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Important Update for Chicago Scene Boat Party, Boat Owners & Attendees.

U.S. Coast Guard Requirements for Large Boating Events

The US Coast Guard has made it mandatory for all boats to Register to participate in the Chicago Scene Boat party.

For over 25 years, the Chicago Scene Boat Party has been one of the most iconic and well-run boating gatherings on Lake Michigan. As the event has grown, so has the attention and oversight from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Beginning this year, the U.S. Coast Guard now requires all vessels participating in large organized boating events to be formally registered with the event. This is no longer optional and is a condition of approval for events of this size.

What This Means for Boat Owners

To legally participate and tie up at the Chicago Scene Boat Party, every boat must:

✔ 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

These requirements allow us to:

- Comply with federal Coast Guard regulations
- Accurately account for participating vessels
- Improve safety and navigation within the party area
- Ensure the event can continue for years to come

Why Registration & Flags Are Required

The Coast Guard now classifies large raft-ups like ours as organized Marine Events, which means:

- The number of boats must be known in advance
- Vessel sizes and passenger counts must be accounted for
- Boats must be clearly identifiable as registered participants

The official event flag serves as your visual proof of registration and allows on-water monitors to quickly identify approved boats within the event zone.

No Flag = No Tie-Up

To be crystal clear:
Boats without registration and an official flag will not be permitted to tie up at the party

This is not a Chicago Scene rule — it is a U.S. Coast Guard requirement that we are obligated to enforce.

Our Commitment to the Boating Community

We know this adds an extra step, but our goal has always been to:

- Protect the boating community
- Keep everyone safe
- Preserve the future of large-scale boating events in Chicago

Your cooperation helps ensure that events like this remain legal, safe, and possible in an increasingly regulated environment.

Register your boat and secure your official event flag here:
https://chicagosceneboatparty.com/

Thank you for being part of the Chicago boating community 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