Chicago International Boat Show: A Show on the Water that Changes Everything

August 27, 2025

Chicago International Boat Show: A Show on the Water that Changes Everything | Navy Pier Marina

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

β€œNavy 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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🎢 Smooth tunes, summer sunsets, and Lake Michigan.

Tie up at Navy Pier Marina and enjoy Yacht Rock just a few steps from your slip on Saturday, July 25 from 12-6pm.

#YachtRock #NavyPier #NavyPierMarina

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The Chicago Scene Boat Party returns on July 25! πŸ›₯️

Skip the early morning run across the lake and wake up already in the middle of the action at Navy Pier Marina.

#ChicagoScene #ChicagoBoating #NavyPierMarina

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Happy 110th Birthday, Navy Pier! πŸŽ‰ 

Here's to more than a century of unforgettable moments, iconic views, and memories along Chicago's lakefront.

#Chicago #NavyPier

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🎀 John Mulaney is taking over Wrigley Field!

Turn the show into a Chicago getaway with your boat docked at Navy Pier Marina and the skyline waiting for you afterward.

#JohnMulaney #WrigleyField #NavyPierMarina

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β›΅ One of the Great Lakes' most iconic sailing traditions returns this July.

Make Navy Pier Marina your front-row seat as the cruising class departs on July 10, followed by the main race on July 11.

#RaceToMackinac #ChicagoYachtClub #NavyPierMarina

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Chris Lake is bringing the party to Navy Pier! 🎧 When the show ends, your boat is only a short walk away with a slip at Navy Pier Marina.

#ChrisLake #NavyPier #NavyPierMarina

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Chicago's biggest week for food is almost here! πŸ”πŸ”₯ 

Spend less time getting there and more time enjoying it with your boat just steps from Taste of Chicago and the Windy City Smokeout at Navy Pier Marina.

Use code SAVE_2026 until July 9 when booking.

#TasteOfChicago #WindyCitySmokeout #NavyPierMarina

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The flags are flying, the boats are cruising, and the fireworks are ready. Wishing you a safe and memorable Fourth of July from Navy Pier Marina. Happy Independence Day! πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

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