Great Lakes Boat Show Season
Your Winter & Spring Guide
Published: Friday, January 9, 2026 9:00 am
As winter wears on and boating season starts to peek around the corner, Great Lakes enthusiasts have plenty of chances to get inspired, educated, and geared up for 2026. From January through mid-March, regional boat shows bring together manufacturers, dealers, marine gear experts, and fellow boaters under one roof — the perfect way to compare boats, learn skills, and plan your next adventure on fresh water.
Kalamazoo Boat Show — Kalamazoo, MI
January 9–11 | Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Kalamazoo Fairgrounds
Kick off the season with the Kalamazoo Boat Show at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center. This community-focused event brings together local dealers, marine product vendors, and a range of boats from pontoons to cruisers. It’s a great way to see the latest 2026 models up close and connect with fellow Great Lakes boaters early in the year. https://kalamazooboatshow.com/
Milwaukee Boat Show — West Allis, WI
January 16–18 & 21–25, 2026 | Wisconsin Expo Center at State Fair Park
Wisconsin’s premier boating expo features 300+ boats from more than 80 manufacturers, including pontoons, fishing boats, cruisers, ski & surf boats, and more. Displays often include antique and classic boat exhibits and special sales on tubes and accessories — all indoors to beat the winter chill. https://showspan.com/mbs/?.com
Lansing RV & Boat Show — Lansing, MI
January 15–18, 2026 | Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University,
This combined RV and boat show brings outdoor lovers a huge selection of boats, pontoons, fishing rigs, PWCs, docks, lifts, and more, alongside dozens of RV models and outdoor gear. It’s one of mid-Michigan’s biggest preseason events for both boating and road adventures.
Progressive Cleveland Boat Show — Cleveland, OH
January 15–18, 2026 | I-X Center, Cleveland
Kick off the Great Lakes boat show season in Cleveland! The Progressive Cleveland Boat Show has long been a staple for region boaters, showcasing hundreds of boats, accessories, and marine vendors in one place. Expect a lively mix of new models, live music, educational demos, and family-friendly fun that makes this show a great way to beat winter blues and start thinking about spring launching.
https://www.southshoremarine.com/event/southshore-cleveland-boat-show.com
Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show — Minneapolis, MN
January 21–25, 2026 | Minneapolis Convention Center
The largest annual boating show in the Upper Midwest returns with hundreds of boats, watercraft, marine gear, and accessories all under one roof. Expect a wide range of boats on display alongside interactive exhibits and opportunities to talk with manufacturer reps — perfect for experienced boaters and newcomers alike. https://www.minneapolisboatshow.com/
Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show — Rosemont, IL
January 28 – February 1, 2026 | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Just southwest of Lake Michigan, the Chicago Boat Show brings boating big and small to the Midwest. From pontoons and cruisers to fishing boats and accessories, this show has something for every boater and aspirational boat buyer. It’s also great for families, with hands-on exhibits, seminars, and opportunities to ask questions about maintenance, safety, and ownership.
https://www.chicagoboatshow.com
Fort Wayne Boat Show — Fort Wayne, IN
February 5–8, 2026 | Allen County Memorial Coliseum,
This show is free to attend, making it a great option for families or budget-conscious boaters. You’ll find boating gear, local dealers, educational sessions (like life jacket fittings and boater safety info), and plenty of exhibitor booths to explore. https://www.fortwayneboatshow.com/
Progressive Detroit Boat Show — Novi, MI
February 12–15, 2026 | Suburban Collection Showplace
A longtime favorite in Michigan, the Detroit Boat Show has moved from downtown Detroit to Novi for 2026 — but the experience remains huge. This is one of the largest shows in the region, featuring hundreds of new and current-year boats (including cruisers over 30 feet), plus accessories, products, and accessories galore. Look for special events, safety classes, live music, and demonstrations alongside the latest gear.
https://www.mbia.org/news/708935/Detroit-Boat-Show-announces-dates-and-change-in-location.com
Grand Rapids Boat Show — Grand Rapids, MI
February 11–15, 2026 | DeVos Place
On the heels of Detroit’s show, the Grand Rapids Boat Show celebrates decades of boating tradition in West Michigan. With five acres of powerboats, pontoon designs, cruisers, fishing boats, and more, this event gives Great Lakes boaters a look at new trends and technologies headed into the 2026 season — plus the chance to step aboard and explore. https://www.devosplace.org/events/2026/grand-rapids-boat-show222?.com
Novi Boat Show — Novi, MI
March 12–15, 2026 | ImageVibe Credit Union Showplace
Not to be confused with the earlier Detroit show at the same venue, the Novi Boat Show shifts focus to smaller boats and inland lake models, perfect for Great Lakes cruisers, pontoon owners, and coastal leisure boaters. It’s a solid stop for first-time owners or people looking for boats under 30 feet, plus there are boater safety education sessions and other features designed for practical boaters. https://boatmichigan.org/novi-boat-show/?.com
Windy City Boat & Yacht Show — June 12–14, 2026
Location: Burnham Harbor, Chicago, IL
Although later in the season, the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show is one of the most exciting in-water events in the region. Held right on the waterfront, it showcases new powerboats, sailboats, and yachts up to ~90 feet with on-water demos, sea trials, marine accessories, and family entertainment — bridging summer fun and boat show excitement. https://www.windycitybys.com/
Whether you’re shopping for a new boat or just testing the waters, winter and early spring boat shows offer big advantages:
Compare dozens of boats and gear under one roof (boats, engines, electronics, accessories)
Talk directly to manufacturers and dealers about features, pricing, and delivery
Catch seminars and safety demos that make the season safer and more fun
Get early-season incentives or show-only deals before the spring rush begins
Plus, these indoor events are a great way to connect with fellow Great Lakes boaters when ice and snow still linger at the docks.
tags: Boat shows, Boats, Great Lakes, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Winter, Wisconsin
