentary one-day admission.
What can I see and do at the show?
Attendees can explore 100+ in-water boats up to 75 feet, from powerboats to sailboats, and browse exhibits from 50+ marine brands. Highlights include boat boarding, select test drives and sea trials, on-water sail training, the Cruisers Classroom seminars, kids' fishing activities, and a VIP Yacht Club Lounge with live music and dining.
Where can I park and how do I get to Burnham Harbor?
Paid parking is available at the South Lot and Waldron Deck Garage near the entrance, plus McCormick Place, Northerly Island, Museum Campus, and Millennium Park garages. The harbor is also reachable by CTA train (Roosevelt Station), CTA buses, Divvy bikes along the Lakefront Trail, and water taxi.
Who produces the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show?
The show is produced by Informa, the world's leading event organizer and producer of seven additional North American International Boat Shows. 2026 is the inaugural year, and it is a separate, independent event from the Navy Pier in-water boat show held in August 2025.
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