Article

Chicago Boat Show

January 8, 2025

what to do in chicago this weekend 

The Chicago Boat Show Sails into a New Venue for 2025

Attention boating enthusiasts! The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show returns January 8-12, 2025, at a new location: the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont, Illinois. 

This year’s event showcases an impressive range of vessels from brands like Mastercraft, Bayliner, and Sea Ray, plus attractions for all ages.

Schedule and Tickets
The show runs Wednesday through Sunday, with tickets priced at $13 online or $15 at the door. Kids under 12 attend free with a paying adult, and seniors (62+) get $10 tickets on Wednesday with ID.

Must-See Attractions
Beyond the boats, enjoy the Discover Boating Beach Club, Paddlefest Pool paddleboarding lessons, and family-friendly fun like bumper boats and the Huck Finn Trout Pond. DIYers can head to Fred’s Shed How-to Center for expert tips.

Getting There
Located at 5555 N. River Road, the venue offers $15 parking at nearby garages. Easily accessible from the city and suburbs, it’s the perfect spot for this year’s event.
learn more

share this

Related Articles

Related Articles

March 20, 2026
CHICAGO — The wait is over. The official lineup for Lollapalooza 2026 has been released, and this year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the most diverse and high-energy editions yet. Set to return to Grant Park from July 30 through August 2 , the four-day festival will feature over 170 artists across eight stages, blending pop, hip-hop, indie, rock, and electronic music into one massive summer experience in the heart of Chicago. This year’s headliners are stacke d with global stars and fan favorites, including Charli XCX, Lorde, and Tate McRae, signaling a strong pop presence across the weekend. Chicago legends The Smashing Pumpkins will also take the stage, bringing a hometown moment that longtime fans will not want to miss.
March 19, 2026
Crowd Work Wednesday is an interactive stand-up comedy show happening on March 25 from 7–8:30 PM at The Comedy Bar in River North. Hosted by Pat Bolduc & John Gasper, the show features a rotating lineup of comedians who skip the scripted material and instead riff directly with the audience—making every performance completely unique and unpredictable.
March 5, 2026
Chicagoans looking to welcome spring with a burst of color can head to Navy Pier this Saturday, March 7, where the city will host its annual Holi celebration — one of the largest free festivals of its kind in the United States.
ALL ARTICLES