Chicago Boat Show

About this happenin

Every winter the National Marine Manufacturers Association fills the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont with boats for the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show. It runs five days, Wednesday to Sunday, in late January or early February. You can climb aboard and compare a wide range of boats in one place, though some exhibitors set their own boarding rules and in most cases your shoes come off first. Kids get bumper boats for ages 2 to 12 and the Huck Finn Trout Pond, a catch-and-release show tradition that is free for kids 12 and under. Recent shows have also had a pool for trying stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Owners can bring a stubborn engine problem to the how-to center, and the Work Boat Zone shows vessels that work Illinois waterways. Tickets are sold online only and are good for one day. Parking in the convention center garage is $20, and pets stay home unless they are service animals.

More in February: 6 other Chicago events.

Where

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center · 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018