Chicago’s finally joining the grown-up cities with an in-water boat show. Took long enough.
June 12–14, 2026, Burnham Harbor becomes a floating village of fiberglass, teak, and aspiration. Informa is running the circus, with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Harbors, and Suntex helping keep the docks pointed in the right direction.
Burnham Harbor is a smart choice. Walkable, right downtown, skyline on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. You can stroll the docks, step aboard boats, ask pointed questions, and decide whether you’re upgrading or just dreaming. Public transit, parking, and real city energy nearby mean you’re not trapped in a convention-center wasteland.
Dealers like Spring Brooke, Skipper Buds, Grady’s, Jefferson, and Manitowoc are already signed on, showing brands like Cobalt, Sunseeker, Valhalla, Sailfish, HCB, Axopar, Jeanneau, and X-Yachts. Translation: everything from weekend cruisers to boats that require a financial advisor. There’ll also be tech, safety gear, accessories, and all the shiny bits that promise to make boating easier, safer, or at least cooler at the dock.
They’re also promising food, drinks, music, and picnic areas, which means you can eat something that didn’t come from a marina vending machine. A Yacht Club Lounge will cater to the blazer-and-burgee crowd who like their networking with a side of Chardonnay.
The city’s power structure is delighted. Tourism folks see hotel rooms and restaurant tabs. The Park District is proud of its 5,700 slips and ten yacht clubs. Marina managers are happy to welcome seasoned captains and curious newbies alike. Everyone agrees Burnham Harbor is “perfect,” which is marketing code for “please show up.”
Bottom line: if you boat on the Great Lakes, this is worth a look. Walk the docks, kick the tires, talk to builders and brokers, and remember that every boat is a compromise except the one you’re about to buy.
If you want to exhibit, they’d love to talk square footage and sponsorship packages. WindyCityBYS.com
