June 12–14, 2026
Chicago, IL
50
Windy City Boat & Yacht Show 2026 is a trade show in Chicago, IL with approximately 50 exhibitors expected.
More detailed information about this show will be added soon.
Signature experiences and features include:
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:
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.
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.
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
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.
Several paid parking options are available near the show entrance with hundreds of spots:
Burnham Harbor is accessible by car, public transit, bike, or on foot. The show is easily reachable and also served by water taxis.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) are the two major airports serving Chicago.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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