A must-attend event, the Genoa Boat Show is the time each year when everyone’s attention—enthusiasts, shipyards, and industry professionals—is focused on our regional capital. Some never miss a single edition, others haven’t been in years, and still others are getting ready to visit the international boat show in Liguria for the first time: for everyone, we’d like to present a brief guide to the 2026 Genoa Boat Show, noting that our marina in the heart of Genoa is the perfect mooring spot for visiting the exhibition and making the most of the town during these bustling days.
Dates and Updates for the 2026 Genoa Boat Show
First things first: when will the 2026 Genoa Boat Show take place ? After a decade of “September” editions, the show is returning to its traditional month— October: the International Boat Show will take place from October 1 through 6. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket booths or online; in the latter case, a one-euro advance-purchase fee is added to the full ticket price (23 euros).
As it does every year, the 2026 Genoa Boat Show will feature both minor and major innovations. For example, the 2026 edition will be the first to take place at the new Palasport following the completion of construction in the Levante Waterfront area. A key feature of this year’s event will be its focus on young people, in light of the recent introduction of the D1 boating license, which, as is well known, can now be issued to 16-year-olds: to this end, the reduced-rate ticket for those under 25 has been reinstated at 13 euros.
It is also worth noting the leading role that the world of sports will play in this new edition, with a strong focus onthe America’s Cup in particular. This is by no means a coincidence: Confindustria Nautica has in fact become a Strategic Marine Industry Advisory Partner of the 38th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup, with Italy serving as the Host Country.
An increasingly super(yacht)-focused show
Over the past few months, with each new announcement, it has become increasingly clear that the 2026 Genoa Boat Show will devote significant space to the world of superyachts, featuring an even greater number of vessels over 24 meters. This decision reflects the growing interest in large “Made in Italy” vessels and is consistent with the choice to move the event to October, a week ideally suited for attracting an international audience.
How to Visit the Boat Show
The International Boat Show is being held again this year in John Fitzgerald Kennedy Square, From Thursday, October 1, through Tuesday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. There are several ways to get to the show: those arriving by car can park directly in the designated parking lots near the exhibition; parking is subject to a fee and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It may be helpful to note that the parking lot at our Calata Salumi marina, which is easily accessible from the Genova Ovest interchange, is connected to the fairgrounds by city bus (Line 35). But that’s not all: those who park or moor at Marina Porto Antico You can reach the Salone by sea, specifically by boarding at Ponte Spinola, thanks to a service that runs every day during the exhibition.
Anyone who wants to take advantage of the Boat Show to spend a few more days at sea before winter can moor at Marina Porto Antico and then reach the show stress-free by boat: this way, you can combine fall sailing with exploring the latest innovations in the boating world and visiting downtown Genoa. Book your boat slip online for the 2026 Genoa Boat Show!
Image credits: Genoa Boat Show