ALTON – The Alton Powerboat Nationals have officially begun.
As of 3 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, the test and tune sessions were underway on the Mississippi River at Riverfront Park. These sessions are free to attend, though the races themselves are ticketed throughout the weekend. Managing Director Tim Seebold expressed his excitement for the Alton Powerboat Nationals as the fun began on Friday.
“We want everybody to come out. It’s family fun,” he said. “The Mississippi, so far, is cooperating.”
There were a few food trucks onsite on Friday afternoon, and plenty of people watching the test and tune sessions. Racers had set up camp in the Alton Amphitheater parking lot, with several RVs lined up and ready. Most of the racers have traveled from out of state to participate.
There will be a street party from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17, in front of Catdaddy’s in downtown Alton where attendees can meet with the racers. Seebold encourages people to come down, see the boats and chat with the participants.
The racing begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 2026. The championship awards ceremony kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 19.
Unlike in years past, this summer’s Alton Powerboat Nationals will serve as the final race of the season. Organizers will crown four “national champions” at the end of the races on Sunday, Seebold said.
He also noted that younger racers will be participating in the Youth Talent Cup. He hopes this event encourages kids to engage with the sport and learn more about the positive powerboat racing culture.
Tickets are available online now, including weekend passes and VIP passes. Seebold and his racers agree that it’s worth seeing the boats up close. They believe the viewing at Riverfront Park is top-notch.
“There’s not a bad seat in the house here,” Seebold said. “What I love about this setting at Riverfront Park is you’re 15 to 20 feet above the course, so you’re seeing everything right in front of you.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the people and organizations who make it possible to host the Alton Powerboat Nationals. He noted that these entities have been meeting for months now, and they are eager to watch the races come to fruition this weekend.
“It takes a lot of work. We’ve got a lot of great partners here in Alton, the City of Alton, Great Rivers and Routes, Lyndsey [Younger] and her staff over at the Parks Department, Simmons Hanly Conroy, Mangenast Alton Toyota,” he said. “Without these people helping you, there’s no way you can do it.”
For more information about the Alton Powerboat Nationals, including the schedule and how to buy your tickets, visit the official webpage.
