Newport International Boat Show to offer full slate of activities for showgoers

Newport International Boat Show to offer full slate of activities for showgoers © Newport International Boat Show

The Newport International Boat Show presented by BankNewport announced today a full slate of new activities to entertain and educate visitors. Tickets are now on sale for this year's Show to be held September 11-14, 2025, at the Newport Yachting Center Marina in downtown Newport, Rhode Island.

The Newport International Boat Show, now in its 54th year is one of the largest and most prestigious boat shows in the Northeast, spanning over 17 acres within historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Walk the docks and view a spectacular display of 350 new sailboats and powerboats, some making their first-ever debut in the United States. This year there's two acres of even more boats to see throughout show, including a brokerage basin, with both power and sailboats ranging up to 100-feet now on display. On the land side, visitors will find hundreds of marine products, services and accessories to enhance the boating lifestyle. With so much to see, it's helpful to plan ahead by checking the Show's website for activities, events, exhibitor listings, site map and to purchase tickets in advance.

The Cruisers' Classroom, presented by the Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS) located Below-Deck at the Hammetts entrance to the Show is a complimentary educational opportunity featuring interactive presentations covering an array of marine-related topics such as Anchoring and Mooring, Diesel Basics, Weather Safety, Navigation, Chartering, Boat Buying and Maintenance. Tech Talks at IYRS School of Technology & Trades, the Show's official educational partner, offer dynamic, hands-on workshops including Lithium Battery & Electronically Controlled Diesel Engines Know-How and Gel Coat Repair workshops are held on Saturday and Sunday during the Newport International Boat Show. Space is limited—advance booking is highly recommended. BoatClass powered by Freedom Boat Club, is your gateway to confident boating. For just $99, boaters can participate in a 90-minute on-water training session with a certified captain who will guide you through essential boating skills - no experience needed. Classes are offered daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Spots are limited, and registration is required in advance.

As the kickoff for boat show season, many exhibitors launch new 2026 models for the first time in the U.S. at the Show. When walking the show, keep an eye out for the red and blue Newport for New Products (NFNP) Awards Program decals and burgees indicating each boat or product entry. Industry experts will judge each entry on opening day and awards are given in several categories. All winners will be announced Friday, Sept. 12. This year the program is featuring over 40 new product and boat debuts, both power and sail.

Now in its second year, the Show is offering an exclusive experience with the Windward VIP Lounge. Giving guests a private oasis with views of Narragansett Bay and the ocean sounds of an active waterfront, it includes a premium open bar with endless options, gourmet food served all day, private restrooms and a place to relax and lounge, indoors and outdoors, and daily must-see pop-up activations.

Take a break and enjoy a variety of food and beverage options within the show site from a number of concessions on-site, such as Wally's hot dogs, Castle Hill Inn, Newport Chowder Company clam chowder, Smoke House burgers and pulled pork sandwiches and more. For iced or hot coffee, visit Onshore Brewing, just outside of Hammetts entrance.

If visitors need a launch to the mooring field, Oldport Launch is operating from Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina. The water taxi service to the Newport Shipyard Brokerage Show is operating from this location as well. Also noted on the map is the Easton's Beach bus shuttle pick-up and drop-off location, right outside the Red Parrot located on the corner of Thames and America's Cup. This shuttle is complimentary to all showgoers who park at the Easton's Beach parking lot, running 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. all four days of the show.

"Every year our sponsors, partners and exhibitors continue to deliver an incredible experience," said Jocelyn Emory, Director of Strategy for the Newport International Boat Show, US Boat Shows for Informa Market. "This year is no exception with activities, food and educational opportunities to entertain everyone. We can't wait to take over the Newport waterfront and create an unforgettable experience for all who attend."

To purchase tickets online, visit www.newportboatshow.com. Discover Newport is sponsoring opening Preview Day on Thursday, September 11th for $42. A one-day General Admission ticket is $32 (valid for one day, Friday through Sunday), two-day passes including preview day plus one general admission ticket is $65, or two-day general admission tickets are $54. Children under 10 are free when accompanied by an adult. On behalf of Hogan Associates Real Estate and Carey, Richmond & Viking Insurance, in appreciation of military families and veterans as well as residents of Newport County on Sunday, September 14th, tickets are $20 at kiosk row only with ID check.

Windward VIP Lounge One-Day Tickets are available for $275. Each VIP ticket is valid for any one day of the Show. Showgoers must purchase tickets in advance, as this experience will not be sold day-of. Digital tickets will be scanned at entry of the Windward Lounge and visitors must be 18 or older to enter.

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.