What’s New This Year at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The action starts at the Broward County Convention Center, with a display of fishing boats, cruisers, fishing equipment, marine accessories, personal watercraft, “The Blue Wild” exhibit and much more. Little yachties can take part in the FLIBS Kids Corner, with face painting, crafts and other family-friendly activities. The “Hook the Future” kids fishing clinic with Don Dingman takes place at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and attendees can take home a free fishing rod and reel.

Bahia Mar will play host to everything from center consoles and superyachts to accessories and electronics. At the newly reimagined Pier Sixty-Six North, visitors will find brokerage vessels longer than 100 feet. The VIP experience is available at two locations: Superyacht Village and Bahia Mar. New-build yachts can be found at the Hall of Fame Marina, while Las Olas Marina will be home to vessels ranging from 60 to more than 200 feet in length.

The Windward VIP Experience is back for FLIBS 2026, returning to the Superyacht Village and a new second home at the Windward VIP Cabana Club at the Bahia Mar Marina.

At the Superyacht Village, VIP attendees start the day stress free with complimentary self parking, then head to the Windward VIP Lounge for a spread of gourmet food, premium open bar, immersive activations, private bathrooms, and the option to access the village an hour prior to opening time. The Windward VIP Cabana Club is a retreat to unwind during the excitement of FLIBS, with cabanas as well as the Goslings Island Bar between Docks C and D.

Pickleball has become the king of sports in Greater Fort Lauderdale, and FLIBS 2026 is bringing the fun of the game to the boat show. A floating pickleball court will be erected at the Las Olas Marina, and yacht crew members are welcome to take part in a friendly pickleball tournament.

FLIBS is about fun on the water, but also being a responsible steward of our oceans. The boat show is committed to become a zero-waste, net-carbon-zero business by 2030. The MRH Innovation & Sustainability Award recognizes companies and organizations that are leading the way by implementing practices that promote sustainability and solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The boat show’s exclusive catering company, Proof of the Pudding, has a no-Styrofoam policy, works to reduce single-use plastics, sources from local vendors, and donates to local food banks.

There’s no shortage of food and beverage at FLIBS, with delicious bites that include dishes for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free attendees. Within the Windward VIP Experience, both locations will be serving dishes from celebrity chefs—“Hell’s Kitchen”’s Chef Ryan O’Sullivan and Chef David White, a familiar face from “Below Deck” and “Chopped.” For a cold one, head to the Goslings Island Bar (known for its Dark N’ Stormy cocktail) or the Stella Artois Barge, as well as satellite bars throughout the boat show.

There’s a fleet of hotels close to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. To name a few that keep guests right near the action: 

• Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina: This resort-style property sits right across from the Convention Center, with panoramas of the Intracoastal and easy access to Bahia Mar.

• Pier Sixty-Six Resort: Fresh off its transformation, this storied hotel pairs upscale rooms with direct access to Superyacht Village and Pier Sixty-Six Marina.

• Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard: Stay in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s shopping and dining district while being only a water taxi ride away from the action. 

• The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale: For those seeking elevated luxury, this beachfront resort is perched above the Atlantic with fine dining and a serene spa retreat.

Show Hours

• Wednesday, October 28 (Preview Day): 12 - 7 p.m.

• Thursday, October 29 to Saturday, Oct. 31: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Sunday, November 1: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets

• All tickets are digital and exclusively sold at flibs.com. There is no on-site ticketbox, so tickets must be purchased in advance.

• Active military and veterans can receive a free general admission ticket for Nov. 1 here.

• Children younger than 6 enter free with a ticketed adult; discounted tickets are available for children 6 to 12.

• The Windward VIP Experience includes perks such as early entry, private lounges, open bars, gourmet dining, and complimentary self parking.

The Broward County Convention Center has more than 3,000 parking spots available for $20 a day, and the boat show’s six venues can be accessed by complimentary shuttles and golf carts. Attendees can also easily get around by climbing aboard the Water Taxi, with $15 daily passes.