THE 63RD ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

There’s good reason over 100,000 boating enthusiasts venture through the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) gates every October: it’s a blockbuster yachting event that’s crowned the largest and most spectacular in-water boating display across the seven seas, and there’s nothing quite like it in the world!
Held along Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful Intracoastal Waterway in seven distinctive venues– and just minutes from sun-soaked beaches and exciting downtown thrills–we hope you mark your calendars, because the show runs October 26th through October 30th, and it’s bound to leave an impression with all that’s scheduled on deck. So whether you’re a yachting aficionado, maritime professional, or simply have a lifelong love affair with all-things-sea, don’t delay.

FLIBS raises the bar once more with a mammoth three million square feet of exhibit space primed for the best nautical showcases of today, from anticipated yacht debuts and vendors showcasing the finest nautical accessories, to educational seminars, in-water demos and clinics for the whole family.

As with any quality rendezvous, FLIBS offers an extra special way for our extended boating family to experience the show. The Windward VIP. This premium one-day pass lets you experience the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with access to the Windward VIP Club, a luxurious, climate-controlled retreat located in the famed Bahia Mar Captain’s Lounge. Enjoy relaxing outdoor terraces with unparalleled water views, first-rate beverages from an open bar, and the finest gourmet food and snacks, all available all day long. Complimentary shuttles and water taxi services are also included for Windward VIP ticket holders, as is a special hour-early access pass to the show.

To take it up a notch with a bit of extra festivity, try the Fort Lauderdale Concours ticket package. This package offers all the perks of the Windward VIP ticket, but includes entrance to an exclusive VIP Classic Cars event at the Fort Lauderdale Concours at Superyacht Village, kicking off Friday October 28th at 5pm. The evening’s excitement includes live entertainment, unlimited premium cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and a gallery of exotic cars, fine art, and collectible sneakers, amongst other indulgent happenings.

WHAT WE CAN’T WAIT FOR
Let’s be honest: above all, you’re here for the boats; miles and miles of them. And no matter if it’s cruisers, motor yachts, runabouts, power catamarans, or fishing boats that fire you up, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will deliver enough visual excitement to last the year through. Thousands of polished vessels, from 10- foot speedsters to sleek 300-foot mega yachts, will be on display all five days of the show, including the year’s most anticipated debuts from top boat manufacturers.

ALL THINGS OCEANGOING
FLIBS truly is an all-encompassing global affair, with over 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries arriving to showcase the most cutting-edge nautical innovations and merchandise from near and far. Hundreds of pieces of marine gear, in fact, will be making their public debut at the show, from the latest in foul-weather clothing and seaworthy generators, to fishing tackle, watersport craft, and boat décor. It’s a stimulation of the senses in every respect, and we hope you leave the FLIBS grounds invigorated, stocked up, and ready for your next ocean adventure.

DEMOS & FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN
FLIBS offers a curated a program of educational seminars, interactive presentations and hands-on demos for show guests. From safety and conservation, to fishing techniques and master clinics, the Broward County Convention Center will offer something to learn for all ages and skill sets.

Another highlight will be the Aqua Zone, presented by Nautical Ventures. The 40,000-gallon freshwater pool will host engaging demonstrations of water sports and oceangoing products that help fuel and elevate a boating lifestyle.

Also at the Convention Center, the Kids Corner will offer children-specific fishing clinics, marine arts and crafts, and even a Winterfest Holiday Corner, where young seafarers can greet Santa himself!

FEASTING AT THE SHOW
Good decisions are often impacted by good food, which is exactly why The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show provides delicious upmarket fare for patrons. It’ll be easy to keep your hunger in check with over 100 of the finest food concessions in the nation, offering everything from wood-fired pizza and zesty street-style tacos, to fresh crab claws and juicy hand-crafted burgers. The selection is suited for every budget and craving, from healthy eats to traditional comfort foods, and many of the show's vendors also accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

We know, of course, that hydration is equally vital to keeping your energy at peak levels during the show. So whether you’re in search of homemade lemonade, a pint of craft beer or a specialty cocktail, FLIBS offers a floating cocktail barge and numerous satellite bars to quench your thirst.

GETTING AROUND
Like any voyage, we suggest pre-plotting a course to navigate the expansive FLIBS grounds, which will stretch nearly 90 acres. The Broward County Convention Center will be the main venue, and other boat show locations include: the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, the Superyacht Village at Pier 66, and the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina.

The Broward County Convention Center will serve as the main transportation hub, offering 3,000 parking spaces for show patrons at a friendly $20 per day; from the convention center, ticket holders will have easy access to all exhibit locations via complimentary shuttle. Or, if water transport is more your calling, purchase full-day water taxi tickets at $15, and arrive pierside without the worry of traffic on land.