Newport International Boat Show Draws Strong Attendance

The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport, concluded its 55th annual event on September 20 after four days on Newport’s downtown waterfront. Organizers said the 2026 show drew strong attendance of an engaged crowd of boaters and prospective buyers and positive feedback from attendees and exhibitors.

The 20th annual Newport for New Products (NFNP) Awards recognized over 40 U.S. debuts and one world-debut at this year’s show, with models ranging across a multitude of different boat categories and sizes. The Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Hood 42 won Best New Boat Overall. The NIBS STAR Awards honored exhibitors for the quality of their displays and visitor experience. View the full list of this year’s NFNP and STAR Award winners online on the official 2026 webpage.

The show’s 2026 give-back efforts included Sunday’s Community Day, held in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. The show also worked with IYRS, the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association, Sail Newport and Save The Bay to support marine education, workforce development and stewardship of local waters, welcoming over 250 marine trade students during the show!

Ticket buyers had the option to donate to Save The Bay during checkout, with the full donation going to the nonprofit totaling more than $2500.

The Newport International Boat Show returns September 16 to 19, 2027. For more information, visit www.newportboatshow.com.