Midwest Show Season
Midwest Show Season
As the late winter chill keeps us mostly indoors, sportsmen across the Midwest begin planning for the warmth of the upcoming spring and summer seasons. This transitional period is the perfect time to get out of the house and visit local shows and expos. These events are essential for getting new ideas, seeing the latest advancements in gear and equipment, and checking out industry upgrades from hunting blinds to fishing boats. Whether you’re into hunting, fishing, camping, or just being outdoors, expos and shows are some of the best places to get deals on gear and learn information. With several major expos coming up in Iowa and its surrounding states, take the opportunity to attend and get ready for your next great adventure.
Iowa Shows
In Iowa, coming up we have the Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show in Cedar Falls, IA. It is held at the UNI-Dome and is one of Iowa’s first major expos of the season. Focusing heavily on getting ready for warmer weather recreation and vacations. Visitors can browse a large selection of new boats, RVs, and campers, alongside vendors offering other outdoor gear.
In the Eastern part of the state, we have the Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show. This one is located at Hawkeye Downs. The show offers another chance to find great pre-spring deals on RVs, campers, recreational vehicles and watercraft. The event features a wide range of exhibitors providing making it an all-around outdoors shopping opportunity.
One of the biggest outdoor shows, is coming up next month. The Iowa Deer Classic in Des Moines is dedicated to the whitetail deer and turkey hunters in Iowa and the Midwest. The highlight is the massive Big Buck Contest, which showcases hundreds of Iowa trophy racks, complemented by world-class hunting seminars, extensive archery ranges, and dozens of dedicated hunting gear vendors. Be sure to stop by the Iowa Sportsman. Show us your outdoor phots, renew your subscriptions, and swap some stories.
State |
Event Name | Location | Dates | Focus/Topics (Hunting, Fishing, Boating, etc.) |
| IA | Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show | Cedar Falls, IA (UNI-Dome) | Jan 23-25, 2026 | Boating, RV, Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Travel |
| IA | Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show | Cedar Rapids, IA (Hawkeye Downs) | Feb 20-22, 2026 | Boating, RV, Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Travel |
| IA | Iowa Deer Classic | Des Moines, IA | Mar 6-8, 2026 | Deer Hunting, Big Buck Contest, Turkey, Archery, Outfitters |
| IL | Peoria Boat, RV and Vacation Show | Peoria, IL (Civic Center) | Jan 17-18, 2026 | Boating, RV, Camping, Vacation, Outdoors |
| IL | Chicagoland Fishing Travel & Outdoor Expo | Rosemont, IL | Jan 28-Feb 1, 2026 | Fishing, Travel, Camping, Outdoors |
| IL | Northern Illinois Boat Show | Grayslake, IL | Feb 26-Mar 1, 2026 | Boating, Fishing |
| IL | Illinois Deer Classic | Peoria, IL | Mar 20-22, 2026 | Deer Hunting, Turkey, Archery |
| MN | Minneapolis Boat Show | Minneapolis, MN | Jan 22-25, 2026 | Boating, Watersports, Fishing |
| MN | Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic | Minneapolis, MN | Feb 20-22, 2026 | Pheasant & Quail Hunting, Conservation, Deer, Turkey |
| MN | Northwest Sportshow | Minneapolis, MN | Mar 5-8, 2026 | Fishing, Boating, Hunting, Camping, Travel |
| WI | Wisconsin State Hunting and Fishing Expo | Green Bay, WI | Feb 27-Mar 1, 2026 | Hunting, Fishing, Boating, Archery, Outfitters |
| WI | All Outdoor Expo | Marinette, WI | Feb 27-Mar 1, 2026 | Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Boating, Outdoor Gear |
| WI | Wisconsin Fishing Expo | Madison, WI | Feb 27-Mar 1, 2026 | Fishing |
| MO | Missouri Big Buck & Outdoor Show | Kansas City, MO | Feb 27-Mar 1, 2026 | Deer Hunting, Outdoors |
| NE | Nebraska Boat Show | Lincoln, NE | Jan 30-Feb 1, 2026 | Boating, RV, Camping, Outdoors |
| NE | Omaha Boat Show | Omaha, NE | Feb 19-22, 2026 | Boating, RV, Camping, Outdoors |
By Shannon Rivers
February 2026
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