The Discover Boating® Atlantic City Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive®, returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center February 25–March 1, 2026, bringing five days of summer vibes and fun for the whole family. A longtime Atlantic City tradition, the boat show welcomes tens of thousands of attendees eager to explore boating, one of the nation’s most popular outdoor recreational activities.
From first-time boaters to seasoned enthusiasts, showgoers can shop hundreds of new boats, connect with industry experts, and discover the latest gear and accessories, including exclusive show-only specials. Beyond the boats, the boat show offers interactive experiences like the Indoor Paddle Pool, fishing demonstrations, and kids’ activities designed to inspire the next generation of boaters. Tickets are available at acboatshow.com.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
· Experience the #BoatLife in Real Life! With more boats to see and shop, interactive features, and free educational opportunities for boaters of all experience levels, one of the area’s best winter indoor events offers something for everyone.
o Explore the boats: Step aboard the newest models, from center consoles and wakesport boats to inflatables, pontoon boats, and luxury motor yachts.
o Try paddlesports: The Paddlesports Experience invites attendees to get on the water and experience kayaking firsthand. Watch on-water demonstrations or grab a paddle and try it yourself. Open to guests ages 10 & up, in partnership with Fin-atics Marine of Ocean City, NJ.
o Relax and recharge: Visit the Discover Boating Beach Club for a warm-weather escape featuring a beach bar, music, beach games, and a new hands-on virtual reality boating experience.
· Fish On! With the best fishing features for new and pro anglers alike:
o Art of Casting Pond: Learn the art of casting from the experts at Goose Hummock Saltwater Fishing Outfitter atop a 30′ long tank.
o Expert anglers will share tips and tricks to help attendees improve their catch at the Fishing Seminar Series, presented by The Fisherman Magazine. These complimentary sessions cover a variety of topics – from proper rigging for big game fishing and offshore angling to how to land a trophy striper.
· Kid-friendly fun. The boat show inviteslittle skippers to build their own toy boat, play Fishing Frenzy, and climb aboard hundreds of boats to play captain for the day! Plus, watch award-winning professional sand sculptorJohn Gowdy create his next masterpiece as he transforms a pile of sand into an amazing work of art.
· Tour the Queen of the Show & her Court of Beauties – Boat Show tradition dictates that the largest yacht at the show each year is named the Queen, with a special look at those in her court.
- The Queen of the Show is the Albemarle 45 Carolina Fisharound – a stunning center console with a spacious and well-appointed interior, Triple 600 HP Mercury power and all of the hardcore fishing features that help you make the most of your offshore adventures.
- Pursuit OS 445 – designed for fishing, cruising, and entertaining with sweeping views from the expansive 60-inch windshield adding to the overall sleek and luxurious design.
- The Sea Ray 400 SLX-OB – from the ingenious fold-down swim terrace to the amenity-rich cockpit, the SLX 400 Outboard is built for entertaining and innovative features at your fingertips.
· Free education for boaters of all levels – Improve your nautical knowledge at Fred’s Shed How-To Center, presented by Progressive® for freetips, tricks and DIY advice for every boater – from first timers to experienced captains.
· 11th Captain’s Table Gala on Thursday, February 26, from 6-8pm benefitting “Let Us Eat, Please” and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Plus, be the first to experience the NEW Taste Atlantic City which launches that evening and reimagines Atlantic City Restaurant Week as a month-long dining celebration taking place throughout March. The revamped experience will feature tiered, boldly curated menus that promise a mouthwatering experience for locals and visitors alike. Tickets can be purchased here.
· Take a step back in time at the Classic & Race Boat Display with boats dating back 72 years. Boats include a restored 1951 wooden Chris Craft Holiday.
SHOW DETAILS
WHEN: Wednesday, February 25-Sunday, March 1, 2026
Weds-Fri: 12:00pm-8:00pm; Sat: 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm
WHERE: 1 Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
TICKETS: $20 for adults. Children 12 & under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult. Buy online at acboatshow.com – onsite tickets are only via QR code to online sales, so buy in advance to skip the line! And it pays to bring friends with escalating discounts when you buy 3 or more tickets!
On Wednesday, February 25, all active and retired military, first responders and USCG/USCGA members get in FREE. Simply show valid identification along with photo ID at Will Call for a complimentary ticket.
WEB/SOCIAL: Visit ACBoatShow.com for full details, plus stay tuned to Instagram and Facebook for up-to-the-minute information, giveaways and more #ACBoatShow
U.S. & NEW JERSEY BOATING BY THE NUMBERS**
- New Jersey Boating Sales totaled $742 million, up 3.6% compared to 2023 ($716 million) in 2024 including new powerboats, outboard engines, boat trailers and aftermarket accessories
- NJ ranked 14 in total marine expenditures in 2024. Boating has a $6.6 billion economic impact in NJ, supporting 20,177 jobs and 1,193 businesses.
- An estimated 85 million Americans go boating each year.
- Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. are American made.
**Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association