Important Update for Chicago Scene Boat Party, Boat Owners & Attendees.
Mandatory Registration for All Boats
For over 25 years, the Chicago Scene Boat Party has been one of the most iconic boating events on Lake Michigan. As the event has grown, it now falls under increased oversight by federal and local maritime authorities.
As a result, ALL boats must be registered in advance to participate.
This is a government-mandated requirement for events of this size and is a condition for the event to take place.
Registration Page:
https://www.eventb rite.com/e/1984777774753?aff=oddtdtcreator
What This Means for Boat Owners
To participate and tie up at the Chicago Scene Boat Party, every vessel is now required to:
✔ Register in advance
✔ Purchase and display an official Chicago Scene Boat Party flag
✔ Provide basic vessel details, including:
- Boat name
- Boat length/size
- Estimated number of people on board
- Boat Owner Contact Info
- Boat Captain Contact info
These steps are required to:
- Comply with marine event regulations enforced by governing authorities
- Maintain accountability of all vessels within the event zone
- Improve safety, navigation, and emergency response access
- Ensure the continued approval of this event moving forward
Why This Is Required
Large raft-ups like the Chicago Scene Boat Party are now formally recognized as organized marine events.
Under current regulations:
- The total number of boats must be tracked
- Vessel sizes and passenger counts must be documented
- Participating boats must be clearly identifiable
The official event flag serves as visible proof of compliance and allows safety and enforcement personnel to quickly identify registered participants.
No Registration = No Tie-Up
Let’s be very clear:
If your boat is not registered and does not display an official event flag, you will NOT be allowed to tie up.
This is not optional and not just an event rule — it is a requirement tied directly to operating under current governmental regulations.
Our Commitment
We didn’t create these requirements — but we are committed to doing this the right way so we can:
- Protect the boating community
- Keep everyone safe
- Preserve the future of large-scale boating events in Chicago
Non-compliance puts the entire event at risk.
Register Your Boat Now
Secure your spot and your official event flag here:
https://chicagosceneboatparty.com/
Registration Page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984777774753?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep this legendary event going strong.
Ted Widen
Founder & Organizer
Chicago Scene Boat Party
The Chicago Scene Boat Party is the most talked-about powerboating event of the summer in Chicago. Each year 500-1000 boats tie-up with over 10,000 attendees experiencing the incredible event. All of the boats are privately owned by some of Chicago’s most prominent, and successful professionals. Boats of all shapes and sizes come out to the event and everyone is loaded up with people ready to have a great time.
As you can see in the photos below, it’s a sight to behold. Beautiful people, expensive boats, and all set in front of an incredible Chicago skyline.
The Chicago Scene Boat Party has been featured in; the New York Times, Chicago Magazine’s Annual “Best of Chicago” list, Motor Boating Magazine, and the Chicago Sun-Times called it “A Floating Mardi Gras” party.
We expect this year’s party to be even bigger and better than in the past. We have a Pre Party on Friday night the day before the party and a post-party on Sunday. Stay tuned for more information about everything we have in store.
Boats come from all over southern Lake Michigan and people fly in from all over the country to attend this amazing event.
This party is the most incredible event ever to occur on Lake Michigan. Chicago’s top DJ’s spin the hottest music as people dance and party all day long. The “A” List people of Chicago come out every year to enjoy the event.
Sponsorship
Your company name/logo will be seen on thousands of premium products given out before and during the event. This includes “Save The Date” items given out leading up to the party. In addition, your name and logos will be seen on our websites, emails & Social Media sites for months before and after the event. You will also be featured on official Boat Party flags that hundreds of boats will be flying. Please contact Ted Widen for more information at 312-587-3474
Official Boat party Flag
Don’t forget to grab your Boat Party flags they will be available on our website soon. This year we plan to offer 3 different sizes.
Top Beat
Our Recent Boat Party
