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Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2026: Dates, Tips, and Things to Do the Following Weekend
The 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs Wednesday, October 28 through Sunday, November 1. Buy tickets online in advance, go midweek if you can, and keep the following weekend free — Fort Lauderdale has plenty on.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the largest in-water boat show in the world, and 2026 marks its 67th edition. If you are planning to visit, or you are already in town and wondering what comes next, this guide covers the dates, practical tips, a place to stay, and the events happening the following weekend.
2026 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show dates
The show runs Wednesday, October 28 through Sunday, November 1, 2026. Wednesday is Preview Day, with the gates opening at noon. Thursday through Saturday run from 10 AM to 7 PM. Sunday hours can vary, so confirm the final schedule at flibs.com before you go.
The show spreads across several waterfront venues in Fort Lauderdale, including the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, and marinas along the Intracoastal. Expect more than 1,300 boats on display and more than 100,000 visitors over the five days.
Tips before you go
- Buy tickets online. General admission tickets are sold online only, and there is no onsite box office.
- Go early or go midweek. Weekday crowds are lighter, and the boats are easier to tour without waiting in line.
- Plan your route by venue. Each location has different boats and exhibits, so pick the areas you want to see before you arrive.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Much of the show involves walking on docks and gangways.
- Bring sun protection and water. South Florida sun on the water is no joke in late October.
Where to stay for the boat show
Staying in a private home is a great way to spend a few days around the show, especially for families or groups. Jonathan's House is a 3-bedroom, 3-bath home in Fort Lauderdale that sleeps 8, about a mile from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Highlights include:
- A private heated saltwater pool with a waterfall
- A fenced backyard and a full kitchen, so you can make breakfast at home
- BBQ, laundry, and beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and coolers provided
It is a comfortable base for boat show visitors who want space to spread out after a long day on the docks. For more detail, see our guides to choosing a private home over a hotel, the heated saltwater pool, and how close the house is to FLL airport. We also have a fuller guide to where to stay for the boat show.
Things to do the following weekend (Nov. 7-8, 2026)
If the boat show is only part of your trip, the weekend after has plenty going on around Fort Lauderdale.
Smorgasburg South Florida — Saturday, Nov. 7. Smorgasburg returns to Flagler Village at 536 NE 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, on Saturdays from 1 to 10 PM. Admission is free, and it is a relaxed way to sample food from local vendors.
5K Beer Run x Orchestrated Minds — Saturday, Nov. 7. A morning 5K at Orchestrated Minds Brewing starting at 10 AM, part of the 2026 Florida Brewery Running Series. A good pick for runners and anyone who likes a post-race beer.
South Florida Donor Network 5K and Fan Fest — Saturday, Nov. 7. An afternoon 5K and fan fest at Vista View Park in Fort Lauderdale. Race packets include timing chips, awards, and a finisher medal, and the event supports donation awareness.
Day trip option: EDC Orlando, Nov. 6-8. If you are willing to drive, the electronic music festival EDC Orlando runs November 6 through 8 in downtown Orlando. Plan for a longer drive from Fort Lauderdale.
Event dates and times can change, so check each organizer's page before you buy tickets or make plans.
Plan your trip
Come for the boats, stay for the weekend. Book your stay direct, and check our local events page for more things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?
Wednesday, October 28 through Sunday, November 1, 2026. Wednesday is Preview Day with gates opening at noon; Thursday through Saturday run 10 AM to 7 PM.
Can I buy boat show tickets at the gate?
No. General admission tickets are sold online only, and there is no onsite box office.
Where is the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show held?
Across several waterfront venues, including the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, and marinas along the Intracoastal.
What is there to do in Fort Lauderdale the weekend after the boat show?
On Saturday, November 7 there is Smorgasburg South Florida in Flagler Village, a 5K Beer Run at Orchestrated Minds Brewing, and the South Florida Donor Network 5K and Fan Fest at Vista View Park.
Book your stay direct at jonathanshouse.com.
More before you book: how booking direct works · the house, room by room · all guides