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.
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What a season at Navy Pier Marina! ⚓️🌇
A huge thank you to everyone who made this season so special. From familiar faces to first-time visitors, we loved welcoming you to Chicago’s waterfront and can`t wait to do it all again next year!
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBoating #LakeMichigan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️We were here for a week. The dock and amenities are new, so very nice! The view is wonderful! With the hotel right outside the gates of the marina it is a perfect place to have friends and family visits. -Michael R.
#chicagoboating #lakemichigan
We’ve loved welcoming so many Loopers to Navy Pier Marina this season!⚓
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There’s still time to make Chicago part of your Great Loop journey, and we’d love to have you.
#NavyPierMarina #GreatLoop #ChicagoBoating
🏃 Race weekend starts at Navy Pier!
The Life Time Chicago Half Pre-Race Party takes over Navy Pier today and tomorrow with live music, food, drinks, running gear, and race-day essentials. Stop by for packet pickup and stick around for the party!
September 25 & 26 @ 1PM
#NavyPier #ChicagoHalfMarathon
⚓️ Boat to the Bears for Monday Night Football
The Bears take on the Eagles at Soldier Field on September 28. Dock at Navy Pier Marina and make a night of it on the Chicago lakefront. 🐻🏈
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBears #ChicagoBoating
🐻 Bears football is back in Chicago
The Bears take on the Vikings for their home opener this Sunday, September 20. Skip the traffic and make Navy Pier Marina your game day home base. Cruise in, dock downtown, and head to Soldier Field from the waterfront. ⚓️🏈
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoBears #ChicagoBoating
Fireworks are back at Navy Pier! 🎆
Chicago Live! Festival will light up the lakefront with a special fireworks display on Saturday, September 19 from 9:45–10:00 PM.
Reserve your slip at Navy Pier Marina and enjoy the show from the water.
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoLive #NavyPier #ChicagoFireworks
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
