Chicago International Boat Show: A Show on the Water that Changes Everything
August 27, 2025
This past weekend, Navy Pier Marina hosted the Chicago International Boat Show. The festivities featured boats and yachts, industry leaders, and hands-on boating demos on Lake Michigan. Thousands of boaters, buyers, and brands came together to explore and enjoy everything on the water.
Bringing in-water shows back to Chicago
For over a decade, lower Lake Michigan buyers and boaters have missed in-water boat shows. The opening of Navy Pier Marina offered an ideal venue to welcome back more awe-inspiring and hands-on showcases of the innovations in the boating world. The Chicago International Boat Show delivered the Midwest an easily accessible, large-scale, in-water boat show at the height of summer.
The event didn’t stop at boats. Attendees experienced exotic cars, private aviation exhibits, fine jewelry showcases, and world-class culinary offerings. This offered fun for everyone on land, in the sky, and on the water.
Navy Pier Marina expands waterfront culture
“Navy Pier Marina isn’t just a venue; it’s a gateway to Chicago’s vibrant waterfront culture, offering unparalleled access to restaurants, attractions, and family-friendly experiences,” Randy Podolsky, developer of Navy Pier Marina, expressed his excitement to Revel Republic about the show and its venue.
FOX 32:
WGN News:
RECENT NEWS
LATEST POSTS
Skrillex is taking over Navy Pier for two nights 🎶
September 11 brings a full lineup featuring Dylan Brady, Frost Children, Knock2, Skrillex, slayr & Tiffany Day, followed by Skrillex open to close on September 12.
Make a weekend of it and experience it all from Navy Pier Marina.
#NavyPierMarina #Skrillex #NavyPier
The Great Loop is coming to Chicago! ⚓
Navy Pier Marina is excited to welcome the AGLCA Fleet of 2026 for two Looper Appreciation celebrations on September 10 and September 13.
Join fellow Loopers at the marina for Chicago Italian beef, drinks, great company, and an evening on the waterfront. In-progress Loopers receive first preference, and registration is required in advance.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Navy Pier!
#NavyPierMarina #GreatLoop #AGLCA
Happy Labor Day from Navy Pier Marina! ⚓️🇺🇸
Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and spirit that keep our community moving forward. We hope your holiday is filled with sunshine, lake breezes, and time spent with the people who matter most.
Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day from all of us at Navy Pier Marina!
#LaborDay #NavyPierMarina #ChicagoLakefront
🇺🇸 Limited slips remain for the holiday weekend, with Navy Pier’s final fireworks show of the summer happening Saturday night. 🎆
Reserve your slip while availability lasts.
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBoating #LaborDayWeekend
Thank you Highfield Boats for allowing us to host your 2026 dealer showcase!
⛵ SAIL & SIP on Lake Michigan! 🍹
We love seeing our Navy Pier Marina partners come together to create unforgettable experiences on the Chicago waterfront!
Our Pier Partner, Reunion, and Navy Pier Marina resident charter operator Come Sailing are teaming up for Sail & Sip aboard City Cat — a premium catamaran experience combining incredible Chicago views, great food, drinks, and an afternoon on Lake Michigan.
⚓ 2-Hour Catamaran Cruise
🍹 Open Bar
🍴 Light Bites
🌆 Unbeatable Chicago Skyline Views
📍 Departing from Navy Pier Marina
September 13 or September 20
Cruises: 1–3 PM or 3:30–5:30 PM
🎟️ $200 per person | Only 44 spots available
We’re proud to have City Cat call Navy Pier Marina home and excited to see two of our waterfront partners collaborating on such a great Chicago experience.
Good drinks. Great company. Best views in Chicago. ⚓🥂
Scan the QR code in the flyer to reserve your spot or follow this link - https://www.toasttab.com/catering/chefartsmithreunion.com/menu/reunion%20x%20city%20cat%20boat%20ride/?mode=fulfillment
#NavyPierMarina #SailAndSip #ComeSailing #ReunionChicago #LakeMichigan #ChicagoBoating #ChicagoWaterfront #NavyPier #ChicagoSummer #CatamaranCruise
Superyacht in Chicago 🛥️
You never know what’s going to pull into Navy Pier Marina. One of our favorite sights from earlier this summer.
#superyacht #chicago #navypiermarina
What a weekend on the Chicago waterfront.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Skyline Social at Navy Pier Marina. Incredible yachts, great music, beautiful weather, and one of the best backdrops in the city.
#chicagoboating #lakemichigan #yachts
