Question 1

How much does it cost to attend?

Accepted Answer

Admission and parking are both 100% free.

Question 2

When and where is the Lake County Fall Boat Show?

Accepted Answer

The Lake County Fall Boat Show takes place September 24–26, 2027 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030. Show hours are Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM.

Question 3

How does the free vacation giveaway work?

Accepted Answer

The first 50 guests through the door each day will receive a free vacation voucher valid for select resorts in Cancun, Las Vegas, or Orlando.

Question 4

Is there an admission fee?

Accepted Answer

No — admission is completely FREE. There are no tickets to purchase; simply RSVP online to receive a printable pass and show updates, then walk right in.

Question 5

Are kids welcome?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Lake County Fall Boat Show is a family-friendly event with food, drinks, music, and fun for all ages. When you RSVP, you can note how many guests you'll be bringing.

Question 6

Is parking free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking at the Lake County Fairgrounds is FREE for all show attendees.

Question 7

Is there food available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have food trucks and a bar on-site throughout the day.

Question 8

Do I need to RSVP to attend?

Accepted Answer

RSVP is not required to enter the show, but registering online gives you a printable pass, reminders, and exclusive show updates. It also helps us prepare for your visit.

Question 9

How do I get my free vacation voucher?

Accepted Answer

The first 50 guests through the doors each day receive a free vacation voucher (choose Cancun, Las Vegas, or Orlando). Arrive early — vouchers are limited and handed out at the entrance.

Question 10

Can I bring my kids and family?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Lake County Fall Boat Show is a family-friendly event with food, drinks, music, and fun for all ages. When you RSVP, you can note how many guests you'll be bringing.

Question 11

What kinds of boats will be on display?

Accepted Answer

You'll see new 2027 pontoons, tritoons, bowriders, wake/ski boats, and fishing boats from leading manufacturers and local dealers, plus docks, lifts, accessories, apparel, and lake-lifestyle vendors.

Question 12

Can I buy a boat at the show?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Participating dealers offer show specials, bundles, and on-site financing. If you're shopping in the next 12 months, let us know when you RSVP so dealers can prepare the best options for you.

Question 13

Is there food and drink available?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the food court and bar are open all day both days, so you can grab a bite and a drink while you explore the show floor.

Question 14

How do I become an exhibitor or vendor?

Accepted Answer

Visit our 'For Vendors' page to view booth sizes and pricing, then submit the vendor application. Our team will follow up with availability and next steps.

Question 15

Will pontoons and tritoons be at the show?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New 2027 pontoons and tritoons from brands such as Bennington and Bentley Pontoons will be on display from participating dealers, so you can compare floor plans and pricing side by side.

Question 16

Will wake boats and ski boats be at the show?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Wake and surf boats from participating brands including Malibu Boats are on the show floor, with dealer reps available to walk you through surf systems and ballast configurations.

Question 17

Will fishing boats be at the show?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fishing boats from participating brands including Crestliner will be on display — aluminum and fiberglass multi-species rigs you can step aboard and compare.

Question 18

Can I trade in my current boat at the show?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bring your current boat to the show for a free onsite trade-in evaluation. Participating dealers and buyers are onsite both days, and you can apply your trade value toward a new boat on the spot. Visit our boat trade-in page for details.

Question 19

Can I bring my boat to the show for an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Yes — bring your boat and trailer to the Lake County Fairgrounds on your preferred day (Friday, September 24, Saturday, September 25, or Sunday, September 26, 2027). Submit your boat's details ahead of time on our Sell or Trade page to lock in your evaluation spot.

Question 20

Is winter storage available with a boat purchase?

Accepted Answer

Select exhibitors offer free winter storage with qualifying purchases at the show. Ask each dealer for the details of their storage offer while you're negotiating your fall deal.

Question 21

Is the event indoors?

Accepted Answer

The show is held at the Lake County Fairgrounds Event Center at 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030 — indoors and outdoors, rain or shine, with free on-site parking.

Question 22

Where is the Lake County Fairgrounds?

Accepted Answer

The show takes place at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030 — just off IL 120 and US 45 with easy access from I-94/US 41.

Question 23

How far is the show from Fox Lake?

Accepted Answer

Fox Lake is about 15 minutes north of the fairgrounds — roughly 10 miles via IL 59 or Rollins Rd/IL 120 east to Grayslake.

Question 24

How far is the show from McHenry?

Accepted Answer

McHenry is about 25–30 minutes from the fairgrounds — roughly 18 miles via IL 120 east through Volo toward Grayslake.

Question 25

How far is the show from Lake Geneva?

Accepted Answer

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is about 35–40 minutes north — roughly 25 miles via WI 50 and IL 173/IL 59 or US 12 to IL 120 east.

Question 26

Do I need tickets to attend?

Accepted Answer

No tickets are needed — admission is free. Simply RSVP online to receive a printable pass and show updates, then walk right in. Parking at the fairgrounds is also free.

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