Friday, June 12 | 10am–7pm 

Saturday, June 13 | 10am–7pm 

Sunday, June 14 | 10am–5pm

Tickets may only be purchased online. There is no box office on site. We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid lines at the gate. Once you have purchased, we recommend adding the ticket to your Apple or Google Wallet to beat the busy network connections on-site, and have the ticket readily available on your phone.

One-day general admission tickets are $20, valid any one day, Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14th.  Two-day tickets are also available for $35.  All tickets are plus processing fees.  Tickets can be purchased online, and are not refundable. Pricing above is for the 2026 edition of the show. 

Yes - We recommend you book your accommodation well in advance, as Chicago is a popular destination in the summer. Informa has partnered with onPeak to bring our exhibitors and attendees the most convenient options, exclusive rates you won't find elsewhere, and flexible booking. Plus enjoy dedicated support along the way. Make your arrangements today!

The following items are not permitted inside the Windy City Boat and Yacht Show:

• Firearms or other weapons
• Drones
• Pets, except for service animals
• Bicycles, scooters, roller blades,
  skateboards, hoverboards, electric or not

Only ADA certified service animals are permitted.

The weather in Chicago can be unpredictable and this is a rain or shine event, so it's advised to dress for the occasion! Bring sunscreen, a hat and, and consider wearing good walking shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you may have to do so when boarding the vessels.

There is no limitation on bag size, however all bags will be subject to search by security upon entry.

Strollers are not allowed inside the show due to safety reasons. Please park your stroller in the designated stroller parking area near the registration office on the show site.

No, we do not offer storage facilities for your personal belongings.

Yes, many boats at the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show are accessible for boarding. You can explore the interiors of the boats and get a feel for life on the water. However, some vessels may be off-limits for safety or privacy reasons. Access to boats is at the discretion of the exhibitor, manufacturer, or broker.

No. There is not an option for personal vessels to gain access/dock at the show.

Our directory is continuously being updated as we near the show - be sure to check back frequently as we add new exhibitors and boat brands to the list! 

Familiarize yourself with the show layout by checking the map available on our website. Note the locations of different exhibits, display areas, restrooms, and information booths.

Research the exhibitors beforehand to identify the ones you are particularly interested in visiting. This will help you plan your route efficiently.

The Windy City Boat & Yacht Show offers a variety of food options, including on-site vendors and nearby restaurants through Chicago. Check the map for designated food areas within our show site and visit ChooseChicago for a variety of dining options and fun activities surrounding the boat show weekend.

Yes, a marine trades ticket can be purchased by emailing our customer service representative at Anjelica.orta@informa.com. Upon provided proof of your marine trades status (business card), Angelica will work with you on this purchase. The Marine Trades ticket is valid for all three days of WCBYS and is $60.

Thank you for your service! 

Active military and veterans are eligible for complimentary 1-day general admission on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

To avoid delays onsite, we highly recommend requesting your ticket in advance using this link: https://informamarkets.jotform.com/252513285345153

If you choose to register onsite, please bring your Military ID and visit any entrance area to complete your digital ticket registration before admission is granted. Family and friends are not eligible for this offer.

Email cxteam@informa.com and include the email you used to purchase your ticket. They will resend it to you. If you're at the show and have the same issue, please visit our ticketing agents located at the entrance of the show.

You must purchase your ticket online, as there is NO ticketing box office onsite. All ticket sales are final, and refunds will only be accepted if the event is cancelled in full. This is a rain-or-shine event. 

To stay informed about our upcoming shows, visit our Get Updates page to sign up for our newsletter.

For ticketing issues, concerns or other questions, please email cxteam@informa.com or visit our registration office located at the main entrance of the show during the show days of June 12-14, 2026.