Things to do at the show

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

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

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.
 

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paddle sports icon

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

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
Fred's Shed

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.

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trout icon

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!