Boat show season runs January through March across the US, with dozens of regional and national shows offering the best opportunity to shop new boats, compare models side by side, and talk directly with dealers before the spring buying season. Shows are listed chronologically within each year. Always verify dates and purchase tickets directly from the organizer before making travel arrangements.
2026 Boat Shows
All 2026 dates confirmed from official organizer sources as of publication. Dates and venues can change — always verify at the show’s website before purchasing tickets.
January 2026
Discover Boating® New England Boat Show®
January 7–11, 2026
Thomas Michael Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (formerly Boston Convention & Exhibition Center)
415 Summer St, Boston, MA
The largest indoor boat show in the US, featuring 500+ boats including cruisers, downeast-style boats, center consoles, bowriders, pontoons, tow boats, jet boats, and inflatables. Attractions include an indoor paddleboard yoga pool, fishing workshops with expert anglers, Boating 101 programming for new boaters, and the Discover Boating Beach Club with music and refreshments. Admission $20 adults; children 12 and under free with paid adult.
Discover Boating® Atlanta Boat Show®
January 8–11, 2026
Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA
400+ boats on display from dozens of dealers — pontoons, ski and wake boats, bowriders, cruisers, center consoles, fishing boats, and PWC. Show-only pricing and spring delivery scheduling available. A strong regional show for Southeast boaters who want to compare the full model year lineup in one place before making a purchase decision.
Fort Wayne Boat Show
January 9–11, 2026
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN
Annual regional show serving northeast Indiana and surrounding areas. Boats, accessories, and marine services from local and regional dealers. Family-friendly format covering a range of boat types from pontoons and fishing boats to ski and wake boats.
Huntsville Boat Show
January 16–18, 2026
Von Braun Center
700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL
Hundreds of boats from local dealers including brands like Cobalt, Malibu, Axis, Harris, Sylvan, and Cruisers Yachts. Free boater safety class Saturday morning — pass the test and get into the show free. A good early-season show for North Alabama and Tennessee Valley boaters. Tickets: Adults $12, Military/Seniors/First Responders $10, Kids 6–12 $5, under 5 free, Weekend Pass $20.
Richmond Fishing Expo
January 16–18, 2026
The Meadow Event Park
13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA
A fishing-focused expo featuring national professional anglers available for seminars, autograph sessions, and one-on-one advice all weekend. The largest array of tackle in the mid-Atlantic region, with retail and specialty tackle shops offering discounted pricing. Weekend admission ticket is valid for all three days with a return pass — worth coming back for multiple seminar sessions.
Discover Boating® New York Boat Show®
January 21–25, 2026
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
625 W 34th St, New York, NY
One of the premier boat shows in the Northeast, drawing buyers and enthusiasts from across the tri-state area and beyond. Features a broad cross-section of boats from runabouts and center consoles to cruisers and performance boats. Convenient by subway (Javits Center is steps from the A/C/E line at 34th St) and accessible by regional rail to Penn Station. Hours: Wednesday–Friday noon to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.
Discover Boating® Minneapolis Boat Show®
January 22–25, 2026
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
The major winter boat show for Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, held in the heart of one of the most active freshwater boating markets in the US. Features fishing boats, pontoons, runabouts, wake boats, and personal watercraft alongside a full lineup of accessories and marine electronics. A critical early-season show for anglers and lake boaters planning spring purchases or upgrades.
Richmond Boat Show
January 23–25, 2026
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 N 3rd St, Richmond, VA
The largest indoor boat show in Virginia, featuring 200+ boats from 25+ dealers covering fishing boats, cruisers, pontoons, tri-toons, bass boats, PWC, deck boats, center consoles, ski and surf boats, and kayaks. Marine services, insurance, financing, and boating safety experts on-site. A Richmond tradition — and yes, fresh oysters from Yes Salt Bottom Blue Oysters on-site all weekend.
Discover Boating® Chicago Boat Show™
January 28–February 1, 2026
Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center
5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL
The premier boat show for Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin boaters, featuring hundreds of boats from leading dealers across pontoons, wake boats, bowriders, fishing boats, cruisers, and more. Show attractions include the Discover Boating Beach Club, PaddleFest Pool, and the NASBLA-approved America’s Boating Course from the Power Squadron for boaters who need to meet education requirements. Reachable by CTA Blue Line to Rosemont. Hours: Wednesday 2–8 pm, Thursday–Friday 11 am–9 pm, Saturday 10 am–8 pm, Sunday 10 am–5 pm.
Discover Boating® Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow®
January 28–February 1, 2026
Kentucky Exposition Center
937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY
Celebrating its 69th year, Kentuckiana’s biggest boat and RV sale featuring pontoons, wake sport boats, aluminum fishing boats, bass boats, center consoles, bowriders, and deck boats alongside a full lineup of new RVs including Class A/B/C motorhomes, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and travel trailers. One admission covers boats, RVs, and outdoor gear — the best value multi-category show in the region for buyers planning a full recreational season.
February 2026
Chattanooga Boat Show
February 5–8, 2026
Chattanooga Convention Center
1 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN
Four days of boats, gear, and seminars at the Chattanooga Convention Center in the heart of downtown. Hundreds of boats from top brands including Sea Ray, Malibu, Cobalt, Axis, Harris, and more, with local dealers ready to discuss pricing and spring delivery. Tickets: Adults $15, Weekend Pass $25, Kids 6–12 $5, under 5 free. Hours: Thursday 2–8 pm, Friday–Saturday 10 am–8 pm, Sunday 11 am–5 pm.
Discover Boating® Mid-Atlantic Boat Show®
February 5–8, 2026
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S College St, Charlotte, NC
The Discover Boating Mid-Atlantic show serves the Carolinas, Virginia, and surrounding states with a broad mix of boats, gear, and family-friendly attractions. Hours: Friday 10 am–7 pm, Saturday 9 am–6 pm, Sunday 10 am–5 pm. Junior Boaters (6–15) $6. Tickets available online with no service fees — scan at the entrance.
Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®
February 11–15, 2026
Miami Beach Convention Center (primary venue, plus multiple waterfront locations across Greater Miami)
1901 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, FL
The largest boat and yacht show in the world, celebrating its 85th edition in 2026. Spans multiple iconic venues across Greater Miami and Miami Beach from kayaks to superyachts, featuring 1,000+ exhibitors and world and US boat debuts across every major category. The 2026 show features a reimagined layout and expanded AI-assisted and connected systems across many exhibit displays. Whether you’re shopping a first fishing boat or a 100-foot yacht, this is the definitive annual showcase of the global marine industry. Book hotel early — Miami in February fills fast around show week.
Progressive Detroit Boat Show
February 12–15, 2026
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI
Important 2026 venue change: The 68th annual Detroit Boat Show moved from its traditional Huntington Place venue in downtown Detroit to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The move resulted from the North American International Auto Show shifting its dates and Super Bowl Sunday falling on February 8, which would have been the show’s only weekend at its original venue. The show returns with the same scope at a new address that is centrally located and convenient to Michigan’s lake regions. One of the top five US boat shows by attendance and sales.
Ford 71st Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show
February 20–22 & February 25–March 1, 2026
Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center
1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN
One of the largest outdoor recreation shows in the US — 750,000+ sq ft of exhibits across 10 acres covering boats (5½ acres), RVs (4½ acres), fishing, hunting, and powersports. Features TackleTown USA dedicated entirely to fishing tackle, rods, reels, and kayaks, plus a Fishing Seminar Series with professional anglers covering crappie fishing, forward-facing sonar technology, and other techniques. Admission includes concurrent Motorcycle & Powersports Expo. The Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo runs the final four days (Feb 27–Mar 1). A family tradition since 1955.
Discover Boating® Atlantic City Boat Show®
February 25–March 1, 2026
Atlantic City Convention Center
1 Convention Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ
Nearly 500 boats including sportfishing boats, center consoles, cruisers, jet boats, PWC, and pontoons. The indoor PaddleSports pool, 30-foot casting tank, and Discover Boating Beach Club set this show apart as much an experience as a shopping event. Free boating education and family-friendly activities throughout. Admission $20 adults, with discounts when purchasing three or more tickets. One of the best-attended Northeast shows for both serious buyers and first-timers.
March 2026
Central Carolina Boat Show & Fishing Expo
February 27–March 1, 2026
Greensboro Coliseum Complex
1921 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC
In its 45th year, the Triad’s only annual boat and watersports event. The 2026 show features 150+ “Rigged N Ready” boats from 18 local and regional marine dealers — wakeboats, family sport boats, fresh and saltwater fishing boats, PWC, pontoons, kayaks, and more. This year’s show focuses on boats and products; the fishing seminar program is not included in the 2026 edition. Parking at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex is plentiful. Cashless venue — debit or credit card required.
Progressive Novi Boat Show
March 12–15, 2026
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI
The Novi Boat Show focuses on smaller boats, towables, fishing boats, and personal watercraft — a different character from the Detroit Boat Show that also runs at this venue in February 2026. One of four Michigan boat shows produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association. Cash not accepted — US currency debit or credit cards only. Parking on-site $10.
2026 Shows Pending Confirmation
The following shows ran in 2025 and are expected to recur in 2026. Confirmed dates had not been announced as of this writing — check each show’s website for updates.
- Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo — Raleigh, NC (ran January 2025)
- RVA Family Boat Show — Richmond Raceway, Richmond, VA (ran February 2025)
- Downtown Knoxville Boat Show — Knoxville Convention Center, TN (ran February/March 2025)
- Chantilly Family Boat Show — Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA (ran March 2025)
- Cincinnati Boat and RV Expo — Roberts Center, Wilmington, OH (ran March 2025)
- Discover Boating® Northwest Sportshow® — Minneapolis Convention Center, MN (ran March 2025)
- Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market, Boat Sale & Seafood Festival — Vero Beach, FL (ran January 2025)
2025 Boat Shows (Archive)
For reference. All shows listed below have concluded.
January 2025
- January 8–12 — New England Boat Show, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA
- January 8–12 — Chicago Boat Show, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
- January 9–12 — Atlanta Boat Show, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
- January 10–12 — Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo, Raleigh, NC
- January 10–12 — All American Outdoor Sports Expo, Fort Wayne, IN
- January 16–19 — Huntsville Boat Show, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
- January 17–19 — Richmond Fishing Expo, Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA
- January 22–26 — Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY
- January 22–26 — New York Boat Show, Javits Center, New York, NY
- January 23–26 — Minneapolis Boat Show, Minneapolis Convention Center, MN
- January 24–26 — Richmond Boat Show, Greater Richmond Convention Center, VA
- January 25–26 — Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market, Indian River County Fairgrounds, Vero Beach, FL
February 2025
- February 1–8 — Detroit Boat Show, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
- February 6–9 — Mid-Atlantic Boat Show, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
- February 12–16 — Miami International Boat Show, Miami Beach Convention Center, FL
- February 13–16 — Chattanooga Boat Show, Chattanooga Convention Center, TN
- February 14–16 — RVA Family Boat Show, Richmond Raceway, VA
- February 14–23 — Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, Indiana State Fairgrounds, IN
- February 21–23 — Central Carolina Boat Show & Fishing Expo, Greensboro Coliseum, NC
- February 26–March 2 — Atlantic City Boat Show, Atlantic City Convention Center, NJ
- February 27–March 2 — Downtown Knoxville Boat Show, Knoxville Convention Center, TN
March 2025
- March 7–9 — Chantilly Family Boat Show, Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA
- March 7–9 — Cincinnati Boat and RV Expo, Roberts Center, Wilmington, OH
- March 13–16 — Northwest Sportshow, Minneapolis Convention Center, MN
- March 13–16 — Novi Boat Show, Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, MI
Headed to a Show?
Check out our What to Wear to a Boat Show guide and be ready to impress.