Detroit Boat Show announces date and change in location for 2026
Commerce Twp., Mich., July 23, 2025 – The 68th annual Progressive Detroit Boat Show is moving from Huntington Place in Detroit to the Suburban Collection Showplace (SCS) in Novi for its 2026 event, which will run February 12 – 15, 2026. This move is a result of the North American International Auto Show pushing their dates one week later on the calendar and Super Bowl Sunday falling on February 8 which would have been the Detroit Boat Show’s only weekend.
The Detroit Boat Show is produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), a state-wide, non-profit marine trade association representing more than 350 marine businesses in Michigan. “We understand the need for the Auto Show to move to later dates in order to grow, however, it is unfortunate that it forces us to move to a different venue for 2026,” said Michigan Boating Industries Association Executive Director Nicki Polan. “Without two solid weekend days, the return on investment to exhibit is not there for our exhibitors.”
Historically, the Detroit Boat Show has been a 9-day show with two weekends. Moving the Auto Show a week later would require the Detroit Boat Show to shorten its show to five days, which is something many exhibitors have requested, but with a 5-day show it is mandatory to have two solid weekend days to accommodate attendance. Because of the popularity of Super Bowl events, the Detroit Boat Show would lose one of its weekend days in this time slot.
The Detroit Boat Show is considered one of the top shows in the country for size, sales, and attendance. Show goers can expect to see and buy more than 650 boats from 10 – 45 feet in length including cruisers, fishing boats, personal watercraft, pontoon boats, paddle craft, inflatables, and more.
We are grateful SCS was able to find an opening with no conflicts for our show in 2026,” said Polan. “We are confident the 2026 Detroit Boat Show will be a strong show, as Novi is easy to reach, centrally located and in close proximity to many lakes regions,”
Michigan is the 3rd largest marine market in the country according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association which tracks boat, trailer, engine and accessory sales. Detroit Boat Show attendees come from across Michigan, surrounding states, and Canada.
The Detroit Boat Show is one of four boat shows produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association. MBIA also produces the Novi Boat Show, which is held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in March. Upcoming dates are March 12 – 15, 2026. The two shows, while both at the same venue next year will continue to be very different.
The Detroit Boat Show has a strong focus on the cruising market and strong showing of boats over 30 ft. in length. As an earlier show, it is an important show for those who want to custom order their boats and still take delivery in time for spring launch.
The Novi Boat Show focuses on the inland lake market, and boats under 30 feet. While buyers can still custom order boats at the Novi Boat Show, most boats sold at this event are currently in inventory. In 2026 the focus of these two shows will continue to be different.
Other boat shows produced by MBIA include the Metro Boat Show, September 11-14, 2025 at Lake St. Clair Metropark and the Great Lakes Boating Festival, May 9 & 10, 2026 at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.
Key Detroit Boat Show Details:
- 2026 Location: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi Michigan, 48374
- Dates: February, 12 – 15, 2026
- Reason for Move: Date overlap with Super Bowl Sunday
- Exhibits: In 2025, over 650 boats, 70 over 30 ft. in length, and nearly 100 exhibitors from Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Indiana were featured.
- More information and ticket sales: at detroitboatshow.net
###
MBIA is the official, state-wide marine industry association which serves as the voice to Michigan’s $11.7 billion marine industry and the 4 million people who enjoy Michigan’s 850,000 registered boats. The MBIA is dedicated to the advancement, protection, and promotion of boating across Michigan. MBIA produces three association-owned boat shows, the Progressive Detroit Boat Show, the Progressive Novi Boat Show in Novi, and the Progressive Metro Boat Show in Harrison Twp. MBIA also produces the Great Lakes Boating Festival at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. The proceeds from these shows benefit boating in Michigan through MBIA programs and promotions. For more information about the MBIA, go to www.mbia.org or call 734.261.0123.
