The 68th annual Progressive Detroit Boat Show will move from Huntington Place in Detroit to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi for the 2026 event, which will now take place February 12 – 15, 2026. The boat show, historically a 9-day show, is produced by the Michigan Boating Industries Association, and is considered one of the top shows in the country, offering over 650 boats from 10 to 45 feet in length covering a variety of boat types and models.
The change comes after a conflict with the North American International Auto Show pushing their dates one week later, and Super Bowl Sunday falling on February 8. “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,” says 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.”
Michigan ranks as the third largest marine market in the country according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the Detroit Boat Show has a strong focus on the cruising market, with many boats over 30 feet. Its date in February makes it an important show for buyers looking to custom order a boat in time for spring delivery.
“We are grateful SCS was able to find an opening with no conflicts for our show in 2026,” adds 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.”
To learn more, visit boatmichigan.org/detroit-boat-show/.
