By Martius & Viviane Cardoso, hosts at Cardoso Luxury Stays · Last updated: October 23, 2026
Every fall, the Fort Lauderdale waterways get busy. Yachts line the marinas along Seabreeze Boulevard, and the water taxis fill up. You start hearing a dozen languages at every dock. That is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and in 2026 it runs Wednesday, October 28 through Sunday, November 1, across six waterfront locations. This Fort Lauderdale Boat Show guide covers what families and groups actually need to know: hours, ticket prices, where to park, how the free shuttles work, what the kids can do, and how to plan the rest of your trip around the show.
We are Martius and Viviane Cardoso. We host guests at our waterfront home on a canal in Fort Lauderdale, and we live on the water here. We wrote this guide for the questions our guests ask us every October.
Coming for the show with family or friends? Our 4-bedroom canal home sleeps up to 12, with a heated pool, a private dock and a game room. Fort Lauderdale Beach is about 15 minutes away by car, so you can come back to the pool after a long day on the docks. Check live availability and book direct.
Key Takeaways
- FLIBS 2026 runs October 28 to November 1. Wednesday is Preview Day (noon to 7 p.m.). Thursday to Saturday is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tickets are sold online only. There is no box office at the show. An adult 1-day ticket is $48, a child ticket (ages 6 to 12) is $19, and kids under 6 get in free with an adult.
- Park once at the Broward County Convention Center ($40 per day flat). From there, free shuttles and golf carts take you to the other show sites.
- The water taxi costs $15 per day or $65 for five days. Children under 5 ride free.
- Kids get a Kids Corner and free "Hook the Future" fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2 p.m.
- Wear slip-on shoes, bring sun protection and a light rain jacket, and leave the stroller in the car if you plan to board boats.
In This Guide
- What is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
- When is the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2026?
- Where is the show? The six locations
- How much are Fort Lauderdale Boat Show tickets?
- What does a day at the show cost for a group?
- Where should you park, and how do the shuttles work?
- Should you take the water taxi?
- Is the boat show good for kids?
- Insider tips from your hosts
- A 3-day boat show itinerary for families and groups
- What is the weather like during the boat show?
- Where to stay for the boat show with a group
- Thinking about buying or investing in South Florida?
- Fort Lauderdale Boat Show FAQ
What Is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
FLIBS, as locals call it, is a five-day in-water boat show spread across Fort Lauderdale's marinas, and 2026 is its 67th year. It is more than a sales event: according to the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), the show generates more than $1.79 billion in economic impact each year.
You do not need to be shopping for a yacht to enjoy it. Most visitors come to walk the docks, tour boats, compare center consoles and sportfishers, browse fishing gear and electronics, and soak up the atmosphere. For a family or a group of friends, it is a full day out on the water without leaving the dock.
What you will see depends on where you go:
- Fishing boats, runabouts, cruisers and personal watercraft, plus marine accessories and fishing equipment, at the Broward County Convention Center.
- In-water displays across many sizes at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina and Las Olas Marina.
- Superyachts and luxury exhibits at Pier Sixty-Six Marina and Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South.
When Is the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2026?
The 2026 show runs for five days. The first day is a Preview Day with a later start and a higher ticket price.
| Day | Date | Show hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | October 28 | 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Preview Day; Preview ticket required |
| Thursday | October 29 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | General admission starts |
| Friday | October 30 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Weekday visit |
| Saturday | October 31 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Halloween; kids' fishing clinics at noon and 2 p.m. |
| Sunday | November 1 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Closes early; kids' fishing clinics at noon and 2 p.m. |
Shuttles and the water taxi start one hour before the show opens and stop one hour after it closes, according to the official FLIBS transportation pages. The show runs rain or shine.
Where Is the Show? The Six Locations
FLIBS is not one venue. It is spread across six sites in Fort Lauderdale, mostly along Seabreeze Boulevard and SE 17th Street. One ticket covers all of them.
- Broward County Convention Center – 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. This is the main parking and transportation hub, and the Kids Corner is in the lobby.
- Bahia Mar Yachting Center – 801 Seabreeze Blvd, on Fort Lauderdale Beach. This is the show headquarters and home to the Windward VIP Cabana Club.
- Hall of Fame Marina – 435 Seabreeze Blvd.
- Las Olas Marina – 240 E. Las Olas Circle. This year it has a floating pickleball court, with a tournament for yacht crew.
- Pier Sixty-Six Marina – 2301 SE 17th St.
- Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South – 2150 SE 17th St, where the largest yachts dock.
Before you go, download the official 2026 show maps. Six sites are a lot of ground to cover, so groups that pick two or three sites per day enjoy the show more than groups that try to see everything at once.
How Much Are Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Tickets?
Tickets are sold online only through the official FLIBS ticket page. There is no box office at the show, so buy before you leave the house. All sales are final unless the event is cancelled. Here are the official 2026 prices, as announced by FLIBS:
| Ticket | Valid | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult 1-day general admission | Any one day, Thu–Sun | $48 |
| Adult 2-day general admission | Any two days, Thu–Sun | $80 |
| Wednesday Preview | Any one day, Wed–Sun | $73 |
| Adult 2-day Preview + general admission | Any two days, Wed–Sun | $105 |
| Child 1-day (ages 6–12) | Any one day, Wed–Sun | $19 |
| Children under 6 | With a paying adult | Free |
| Windward VIP Experience | One day, Wed–Sun | $459 |
Military and veterans: active-duty military and veterans can get one complimentary general admission ticket. Request it in advance through the official form or register on site with a military ID. Family and friends are not included.
VIP: the Windward VIP ticket includes an open bar, gourmet food, early access, parking (first come, first served) and free water taxi rides. It makes sense for buyers who plan to spend the whole day touring yachts. For most families, general admission is plenty.
What Does a Day at the Show Cost for a Group?
Groups often underestimate the total once parking and the water taxi are added. Here is a simple example using the official 2026 prices for one day (Thursday to Sunday):
| Group example | Tickets | Parking (1 car) | Water taxi (optional) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults + 2 kids (ages 6–12) | $134 | $40 | $60 | $174 without / $234 with water taxi |
| 4 adults + 2 kids (ages 6–12) + 1 toddler | $230 | $40 | $90 (toddler rides free) | $270 without / $360 with water taxi |
| 8 adults (two cars) | $384 | $80 | $120 | $464 without / $584 with water taxi |
Prices before food, drinks and taxes, from the official FLIBS 2026 ticket announcement. The child ticket covers ages 6 to 12; check the ticket page for teens. Two days for adults costs $80 instead of $96, so if your group plans to come back, the 2-day ticket saves $16 per adult.
Where Should You Park, and How Do the Shuttles Work?
The simplest plan is to park once at the Broward County Convention Center (1950 Eisenhower Blvd). It has more than 3,000 spaces at a flat $40 per day, according to the official parking page. From there, free shuttles, golf carts and the water taxi connect the show sites.
The free shuttle routes
| Route | Stops |
|---|---|
| Purple | Convention Center ↔ Bahia Mar (loop) |
| Light Green | Convention Center → Superyacht Village → Bahia Mar (loop) |
| Red | Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station ↔ Riverside Hotel (loop) |
| Blue | West Marine Center ↔ Convention Center |
| Golf cart (Dark Green) | Superyacht Village ↔ Bahia Mar (loop) |
Shuttles and golf carts are free with a show ticket. Routes can change, so check the official shuttle page the morning you go.
Other parking options
The official parking page also lists city garages downtown and along Las Olas, many of which use PayByPhone. Hotel garages and valet are available at places like the Riverside Hotel and Pier Sixty-Six. These fill up and cost more on show days. If your group has two cars, park both at the Convention Center so you all end up in the same place at the end of the day.
Coming by train? Brightline stops at Fort Lauderdale on its route between Miami and Orlando. The free Red shuttle runs from the Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station to the Riverside Hotel, where you can connect to the water taxi.
Coming by boat? Personal boats cannot dock at the show, according to the FLIBS FAQ. If you bring your own boat to Fort Lauderdale, keep it at your rental's dock or a marina and come to the show by car or water taxi.
Should You Take the Water Taxi?
For a group, the water taxi is one of the best parts of the day. You see the yachts from the water, you skip the traffic on 17th Street, and kids love it. During the show, the official FLIBS water taxi costs $15 for one day or $65 for five days. Children under 5 ride free, and Windward VIP ticket holders ride free. It runs from one hour before opening until one hour after closing.
It is not included with general admission, so budget for it. Routes and stops are on the official water taxi page. If your group wants to keep riding after the show (to Las Olas or the beach), read our Fort Lauderdale water taxi guide for routes and tips beyond show week.
Is the Boat Show Good for Kids?
Yes, with a plan. The docks are long and the sun is strong, so kids do best with a short list of goals. Here is what FLIBS offers families in 2026:
- Kids Corner in the Convention Center lobby, with face painting, arts and crafts and family activities.
- Don Dingman's "Hook the Future" fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2 p.m. Young anglers who attend get a free rod and reel.
- The Blue Wild, a venue with hands-on exhibits and activities at the Convention Center.
Family rules worth knowing before you go
- There is no storage for strollers or large bags. Strollers stay on the dock when you board a boat.
- All bags are searched at entry, but there is no bag size limit.
- Pets are not allowed, except ADA service animals.
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller blades and hoverboards are not allowed.
- Boarding a boat is up to the exhibitor. Many larger yachts are by appointment only.
Our honest advice: with small children, spend the morning at the Convention Center (Kids Corner, fishing gear, smaller boats), take the water taxi once for the fun of it, and leave by mid-afternoon. A swim before dinner turns a long show day into a great family day.
A pool to come home to. After a day on the docks, our guests head straight for the heated pool and the game room (pro pool table, air hockey, arcade basketball). The kids can paddle a kayak on the canal while the adults fire up the grill. See all the amenities or book your boat show stay direct.
Insider Tips From Your Hosts
These come from living here and from what our guests tell us after the show:
- Buy tickets the night before. There is no box office. Have everyone's tickets on one phone, plus a backup.
- Wear slip-on shoes. You will take your shoes off to board many boats. Laces get old fast.
- Pick a meeting point. Choose one landmark at each site for when the group splits up. Phones die faster than you expect in the sun.
- Eat before you board. Finish food and drinks before stepping onto a boat. The show has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
- Book yacht tours ahead. If someone in your group is a serious buyer, contact the broker before the show to set an appointment.
- Thursday and Friday are your friends. If your group has flexible days, a weekday visit usually means more room on the docks.
- Bring a light rain jacket. The show is rain or shine, and South Florida showers can pop up and pass quickly.
- Do not drive between sites. Park once and use the shuttles, golf carts and water taxi. Traffic around the show sites gets heavy during show week.
What to avoid
- Do not plan to buy tickets at the gate. You cannot.
- Do not bring a drone, a scooter or the family dog.
- Do not try to see all six sites in one afternoon with kids.
- Do not expect your own boat to dock at the show.
A 3-Day Boat Show Itinerary for Families and Groups
Most groups come for a long weekend. Here is a plan that mixes the show with the best of Fort Lauderdale, without spending the whole trip in traffic.
Day 1 (Thursday or Friday): The show, smart
- Morning: park at the Convention Center when the show opens at 10 a.m. Start with the indoor exhibits and the Kids Corner while it is cooler.
- Midday: take the Purple shuttle to Bahia Mar for the in-water displays. Have lunch at the show.
- Afternoon: ride the water taxi past the big yachts. Head back to the car by 3 or 4 p.m.
- Evening: pool, grill and a sunset on the canal. Fire pit after dark.
Day 2 (Saturday): Beach morning, Superyacht Village afternoon
- Morning: beach time. Fort Lauderdale Beach is about 15 minutes away by car, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is about 10. Check the beach flags before you swim (see below). Our best beaches near Fort Lauderdale guide helps you pick one.
- Noon or 2 p.m.: kids who love fishing can catch the Hook the Future clinic at the show.
- Afternoon: the adults (or the yacht lovers) take the Light Green shuttle to Superyacht Village.
- Evening: it is Halloween. Plan a relaxed night in, with board games and the game room, or a waterfront dinner. See our best waterfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
Day 3 (Sunday): Nature and an easy goodbye
- Morning: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a green escape between the Intracoastal and the beach on A1A. It opens at 8 a.m. Entry is $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), according to Florida State Parks.
- Late morning: kayak or paddleboard on the canal. Our kayaking and paddleboarding guide has routes and safety tips.
- Afternoon: a last show visit (it closes at 5 p.m. on Sunday), or a local boat tour if you want to see the canals from the water without the crowds.
What Is the Weather Like During the Boat Show?
Late October and early November are warm. According to the National Weather Service in Miami, the 1991–2020 normal high at Fort Lauderdale on November 1 is 83°F, with a normal low of 71°F. That means sunny docks, warm evenings by the pool and the occasional quick shower.
- Sun: bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. There is little shade on the docks.
- Water: drink more than you think you need, especially kids.
- Rain: the show runs rain or shine, so pack a light rain jacket.
- Hurricane season: the Atlantic season officially runs through November 30. Check the National Hurricane Center before you travel. Our hurricane season travel guide explains what families should know.
Beach flags: know them before you swim
If you add beach time to your boat show trip, City of Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue uses these warning flags:
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Low hazard. Use normal care. |
| Yellow | Medium hazard. Moderate rip currents or surf. Use extra care. |
| Red | High hazard. Dangerous rip currents or surf. Stay out of the water. |
| Double red | Water and/or beach closed to the public. |
| Purple | Sea pests such as jellyfish or man-of-war are present. |
Ocean Rescue's advice if you are caught in a rip current: do not swim straight toward shore. Swim parallel to the shore. If you cannot, float until help arrives or the current weakens. Always swim near a lifeguard.
Where to Stay for the Boat Show With a Group
Show week is a busy week for hotels near the marinas, and a big group in a hotel usually ends up split across several rooms on different floors. For families, multigenerational trips and groups of friends, a whole home is often the easier and more social choice. One kitchen, one pool, one place to meet at the end of the day. We compare both options honestly in vacation rental vs. hotel in Fort Lauderdale.
How Cardoso Luxury Stays fits a boat show trip
- Room for the whole group: 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, sleeping up to 12 guests, with parking for several cars.
- On the water: our home sits on a canal with a private dock of about 75 feet. The canal has fixed bridges, so boats up to about 28 to 30 feet fit.
- Recovery after the docks: heated pool, covered patio, BBQ grill and fire pit.
- Something for every age: air-conditioned game room with a pro pool table, air hockey, arcade basketball and video games, plus kayaks and paddleboards, a Peloton and Smart TVs.
- Easy logistics: Floranada Park is across the street and an Aldi is next door for group grocery runs. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach is about 10 minutes away and Fort Lauderdale Beach about 15.
- Family-run: we host every stay ourselves. It is a home for families and groups, not a party house, and quiet hours run from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Take a look at the photos and the location map. Then come back here for the boat show plan.
One more thing we hear every year: after a day of walking the docks, some guests start asking what it would take to own a home on the water here. That is a fair question, and the answer depends on canal width, bridges, seawall condition and much more. If that is you, read the next section.
Thinking About Buying or Investing in South Florida?
The boat show is when many visitors start picturing life on the water here. Martius Cardoso is also a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker and investor at Cardoso Realty, with 70+ successful flip transactions since 2014. He works with buyers, sellers and investors across South Florida, from Fort Lauderdale waterfront homes to new construction and pre-construction. If you want to understand canal access, bridge clearances or what a waterfront property is really worth before you buy, start with his Luxury Waterfront Specialist page.
Talk to Martius at Cardoso Realty · Call or text (954) 670-7884
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show FAQ
When is the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in 2026?
The 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs from Wednesday, October 28 to Sunday, November 1, 2026. Wednesday is Preview Day, from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday the show is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It runs rain or shine.
How much are tickets to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?
Official 2026 prices: an adult 1-day general admission ticket is $48 and a 2-day ticket is $80 (Thursday to Sunday). The Wednesday Preview ticket is $73. A child ticket for ages 6 to 12 is $19, and children under 6 enter free with an adult. The Windward VIP Experience is $459 for one day. Tickets are sold online only.
Can you buy boat show tickets at the gate?
No. FLIBS says there is no box office at the show, so tickets must be bought online before you arrive. All sales are final unless the event is cancelled. Buy them the night before, keep them on one phone with a backup, and email the show's customer team if you cannot access a ticket you bought.
Where is the best place to park for the boat show?
The official recommendation is the Broward County Convention Center at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. It has more than 3,000 spaces at a flat $40 per day and is the hub for the free shuttles, golf carts and water taxi. City garages downtown and on Las Olas are other options, but they fill up during show week.
Is the water taxi included with a boat show ticket?
No. With general admission, the water taxi costs $15 for one day or $65 for five days, and children under 5 ride free. Windward VIP ticket holders ride free. The water taxi starts one hour before the show opens and runs until one hour after it closes. The land shuttles and golf carts are free with any ticket.
Can you bring kids and strollers to the boat show?
Yes. Kids under 6 get in free, and there is a Kids Corner plus free fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2 p.m. Strollers are allowed on the grounds, but there is no stroller or bag storage, and strollers stay on the dock when you board a boat. Many families prefer a baby carrier.
Can you bring your own boat to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?
Personal vessels cannot dock at the show, according to the official FLIBS FAQ. If you trailer or run your own boat to Fort Lauderdale, keep it at your rental's dock or a marina and come to the show by car, shuttle or water taxi. Check bridge clearances on your route before you go.
Are pets allowed at the boat show?
No. Only ADA-certified service animals are allowed. FLIBS also prohibits drones, weapons, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller blades and hoverboards. Bags of any size are allowed but are searched at entry. If you are traveling with a dog, plan for someone to stay with it or arrange pet care for show day.
What should I wear to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show?
Wear light clothes, a hat and comfortable slip-on shoes, because you will often take your shoes off to board boats. Bring sunscreen and a light rain jacket, since the show runs rain or shine. In early November, the normal daytime high in Fort Lauderdale is in the low 80s, and there is little shade on the docks.
Plan Your Boat Show Weekend
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is easier than it looks once you know the rules. Buy tickets online, park once at the Convention Center, use the free shuttles, budget for the water taxi, and give each day a short list. Add a beach morning, a paddle on the canal and a sunset by the pool, and the show becomes the best part of a great group trip.
Book Direct at Cardoso Luxury Stays
- Waterfront canal home for up to 12 guests: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Heated pool, private dock, kayaks and paddleboards, fire pit and BBQ grill
- Air-conditioned game room with pro pool table, air hockey and arcade basketball
- No third-party platform service fee when you book on our website
- Talk directly with the hosts, Martius and Viviane, before and during your stay
Check Availability & Book Direct
Questions? WhatsApp us at (954) 670-7884 or email reservations@cardosoluxurystays.com.
Follow our Fort Lauderdale tips, sunsets and canal life on Instagram: @cardosoluxurystaysusa.
About the authors: Martius and Viviane Cardoso are a Fort Lauderdale family who host guests at Cardoso Luxury Stays, a waterfront canal home they care for personally. Martius is also a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker at Cardoso Realty.
Sources
- FLIBS: ticket sales, prices and 2026 show updates (accessed October 23, 2026)
- FLIBS: official FAQ (hours, box office, bags, pets, kids) (accessed October 23, 2026)
- FLIBS: parking information (accessed October 23, 2026)
- FLIBS: shuttle and golf cart routes (accessed October 23, 2026)
- FLIBS: water taxi information (accessed October 23, 2026)
- National Weather Service Miami: daily normals 1991–2020, Fort Lauderdale (accessed October 23, 2026)
- City of Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue: beach flags and rip currents (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Florida State Parks: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park hours and fees (accessed October 23, 2026)