The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport, has opened ticket sales for its 2026 edition as it prepares to mark 55 years as one of the largest in-water boat shows in the Northeast.
Set for Sept. 17 to 20 on Newport’s waterfront, this year’s show will feature expanded educational programming, a reimagined Windward VIP Lounge, hundreds of boats and marine products, and four days of programming aimed at every type of boating enthusiast.
New and returning attractions include Tech Talks, Cruisers Classroom sessions and hands-on on-water training. The show’s educational partner, IYRS School of Technology & Trades, will again deliver Tech Talk classroom sessions led by industry professionals on Saturday and Sunday, with courses open to anyone for $125 per class, including a single-day general admission ticket. Cruisers Classroom, presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship, returns to Hammetts’ below deck with a slate of free discussions and panels for new boaters and seasoned mariners alike. For on-water training, BoatClass by Freedom Boat Club will offer 90-minute sessions with certified captains, going on sale soon.
“Reaching our 55th anniversary is an incredible milestone and an opportunity to reflect on what has made the Newport International Boat Show such a special event for generations of boaters,” said Jocelyn Emory, director of strategy for the show, U.S. Boat Shows for Informa Markets. “This year’s Show combines everything attendees have come to expect — world-class boats, industry-leading brands and the energy of Newport’s waterfront — with enhanced educational programming and elevated hospitality experiences.”
Opening Preview Day is Thursday, Sept. 17, with tickets priced at $44. A one-day general admission ticket, valid Friday through Sunday, is $33; two-day passes that include preview day plus one general admission ticket are $68, and two-day general admission tickets are $56.
The Windward VIP Lounge offers a private entrance through Perry Mill Wharf, a premium open bar, gourmet food, private restrooms and early entry one hour before the show opens. One-day VIP tickets are $250 through Aug. 15 and $300 after that date, valid for any one day of the show. They must be purchased in advance, and visitors must be 18 or older to enter the lounge.
Billed as one of the most coveted in-water events in the country, the show spans more than 17 acres across six connecting sites and features hundreds of exhibitors, dealers and manufacturers showcasing powerboats and sailboats ranging from 15 to 90 feet, along with marine equipment, services and accessories. Organizers said the 2025 show brought $22.5 million in economic activity to the local economy.
Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. More information is available at newportboatshow.com.
