News: Great Lakes Boat Show Round-Up

Chasing better waves or days on the water? Get excited for this year's upcoming boat shows!

Published: Sunday, January 4, 2026 9:00 am

The 2026 Chicago Boat Show — Chicagoland’s largest annual boating event returns with more boats and more fun.

Chicago's largest and longest-running annual boating event returns to Rosemont, docking January 28 through February 1 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive®, offers a welcome respite from winter doldrums, a chance to shop hundreds of new boats and marine innovations, and an opportunity to dive into boating family fun. Marking its 94th year as the Midwest’s go-to event for boaters and aspiring boaters alike, The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show® will showcase hundreds of new boats from the region’s top dealers, with even more cruisers and yachts than ever before, plus new models and more brands across all boat categories, from pontoons and personal watercraft to fishing boats.

“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Rosemont for the 2026 Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show,” says show manager Jeff Marquard. “Whether you’re looking to purchase a new boat, explore the boating lifestyle, or simply enjoy a summer escape in the middle of winter, the Chicago Boat Show has something for everyone. With an even wider selection of new boats to shop - many with exclusive show-only specials - and exciting new features, this year’s event is truly the destination to dive into fun on the water.”

The boat show is bringing back its “5 After 5” deal on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, offering discounted admission after 5pm. Show highlights include the Discover Boating Beach Club featuring new educational elements and a VR boating game, the Paddlefest Pool for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, Bumper Boats for kids, daily free educational seminars, and the Huck Finn Trout Pond where kids 12 and under fish for free.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit chicagoboatshow.com.

Don’t Miss Out — Why the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show is the must-attend event of January 2026.

Every January, the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show kicks off the boating season in spectacular fashion, and the 2026 edition held on January 15 through 18 at the iconic I-X Center promises to be one of the most exciting shows in recent memory. Whether you’re a lifelong boater, a new family exploring life on the water, or someone simply dreaming about summer while winter grips Northeast Ohio, this show is your passport to adventure.

The first and most powerful reason to attend is simple: this is where boating begins. Nowhere else in Ohio will you find the state’s leading dealers, manufacturers, and marine experts gathered under one roof, showcasing hundreds of boats, from luxury cruisers and performance craft to fishing rigs, pontoons, runabouts, personal watercraft, as well the latest electric and hybrid technologies. It’s the ideal place to compare brands, explore innovations, and take advantage of early-season pricing and exclusive show incentives.

But the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show is far more than a sales event. It’s an immersive celebration of the boating lifestyle. Guests can enjoy a robust lineup of educational seminars featuring some of the region’s top anglers, captains, and water-safety professionals. Families will love hands-on activities for kids, interactive experiences, and entertainment that brings the spirit of Ohio's waterways indoors during the heart of winter.

The show also shines a spotlight on all things local, featuring marinas, outfitters, charters, tourism partners, clubs, and organizations that are dedicated to expanding access to Ohio’s waterways. It’s the perfect place to plan your summer, discover new destinations, and find inspiration for adventures ahead.

Most importantly, the 2026 show marks a historic moment: the final Progressive Cleveland Boat Show to be held at the I-X Center. If you’ve ever made memories in this legendary building, this is your chance to be part of its final chapter as a boating landmark.

Whether you come to buy, learn, dream, or simply feel the warmth of summer on a cold January weekend, the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show is where it all begins. We’ll see you January 15–18 at the I-X Center. To learn more and buy your tickets visit www.clevelandboatshow.com.

New Location, Same Great Show — The location might be changing, but the same great Progressive® Detroit Boat Show will go on starting February 12 through 15, 2026.

The Progressive® Detroit Boat Show is on the move in 2026 and will be located at the Suburban Collection Showplace due to scheduling conflicts at Huntington Place. Dozens of cruisers over 30 feet on display, and hundreds of boats for all types and sizes, including center consoles, runabouts, wake boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, and more! Other showcases include nautical goods and accessories, dock and hoists, marinas, and more.

“There will be big boats, big promotions, and big fun to be had at this year’s Detroit Boat Show in February in Novi,” says Pete Beauregard, Jr., MBIA Boat Show Committee Chair and President of Colony Marine, who typically brings in the largest boat on display deemed ‘Queen of the Show.’ “People come from all over Michigan and the Great Lakes rendezvous at this show each year, and we expect this year’s show to be no different!”

The Progressive® Detroit Boat Show is known as the original, biggest, and best boat show in Michigan and one of the top shows in the country based on size, attendance, and sales. The event is the premier showing of all things boating with the debut of more than a hundred new model introductions! The boat show is one stop shopping with financing and purchasing happening right on the show floor. Many dealers attribute up to half of their annual sales from sales and leads gained from this show.

With more than just the boats to see, many features and promotions make the Progressive Detroit Boat Show a great event that will entertain the whole family.

New: Weekend appearances from Michigan-native Captain Lee from the hit show ‘Below Deck’
Live music in the new Yacht Rock Lounge with an interactive band
Kids zone with fun for all ages
Great food choices with specials
Annual commemorative T-shirt Giveaway
Career Day on Friday, February 13 – Students and educators will visit the show to learn more about careers in Michigan’s marine industry.
Free Boaters Safety Course on Saturday, February 14 (preregistration is required)
Interactive Progressive Insurance Sponsor Display with appearances by the hilarious Shanty Characters
Deals, giveaways, and much more!

HOURS: Thursday: 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday: Noon – 9 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Parking is available for a fee at Suburban Collection Showplace. The Progressive Detroit Boat Show is owned and produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), the voice of boating in Michigan. Revenue generated from this event is returned to fund boater’s interests via MBIA’s programs and services.

The Progressive Detroit Boat Show is sponsored by Progressive Insurance and Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, the official publication of the MBIA Boat Shows.

Visit www.detroitboatshow.net for highlights, features, and promotion schedules.

Outdoor Adventure for 2026 — The Lansing RV and Boat Show will be held January 15-18, 2026 at the Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University.

These two shows are both 28-year-old events that have been conducted within weeks of each other, in separate venues for years, so it made sense to combine them taking advantage of a superior event facility at Michigan State University. Combining the traffic patterns of both RV and Boat lovers provides for an enhanced experience for our vendors.

This year’s sold out event will feature over 100,000 square feet of new 2026 recreational vehicles, including Truck Campers, 5th Wheels, Travel Trailers, Toy Haulers, Motor Homes and related accessories, along with everything new for the Michigan Boating enthusiast with a wide variety of Pontoon Boats, Fishing Boats, Deck Boats, Jet Boats, Personal Water Craft, Center Consoles, paddle sports and more.

In addition to the latest and greatest innovations in tech and design for 2026 boats and RVs, the Lansing RV and Boat Show will feature a wide variety of vendors with great ideas for cottage living and related Michigan outdoor activities. See what’s new for 2026 and take advantage of Pre-Season Incentives and Manufacturer Discounts.

The Lansing RV and Boat Show is held across four (4) big days:

Thurs Noon-8

Friday Noon-8

Saturday 10-8

Sunday 10-4

Adults and Seniors are $10, children 17 and under are admitted for free. Parking is also free. www.lansingrvandboatshow.com

The 2026 Minneapolis Boat Show — Minneapolis’ largest annual boating event cruises into the Minneapolis Convention Center this January.

Minneapolis’ largest and longest-running annual boating event is back! The 53rd annual Discover® Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive®, will return to the Minneapolis Convention Center from Thursday, January 22 through Sunday, January 27, 2026. The largest boat show in the Midwest, the event will showcase hundreds of the industry’s top brands exhibiting all under one roof with one-time-only incentives and special offers available exclusively at the show. In addition to state-of-the-art boats to pontoons, docks, gear, industry-leading marine technology, accessory debuts, and more, the show will offer unparalleled access to education opportunities for everyone from the avid boating enthusiast to newcomers alike.

Whether making a new addition to a fleet of Summer watercrafts or researching for a very special first purchase, attendees will have access to an unparalleled wealth of knowledge from dealers and manufacturers, unbeatable incentives and an opportunity to place their orders ahead of the season in time to make the most of boating and fishing season to come with Spring delivery.

“A huge part of what has made this show a family tradition for 53 years is the unique one-stop destination to discover all that the boating industry has to offer and what makes life on the water so special,” said Darren Envall, Show Manager and NMMA Vice President of Midwest Boat Shows. “There’s no other place where you can talk directly with several dealers and manufacturers from the most well-known brands, secure show-only savings and plan for memories on the water. Whether you are in the market for a boat or simply curious about the boating lifestyle, the Discover® Boating Minneapolis Boat show is the place to be in January.”

The boat show is introducing a “5 After 5” deal on Thursday evening, offering discounted admission after 5pm. The show will also feature a display of stunning and storied antique and classic boats. Boaters will also have access to “Fred’s Shed,” a how-to center for guests of all experience levels to learn more on how to elevate their boating experience. Visitors of all ages and interests will have the chance to escape the chilly, harsh Midwest Winter and enjoy exciting interactive experiences including a Baggo Tournament offering attendees the chance to win a free Sea-Doo, plus a contest to win a full DAKA Dock, Sunstream Boat Lift, Paddle North Prize Package and more.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.minneapolisboatshow.com.

Where Skyline Meets Shore —Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan and framed by Chicago’s iconic skyline, the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show takes place June 12–14, 2026 at Burnham Harbor, marking Chicago’s premier summer celebration of boating.

This in-water showcase will feature over 100 boats up to 90 feet, including both powerboats and sailboats — from exciting new debuts to premium brokerage listings. On land, attendees can explore a dynamic mix of exhibitors highlighting the latest in marine technology, luxury accessories, safety equipment, and essential gear for every boater. Throughout the weekend, the show will host a Cruisers Classroom with industry experts, offering hands-on demonstrations and workshops to help boaters of all experience levels expand their knowledge, build confidence, and make the most of their time on the water.

For those seeking a more elevated experience, curated VIP offerings include the Opening Night Charity Celebration, a Yacht Club Lounge, rendezvous meet-ups, and premium sponsor activations along the waterfront. Guests can enjoy delicious food, premium cocktails, and a lively, social atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Chicago’s boating community.

“Chicago’s boating community has long expressed the need to bring back an in-water show, and we’re excited to create this vision at the perfect location,” says Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows for Informa Markets. “Burnham Harbor provides an unparalleled setting where attendees can step directly into the show from land or water and explore the very best of the marine industry. This event is more than a showcase — it’s about embracing the lifestyle and connecting the water, the city, and the community. We are excited to bring our expertise in producing six other internationally recognized in-water boat shows but in a unique Chicago-style to the passionate boating community.”

Whether you’re a seasoned boater, weekend cruiser, or simply looking to spend more time on the water, the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show offers something for everyone. Make it a full weekend by enjoying Chicago’s world-class dining, iconic attractions, and vibrant waterfront energy — the perfect kickoff to boating season.

For tickets and details, visit www.windycitybys.com.