Annapolis has 4 epic, huge, can’t-miss holidays: St. Patrick’s Day, Commissioning Week, EYC Lights Parade, and Boat Shows. But boat shows can be intimidating if you’ve never been. So we compiled all the most common questions we get into one helpful guide.
Btw, Annapolis has two different boat shows each fall. First up is powerboats. That’s this weekend (10/2–5). Next weekend (10/9–12) all the powerboats leave and all the sailboats come in.
Table of Contents
Boat Show Basics
What is a boat show? Basically the entire harbor turns into a gigantic shopping mall of boats, boat accessories, and businesses that like marketing to boaters.
Who goes to the Boat Show? Literally everyone. Tens of thousands of people.
How do I go to the Boat Show? Buy a ticket ($25 in advance, $30 at the gate), park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium ($20 in advance, $25 at the lot) and take the shuttle, then just walk around and look at the awesome boats!
Can I park any closer than Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium? Sure. Lots of private lots offer premium parking closer to the show. Bring cash. And there's always the shiny new Hillman Garage. You better be pretty early though because these options fill up fast.
What will I see at the Boat Show? First of all, boats (duh). From 10 feet to 66 feet and $25k to $4 million. But you’ll also see boat adjacent stuff like floating docks, boat lifts, clothing and life jackets, and tons of service providers. You’ll even see non-boat things like Realtors, home builders, and landscapers.
When is the Boat Show? October 5–8. That’s this weekend.
What time is the Boat Show? 10 AM–6:30 PM Thursday through Saturday. Sunday is 10 AM–5 PM. Thursday’s called Preview Day. It’s a little more expensive but less crowded so it’s Scoop’s favorite day.
Is the Boat Show rain or shine? Yes. Boaters aren’t afraid of bad weather.
Map of the Show
The Experience
What can I eat and drink? There’s plenty of food onsite. The Fleet Reserve Club is open to the public selling beer, oysters, and their classic boat show pit beef. Choptank has a special outside bar and a stellar view of the show. And this is the only time of the year we drink Pusser’s painkillers before noon. Friends of the Scoop Vintage Views will be at brokerage cove serving drinks and lunch!
Is there water at the show? Yes. Annapolis Green’s Naptown Taps will be onsite providing clean drinking water all weekend long.
Can I ride on any boats? You bet. Check out the demo dock to sea trial your next boat.
What if I’m a big baller? Get a VIP ticket and access the LaVictoire Finance lounge with a full bar and catering by Julie St. Marie.
Are all the boats new? Nope. Bargain hunters and boaters who don’t want to wait for a new boat to be constructed can visit Brokerage Cove to see pre-owned boats. Note: you’ll have to take the water taxi.
Final Questions
Do I have to take my shoes off? Not for every boat but slip-ons are always a good idea at a boat show.
Wait what if I like sailboats? Your show is next week. Or you could always join the dark side. . . .
Are there any local discounts for the Boat Show? Yes! We know Leo, a delicious farm-to-table restaurant on West Street, is offering 10% off to all boat show attendees and guests. We'll add more here as we hear about them.
What if you didn’t answer my question? Check out the official Boat Show FAQs.
See you at the show!
