2027 VISITOR GUIDE / ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS
Chicago Boat Show 2027
February 3–7, 2027 · Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Show hours, online tickets, transportation, boats, marine exhibits and Canadian fishing-trip ideas.
The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show takes place February 3–7, 2027, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This independent guide covers confirmed visitor information, practical ways to plan your visit and how a day exploring boats can lead to new Canadian fishing-trip ideas.
01
Feb 3–7
Wednesday through Sunday
02
Rosemont
Donald E. Stephens Center
03
Online only
Organizer-authorized sales
04
5 days
Marine products and boating
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Five days of boating in Rosemont
The show takes place February 3–7, 2027 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018.
Confirmed daily hours
| Date | Opening hours (Central) |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, February 3 | 2 PM–8 PM |
| Thursday, February 4 | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday, February 5 | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday, February 6 | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday, February 7 | 10 AM–5 PM |
Recheck the official show information and FAQ before making your trip.
Tickets and arrival, at a glance
The most important planning difference: the organizer only sells tickets online.
BEFORE YOU GO
Buy tickets online
The organizer states that all tickets are sold online; there are no onsite ticket sales. Only the official event website is authorized to sell genuine tickets.
Check current 2027 ticket prices and promotions when you purchase; do not rely on prices from previous years.
PARKING & TRANSIT
Park or arrive by train
The organizer lists the William Street and East Parking garages. Parking is advertised at US$20 for 24 hours, without in-and-out privileges, and the rate may change.
The venue is about two blocks from the Rosemont/River Road CTA Blue Line station. The organizer also describes free Rosemont Entertainment Circulator bus service.
EXPLORE THE SHOW FLOOR
Boats, marine equipment and hands-on learning
This is a recreational boating show. Use the current brand and exhibitor directories to plan which displays matter most, and verify individual 2027 attractions with the organizer.
01 · Fishing & utility boats
Compare hull design, layout, storage and everyday usability for anglers and families spending time on lakes.
02 · Pontoons & recreation
Explore leisure boating and the features that matter for relaxing, cruising and outings with larger groups.
03 · Marine gear & learning
Look for engines, accessories, safety resources and boating education suited to both new and experienced boaters.
Attractions and schedules: The official features page describes activities such as boating education and interactive experiences, but don’t assume every feature and session is confirmed for 2027. Check the final event program.
Use the official attractions page, show map and boater’s basics resources. The organizer says RVs are no longer displayed at the show.
PLAN YOUR DAY
Make the most of your time at the show
A few questions help you focus on products you’ll actually enjoy using, rather than getting lost in every display.
Bring a practical shopping checklist
- What will you primarily use a boat for—fishing, cruising, family outings or a mix?
- What passengers, gear and safety equipment must fit onboard?
- How will you store, tow, service and insure the boat?
- Which equipment is included and which accessories cost extra?
- What are the warranty, delivery and maintenance considerations?
- Would renting a boat at a Canadian fishing resort suit some vacations better?
BEYOND THE SHOW FLOOR
Find your next Canadian fishing adventure
The boat show is one starting point. The next step is choosing a fishing-trip experience that suits your group’s interests, travel time and preferred access style.
Turn boating inspiration into a fishing-trip plan
Drive-to resorts can simplify arrival, boat-in lodges add a water transfer, and fly-in outposts offer a more remote experience. Those categories describe possible trips, not confirmed exhibitors at the Chicago show.
Questions for your group
- Which species and travel dates matter most?
- How many people and beds will you need?
- Would you rather drive, transfer by boat or fly in?
- Are boats, motors, fuel, meals and guides included?
- What border documents, fishing licences and reservations will you need?
- What are the lodge’s current rates and cancellation terms?
Browse Canadian fishing lodges in the iFishCanada directory or try the Fishing Trip Planner. Always confirm availability and package information with the lodge.
VISITOR QUESTIONS
Chicago Boat Show 2027: FAQs
Select a question to see the answer.
When is the Chicago Boat Show 2027?
The show runs Wednesday, February 3 through Sunday, February 7, 2027.
Where is the Chicago Boat Show held in 2027?
At the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018.
What are the daily Chicago Boat Show hours?
Wednesday: 2 PM–8 PM; Thursday and Friday: 11 AM–8 PM; Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM; Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM. All times Central.
Can I buy Chicago Boat Show tickets at the entrance?
No. The show’s official FAQ states that all ticket purchases are online only. Buy only through the authorized organizer website.
How much are 2027 tickets?
Check the official organizer admission page for current 2027 prices and any pre-show promotions. The guide does not assume prices from earlier years.
Where can I park?
The organizer lists the William Street Garage and East Parking Garage, with parking currently shown at US$20 for 24 hours, no in-and-out privileges, subject to change.
Can I reach the show by train?
Yes. The venue is a short walk from the Rosemont/River Road CTA Blue Line station. The organizer also lists the Rosemont Entertainment Circulator bus.
Will there be boats and marine accessories?
The Chicago Boat Show is a recreational boating exhibition. Refer to the organizer’s brands, exhibitor list and show map for the current product lineup.
Are family activities or seminars scheduled?
The organizer describes interactive attractions and boating education on its features page; verify the specific 2027 schedule before planning around a particular activity.
Are recreational vehicles displayed at the show?
The organizer says RVs are no longer displayed at this event. This guide focuses on recreational boats and marine activities.
How do I compare Canadian fishing lodges after the show?
Select the Drive To, Boat In or Fly In listing category in this guide and contact each lodge directly to verify prices, packages and availability.
OFFICIAL RESOURCES
Show information and useful links
- Official Chicago Boat Show website
- Show dates, hours, tickets and FAQ
- Parking and transportation
- Features and activities
- Official show map
- Browse other 2027 show guides
Checked November 12, 2026. This is an independent iFishCanada visitor guide, not the official show organizer. Confirm rates and event details with the organizer before travelling.
CANADA’S LAKES ARE CALLING
Find a Canadian fishing trip that fits your group
Explore lodge listings by travel style and contact the operator directly to confirm the details.