2025 Chicago Boat Show Features
Discover Boating Beach Club
SPACE B100
Bring on the summer vibes. Kick back with your crew and discover the best of boating—enjoy music, food, drinks, beach games, and more.
• Tasting Chicago: Boat Appetit food tastings that celebrate Chicago’s unique food culture on Thursday, Friday & Saturday
• Boating Feud Game—Saturday: A fun, fast-paced nautical version of the classic TV game show
• Boat Appetit—Saturday: Live cooking demos and tastings—local chef will share easy-to-make & take aboard recipes
• Gaming Truck: Enjoy the ultimate nautical big-screen gaming experience—Play a variety of water-sports games using state-of-the-art consoles
• Golf Simulator: Take a swing—Experience the iconic 17th Hole of Lake Tahoe’s Edgewood Golf Course
OPENING NIGHT VIP PARTY
Wednesday, January 8 5:30–7:30 pm
DISCOVER BOATING BEACH CLUB - BUY VIP TICKETS HERE
Hosted by Lauren Screeden, TV Host/Pro Football Sideline Reporter
Join us for an evening of fun and purpose featuring:
- Tasting Menu
- Beer & Wine Bar (two drink tickets included)
- Live Music
- Beach Games & more!
Tickets $50 per person—Includes show admission (2pm-8pm)
Proceeds to benefit the Alliance for the Great Lakes and their mission to protect, conserve, and restore the Great Lakes
Help make a difference - Grab your ticket today!
Bags Tournament
SPACE KIDS ZONE
Calling all Bags champs—are you ready to toss your way to victory? Four qualifiers will be chosen at random to join Scotty Kay from US99 in the Discover Boating® Chicago Boat Show’s first-ever Bags Tournament on Saturday, January 11 at 3:00 PM. Tournament winner receives (2) Portager Paddlesboards, (2) Universal Paddle Vests, (2) Paddle Pouch Phone cases, (2) Dry Bags, and (2) Paddle towels valued at $2,240! Registration closes Thursday, January 9.
CLICK HERE to enter tournament
Bags Tournament is sponsored by Paddle North, Cook County Tourism and US 99.
PaddleFest Pool
SPACE A1401
Experience the fun of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking. We’ll provide all the gear and instruction you need to take a test ride.
Bumper Boats
SPACE A1402
Kids can experience a splash-tastic adventure in our Bumper Boat pool, as they spin, whirl, and bump into their fellow boaters—it’s a smashing good time! Open to children ages 2 to 12.
Fred’s Shed How-to Center—presented by Progressive®
SPACE C1000
Tips, tricks, and DIY advice for every boater—from first timers to experienced captains. Have a boat or engine problem you haven’t been able to fix? Stop by and ask our tech expert about it.
Huck Finn Trout Pond
SPACE A1405
A show tradition! Catch-and-release fishing pond is a great way to introduce youngsters to the fun of fishing. Free for kids aged 12 and younger!