Top Things to See and Experience at the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show

New Premier In-Water Boat Show Launches This June 12–14, 2026 in Downtown Chicago’s Burnham Harbor

The inaugural Windy City Boat & Yacht Show celebrates the boating lifestyle of the Great Lakes with an in-water showcase of cutting edge powerboats and elegant sailboats, interactive exhibits, yacht club experiences, and hands-on sailing activities.

Produced by Informa, the world’s leading event organizer and producer of acclaimed international boat shows in North America, the event will launch this June 12–14 in the heart of downtown Chicago on the south-end of Burnham Harbor, in collaboration with the Chicago Park District, Choose Chicago, Chicago Harbors, and Suntex Marinas.

Tickets are on sale now for this family-friendly event. General Admission tickets are $20 (valid for one-day, Friday through Sunday) and two-day general admission tickets are $35. For tickets and information, visit WindyCityBYS.com.

Whether you’re a seasoned boater, casual cruiser, or simply looking to spend more time on the water, the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show has something for everyone. Attendees to the inaugural 2026 Windy City Boat & Yacht Show can look forward to:

Exploring a Showcase of Boats and Accessories from Leading Dealers in the Waters of Burnham Harbor

The Show will feature a wide variety of exhibitors, dealers, and manufacturers showcasing powerboats and sailboats, both new and brokerage, ranging from 20 to 75 feet, alongside the latest marine equipment, services, and lifestyle accessories.

Attendees can explore and board premium brands including Sunseeker, Boston Whaler, Chris-Craft, Sea Ray, Axopar, Regal, Riviera, Prestige, Cobalt, and Jeanneau from Great Lakes dealers including Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, SkipperBud’s, Bay Marine, Gage Marine, Manitowoc Marina, and Spring Brook Marine. The show will feature everything from luxury yachts and center consoles to pontoons, sailing vessels, ski and wake boats, paddleboards, marine electronics, boating apparel, nautical décor, and more. This show has something for every boating enthusiast to enjoy and start their summer of boating at the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show. For the latest line-up, visit the online show directory.

Unwinding in the Yacht Club Lounge

The show features live music, great food, and a lively atmosphere, including the Yacht Club Lounge, inspired by Chicago’s prestigious yacht club tradition, where you can connect with yacht club members and fellow boating enthusiasts. The anchors of this lounge are Chicago Yacht Club, Columbia Yacht Club, Burnham Park Yacht Club and Chicago Harbors.

Learning How to Sail in Hands-on Classes for Sailors and Developing Skills in the Cruises Classroom
Sail America has partnered with SailTime to offer Start Sailing Now, an on-the-water sailing class, during the show. Perfect for those seeking a confidence boost or are new to boating, these 150-minute sessions are led by a certified captain and cover essential boating skills from start to finish, both in a classroom setting and aboard a Hunter 33 or a Jeanneau 349. Sessions will be in a small group of no more than six people. The classes will be available all three days of the show and include same-day admission. Advance registrationrequired due to limited spots.

The Cruisers Classroom, presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS), offers free, walk-up discussions and panels during the show. Covering topics like docking and anchoring, cruising the Great Loop, Boating Buying, and more, these sessions run all three days. Perfect for all skill levels, this educational experience is complimentary for attendees. Visit schedule for full details.
Highlighting Local Nonprofits Making a Positive Impact
“Anchored in Community” celebrates the connections between the boating community and local charitie making a positive impact across Chicago. These organizations include Alliance for the Great Lakes, the Chicago Police Foundation, the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, Columbia Sailing School, Columbia Yacht Club Foundation, Friends of the Chicago harbor Lighthouse, the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation. Visit WindyCityBYS.com for their unique missions and join us in giving back today.
Enjoying the Convenient and Walkable Layout
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s iconic skyline, the Show offers a family fun on the lakejust as boating season is getting underway in Chicago. Burnham Harbor is accessilble by train, bus, bike, and car, with paid parking available in the Soldier Field South Lot, Waldron Parking Garage, and McCormick Place Parking as well as easy-access bicycle access to the South-side of Burnham Harbor on Lakefront Trail. More information at www.windycitybys.com.

“The Great Lakes region, known for its vibrant boating and waterfront lifestyle, has long awaited and expressed the need for an in-water boat show featuring the top boating brands and products,” said Larry Berryman, Show Director. “We’re excited to bring this vision to life at the ideal Chicago location. This event is more than just a showcase of boats; it’s a celebration boating lifestyle, seamlessly blending the water, the city, and the community. As the summer kicks off in June, we welcome boaters and anyone with a passion for the water to join us.”

Show Dates & Hours:
Friday & Saturday, June 12-13: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 14: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.windycitybys.com

About Informa

With a legacy of producing world-renowned events, Informa brings its industry-leading expertise to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show, Newport International Boat Show, Suncoast Boat Show, St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, Monaco Yacht Show, and Toronto International Boat Show. Informa creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. It provides marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. Informa connects buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Boating, Pharmaceuticals, Food, Fashion, and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, it brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

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