The 67th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) returns Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 with an abundance of activities in addition to world-class yachts and marine innovations. Across six show locations, attendees can enjoy a variety of waterfront experiences, interactive attractions, family-friendly activities and educational programming throughout the five-day event.
As the world's largest in-water boat show, FLIBS brings together boating enthusiasts, industry professionals and visitors from around the world. This year's show will feature a floating pickleball court, exclusive VIP lounges, waterfront bars, interactive activities for children and an expanded lineup of seminars led by marine industry experts.
"FLIBS is known around the world for the incredible vessels it brings to Fort Lauderdale, but the experience extends well beyond the docks," said Phil Purcell, CEO and president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). "The show offers something for everyone while showcasing the marine industry and boating lifestyle that are such an important part of South Florida."
Highlights and Experiences at FLIBS 2026 Include:
Floating Pickleball Court at Las Olas Marina
One of this year's most unique attractions is a floating pickleball court stationed at Las Olas Marina. Bringing one of the country's fastest-growing sports to the waterfront, the attraction will feature a dedicated tournament for yacht crew members, sponsored by One Sotheby's International Realty.
Windward VIP Experience
The Windward VIP Experience returns with two exclusive waterfront destinations offering elevated hospitality, gourmet dining and premium amenities. At Superyacht Village, guests can enjoy the Windward VIP Lounge, presented by Pier Sixty-Six, featuring a premium open bar, gourmet food, private restrooms and complimentary self-parking, along with one-hour early access through the Superyacht Village entrance.
New this year, the Windward VIP Cabana Club in partnership with Visit Lauderdale, has relocated to Bahia Mar Marina, offering a more intimate, cabana-style retreat overlooking the waterfront. Both VIP locations will feature culinary talent from Chef Ryan O'sullivan of Hell's Kitchen and Chef Dave White of Below Deck and Chopped.
Goslings Island Bar and Waterfront Refreshments
Attendees can enjoy tropical cocktails and waterfront views at the returning Goslings Island Bar, located on the water between Docks C and D at Bahia Mar. As the official rum of FLIBS, Goslings will bring its signature island-inspired experience back to the show, offering visitors a place to relax and take in the activity along the docks.
The Vessel Miami
Attendees can enjoy a unique waterfront experience aboard The Vessel Miami, a floating event lounge and catamaran offering a relaxing space to unwind, socialize and take in the atmosphere of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from the water.
New Helicopter Transportation Service
Getting to FLIBS will also come with a new transportation option this year. A helicopter shuttle service will connect Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) directly to Pier Sixty-Six, offering an alternative way for attendees to arrive at the show. The service will utilize a temporary on-site helicopter landing platform. Guests can experience Fort Lauderdale from above with 10-minute private helicopter tours featuring aerial views of the city's beaches, waterways and yachts. Tours will accommodate up to five passengers at a special show rate of $600 per flight. Visitors can also view Wave Helicopters' new, air-conditioned Robinson R44 helicopter on display at the show. Private charter pricing and reservations are available upon inquiry through Wave Helicopters.
Family-Friendly Activities at the Broward County Convention Center
The Broward County Convention Center will once again offer activities for younger attendees and families. The Blue Wild will feature hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences introducing visitors to fishing, diving and the marine environment. Families can also visit the FLIBS Kids Corner for crafts, face painting and other activities throughout the show. Don Dingman's popular "Hook the Future" kids fishing clinics will return Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2 p.m., giving children the opportunity to learn fishing fundamentals and take home a complimentary fishing rod and reel.
Educational Seminars and Marine Industry Programming
FLIBS will offer an extensive lineup of complimentary seminars and interactive clinics throughout the five-day show, giving attendees opportunities to learn from boating experts, marine professionals and industry leaders. At the Broward County Convention Center, sessions will cover boating safety, navigation, knot tying, boat handling and cruising to The Bahamas.
Attendees can also get a first look at Refit X, the new conference and expo for the yacht repair and refit industry set to debut in 2027. Refit X will bring together shipyards, designers and marine professionals to explore the innovations, technologies and trends shaping the future of yacht refurbishment and modernization. Special preview sessions will take place at this year's show at the Yacht Builders Tent at Bahia Mar.
At Superyacht Village, discussions will explore the latest trends and challenges shaping the global yachting industry, from yacht sales and emerging technology to charter destinations and marine conservation. Featured sessions include a conversation with renowned yacht owner John Staluppi about his decades in the industry and latest superyacht project, a panel examining the evolving American charter market and a presentation on how superyachts can support ocean science and coral restoration.
Boat Debuts and Best of Show Competition
FLIBS 2026 will feature more than 50 boat debuts, offering attendees a first look at the latest vessels and innovations from manufacturers around the world. The FOX Sports Best of Show competition will also return for this year's show, with an independent panel of judges evaluating debuting vessels based on design, performance, technology and architecture. Two winners will be crowned in categories for boats over and under 60 feet, with the competition featured in a one-hour FOX Sports television special.
"Each year, we look for new ways to enhance the experience for our attendees while bringing back the attractions they look forward to," said Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets. "As the show continues to evolve, we're focused on creating an experience that keeps pace with what our visitors want to see and do, while maintaining the traditions that have made FLIBS a must-attend event year after year."
Plan Your Visit
Tickets are available exclusively online at www.flibs.com. Online ticket purchases are required, as there is no box office onsite.
The Broward County Convention Center will serve as the show's primary transportation hub, offering more than 3,000 parking spaces at a flat rate of $20 per day. Complimentary shuttles and golf carts will connect visitors to show locations, including Bahia Mar and Superyacht Village. Additional transportation options include Brightline's express rail service to Fort Lauderdale and Water Taxi service, with tickets available for $15 per day at www.WaterTaxi.com/FLIBS.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.flibs.com.
About the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF)
The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) is the largest marine trade organization in the Southeast United States dedicated to promoting, protecting, and growing the 142,000 middle class jobs and driving the economic output to $18.5 billion regionally. Created in 1961, the not-for-profit trade group is focused on the sound growth of the marine industry in the South Florida Region to benefit its members and their customers, communities, and the environment. The Association has over 500 members in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties and is the owner of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. For more information visit www.miasf.org.
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. It provides marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. Informa Markets connects buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Boating, Pharmaceuticals, Food, Fashion, and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, it brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.