December 29, 2024
Events
Navigating the Waves: A Comprehensive Look at the Chicago Boat Show January 8-12, 2025 Home Blog December 29, 2024 Events Navigating the Waves: A Comprehensive Look at the Chicago Boat Show January 8-12, 2025 Navigating the Waves: A Comprehensive Look at the Chicago Boat Show January 8-12, 2025 Home Blog December 29, 2024 Events Navigating […]
In the heart of winter, when the Midwest is blanketed in snow and the lakes are iced over, there’s a place where enthusiasts can still indulge their love for boating. Welcome to the Chicago Boat Show, an annual event that has become a beacon for those passionate about life on the water. This year, the show promises to be bigger, better, and more enticing than ever before, set to take place at a new venue, the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center, from January 8-12, 2025.
Mark your calendar, prepare your questions, and get ready to navigate through one of the most anticipated boat shows in the Midwest. See you on the water - or at least, see you at the show dreaming of it!
The shift to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center marks a new chapter for the Chicago Boat Show. This change isn’t just about location; it’s about expanding the possibilities for exhibitors and attendees alike. The venue offers more space for displays, increased parking, and easy access from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, making it a strategic move to accommodate the growing interest in boating among both seasoned sailors and curious newcomers. This new setting ensures that the show can cater to a diverse range of interests with more room for seminars, interactive demos, and of course, more boats.
Certification and Compliance: With the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) involved, the show promotes certification standards to ensure that the boats on display meet rigorous safety and construction criteria. This commitment to quality and safety is a major draw for those considering a significant investment in a new vessel.
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🚤 Chicago’s Yacht Tax TRIPLE THREAT ⚓
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2026 budget aims to triple the city’s 7 % boat-mooring tax—raising it to 23.25 %.
The proposal targets high-end leisure craft to help fill a billion-dollar budget gap, but critics warn it could sink the city’s boating economy.
Would this make Chicago’s harbors less attractive—or is it a fair share for luxury boaters?
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Read the full breakdown in our featured article (link in bio)
#PlaypenChicago #ChicagoBoating #LakeMichiganLife #ChicagoPolitics #YachtTax #ChicagoHarbor #BoatLifeChicago #PlaypenScene #LuxuryLifestyle #WindyCityWaterfront
We’re celebrating the end of the season on the water today with oysters by @loganoystersocials and bubbly thanks to @themetropolitanchicago!
While boating season may be coming to a close, we’re keeping things rolling all winter long. Keep an eye out for our events on land through next May! ✨
When the city is your Playpen, the seasons become irrelevant—from the lake to downtown, we’re doing it all! ✨
Pasta and Chill: Pasta Making Class with @chefandysuarez
Photography by @caseyalexandramedia
Vibes by @playpenchicago
Boating season is about to end but the fun doesn’t have to! Being a member of The Metropolitan, which has 50+ years of heritage as Chicago’s premier private club, means you get to enjoy all of these perks over the winter and more:
▪️Access Playpen Chicago x The Metropolitan events all year round and rotating 5–8 member-only events per week, from networking socials to themed dinners
▪️Located up above the city in the Willis Tower with panoramic skyline views
▪️Exclusive access to over 250 reciprocal clubs worldwide
▪️Coworking spaces perfect for remote professionals or creative entrepreneurs
▪️Family-friendly programming for when you want to mix business with personal life
Join us in the sky! ☁️
Summer 2025 stole our hearts! Huge shoutout to @citywineryriverwalk for the vino, @chicagowinesnob for the wine wisdom, @caviardreamofficial and @nautichicago, @lifestyleboatrental for an epic Wine and Caviar bash at @navypierchicago ✨ Special thanks to @rockroseproductions for bringing the visual magic! 🎥
Pasta and great company? Immediately yes. We’re bringing together Chicago’s most talented to chat, dine, drink, and get creative together ✨
We`re riding out summer until September 22nd and beyond 🛥️
Summer’s not done until we say it is. Chicago, join us as we close the summer at Vice Yacht Club, Sept 19 with @thankyoufordancing 🪩
Tickets are limited! DM us with your Playpen Chicago username (it’s free to create an account on our app!) for a 25% off ticket promo code 🎟️
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