Whether you enjoy the hum of the speed racing boat, the relaxing prospect of a luxury yacht, or are just fond of those magnificent water vehicles, there is something special awaiting you at the 2024 Boat Show!
When: Wednesday, Jan 10 – 14
Where: McCormick Place
Tickets: Tickets prices vary, depending when attending. Below is some special pricing and a link to purchase tickets.
OPENING NIGHT VIP PARTY
WEDNESDAY, 5:30–8:00 PM
Enjoy full access to the show, plus:
- Boat Appetit Tasting Stations featuring specialties from the Lost Reef Lounge—Chicago’s only aquatic lounge
- Beer & Wine Bar
- Live DJ
Tickets $60 per person—Includes show admission, 2 drinks, chef tasting, live DJ, and more.
Proceeds to benefit the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a nonpartisan nonprofit that works across the region to protect the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes.
$5 AFTER 5PM—WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
Avoid weekend crowds. Join us on Wednesday & Thursday, January 10 & 11 to take advantage of discounted admission after 5pm.
P.S. Discounted parking now available in Lots A&C – $11 every day after 6PM!
SALUTING OUR HEROES
To express our gratitude for your service, all active/veteran military, active/retired first responders, and USCG & USCGA members can take advantage of FREE admission on Wednesday, January 10 and Thursday, January 11.
Simply show your military/first responder/USCG & USCGA valid identification card along with photo ID at the Show Office to receive your complimentary ticket.
Click HERE for tickets!
Chicago’s Water and Boating
The Encyclopedia of Chicago expresses that before there were airports, expressways, and railroads, Chicago was a water city. The city grew up at the crossroads of a vast inland waterway between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Early Chicagoans exploited the waterways both for their business interests and for recreation. Many had come from the East, bringing with them an avid interest in that popular East Coast pastime, yachting.
1907 photo on the dock of the Chicago Yacht Club
In 1875, the city’s first Chicago Yacht Club was established with 37 charter members. Today the club has locations at Monroe and Belmont Harbors and sponsors the annual Chicago to Mackinac Race. Columbia Yacht club, also at Monroe Harbor, has traditionally used retired ships as floating clubhouses. Its current clubship is the 371-foot Abegweit, a former Nova Scotia ferry and the largest privately owned yacht on the Great Lakes. Many of the other yacht clubs along the lake offer junior sailing and community service programs such as the Burnham Park Yacht Club’s Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program for disabled sailors. Several clubs also sponsor “frostbite” sailing, for hearty souls who want to brave the frigid winter waters.
The Abegweit
The Chicago Yacht Club
Fun For All
Besides walking around in awe while viewing the water vessels, there is so much more to see and do while at the Boat Show!
– Find your way to a simulated atmosphere on the water, with mocktails and cocktails, live music, and beach music
– Simulate Kayacking in the Paddlefest Pool
– Kids aged 2-12 can enjoy the Bumper Boat Pool, or go fishing in the Huck Finn Trout Pond
– ‘How to’ for new boaters
– Plus much more
Click HERE to find out more about the Boat Show’s activities.
Fellowship Fleet Limousine and Bus Company is ready to provide your transportation to McCormick Place for the Boat Show, or for any other transportation need you have. Book your reservation today, HERE.
