Boating enthusiasts, mark your calendars and set your courses for McCormick Place: the 2024 Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show has sailed into town. From January 10th through the 14th, visitors are getting an exclusive look at the latest marine trends, including tours of luxurious million-dollar yachts and the freshest launches in motorboats, pontoons, and fishing vessels. Adding to the maritime menagerie are the newest boating products, fishing gear, accessories, and cutting-edge marine electronics.
Reported by NBC Chicago, this year's boat show isn’t just about ogling the high-ticket toys; it's a playground for all ages. The indoor venue features a beach club complete with a paddlesports pool, a bumper boats pool, daily entertainment, and more. As per tradition, the tarpaulin is also lifting on engaging attractions such as the bumper boats for kids, a stand-up paddle boarding pool, and even a mechanical wave surf simulator.
And it's not just show and tell. "The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show is an annual Midwest boating tradition, attracting thousands of visitors to the Windy City each year to explore the best in boating,” stated Show Manager and NMMA Vice President of Midwest Boat and Sport Shows Darren Envall according to a release. Guests are encouraged to dip their toes into this "nautical oasis in the middle of winter" and look forward to their next aquatic adventure, whether they're seasoned sailors or new skippers navigating the post-pandemic boating boom.
Kids 12 years and younger can dock at the event for free when they're with a paid adult, while online tickets for adults are available for $13; those preferring to buy on the spot will have to shell out $15. Looking for a discount? Visitors can trim the sails on their expenses by using the promo code CHI20 when purchasing tickets from Macaroni Kid Chicago Loop. With week-long hours designed to accommodate even the busiest of land lovers, there's plenty of opportunity to revel in the maritime merriment before the anchor's pulled on Sunday evening.
Post the boat show, motorheads can steer towards the Chicago Auto Show starting on February 8, while outdoor enthusiasts might be interested in hitching up to the Chicago RV & Camping Show, scheduled for February 15-18. Both events promise to keep the gears of excitement turning well into the President's Day weekend, offering a glimpse at the newest models and special show pricing. Whether on sea, land, or somewhere in between, Chicago is setting the pace for industry showcases this winter.
