The Newport International Boat Show presented by BankNewport will return to downtown Newport September 17-20, 2026, with four days of boats, marine products, education and waterfront experiences. Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual show, centered at the Newport Yachting Center Marina and extending across seven interconnected sites along the harbour.
More boats across Newport’s waterfront: More than 450 boats are scheduled to fill over 17 acres, with new sailboats, powerboats and multihulls joined by marine electronics, equipment, services, accessories and apparel on land. Visitors can compare models, talk directly with builders and dealers, and board many of the boats at the exhibitors’ discretion.
New for 2026 is the Fishing Village: Presented by Tashmoo Boatworks and included with show admission, the new waterfront area brings together fishing boats, tackle, marine electronics, gear and expert instruction. The Fishing Education Center, presented by The Saltwater Edge, will host complimentary seminars and technology demos Friday through Sunday on side-scan sonar, false albacore, midshore bluefin tuna, bottom fishing, bass fishing and other topics. A 50-foot casting pond presented by Tashmoo Boatworks anchors the village and will offer fly-casting clinics throughout the Show.
Four days of complimentary seminars return: The Cruisers Classroom, presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS), will run in two rooms Below Deck at the Hammetts Hotel. Seating is first-come, first-served and limited to 40 attendees per session. The schedule covers boat selection and buying, radar and AIS, anchoring and mooring, marine diesel systems, weather, docking and captain licensing, along with seminars on the Great Loop, Caribbean cruising, chartering, solo ocean racing and climate change and ocean acidification.
Showgoers can also learn by doing: BoatClass, powered by Freedom Boat Club, will offer 90-minute, captain-led on-water sessions Thursday through Sunday. Classes cost $199 per person, include same-day show admission and are open to participants age 21 and older, with no previous boating experience required. Advance online registration is required.
IYRS Tech Talks add focused technical training: Three-hour workshops at IYRS School of Technology & Trades on Friday and Saturday will cover multimeters and electrical troubleshooting, cable sizing and crimping, and gel coat repair. Each $125 registration includes same-day general admission to the show. Advance registration is required, and individual classes are limited to 12 or 15 students.
Midtown Race Club creates a new waterfront gathering place: The brand-new venue at Perry Mill Wharf is home to the reimagined Windward VIP Lounge. A $300 one-day VIP ticket includes show admission, entry one hour before the public opening, a private entrance, gourmet food, premium bar offerings, private restrooms, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and special tastings and pop-up experiences. Guests must be 18 or older. Planned programming includes Bubbles & Boats with Tashmoo Boatworks, sips & savors the ultimate caviar and Prosecco pairing by Stoneacre Hospitality, a Henri-Lloyd presentation and beverage sampling from participating sponsors.
U.S. debuts remain a Newport tradition: The Newport for New Products program celebrating its 20th anniversary, will identify eligible 2027 new boats and marine products debuts with official decals and burgees throughout the show. Industry judges will recognize the best new powerboat, sailboat, technology, boat operation, maintenance and safety product, and weather gear, with additional Green and Accessibility honors. Winners will be announced Friday, September 18 and all of the almost 50 new debuts will be on display for the Show.
Sunday brings a stronger community focus: Community Day will welcome children and families in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, with activities and food and beverages brought to you by BankNewport on the Sky Deck. Newport County residents and military personnel is brought to you by Hogan Associates Real Estate and Carey, Richmond & Viking Insurance. Discounted tickets available on site with valid identification. Children under 10 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Local partners connect the show to Newport’s working waterfront: IYRS, the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association, Sail Newport and Save The Bay support marine education, workforce development and environmental programs at the event. Visitors can also follow the 2.5-mile Newport Harbour Walk from Washington Street to King Park. BankNewport returns as presenting sponsor, with specialists from its OceanPoint Funding marine division at display B-2 outside the entrance to North Commercial Wharf. Henri-Lloyd by Big Weather Gear is the show’s official outerwear sponsor.
“We designed this year’s show so visitors can build a day around the parts of boating they care about most,” said Jocelyn Emory, Director of Strategy for the Newport International Boat Show, US Boat Shows for Informa Market. “A buyer can move from new models and brokerage yachts to hands-on education, while families and anglers have programs of their own in the new Fishing Village. Midtown Race Club adds another waterfront stop, whether a guest chooses the Windward VIP Lounge or the open-to-all Regatta Bar. With seven connected sites, reviewing the map and schedule before arriving will help showgoers make the most of their day.”
“BankNewport is proud to once again serve as presenting sponsor of the Newport International Boat Show,” said Jack Murphy, President and CEO at Bank Newport. “Each year, the show continues to grow and attract boating enthusiasts, industry professionals and visitors to Newport from near and far. It has become one of the major events of the year in Newport and a great opportunity to showcase the strength of the marine industry while supporting the local businesses that welcome attendees throughout the weekend. We’re looking forward to another great event this year.”
As one of the most coveted in-water events in the country, the Newport International Boat Show spans over 17 acres of Newport’s renowned waterfront. It features hundreds of exhibitors, dealers, and manufacturers, showcasing a dazzling array of powerboats and sailboats ranging from 15 to 90 feet, alongside a comprehensive selection of marine equipment, services, and accessories for boating aficionados.
Show hours and tickets: The show is open Thursday, September 17, through Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult Thursday Preview Day tickets are $44. One-day general admission tickets for Friday through Sunday are $33; a two-day Preview Day and general admission pass is $68, and a two-day general admission pass for Friday through Sunday is $56. Windward VIP is $300. Applicable ticketing fees may apply. Digital tickets are scanned at entry, and each attendee receives a wristband providing access to all seven show sites for the valid day or days. The event is held rain or shine, and tickets are nonrefundable.
Plan the trip before arriving: Advance parking passes are available for Easton’s Beach, with continuous complimentary shuttle service to and from the show from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Jamestown Newport Ferry offers another way to reach the waterfront. Visitors are encouraged to review the 2026 show map, online directory, seminar schedules and transportation details at www.newportboatshow.com and purchase tickets in advance.
