When you think of boat shows, gleaming yachts, glistening cruisers, and cutting-edge fishing boats are probably the first to come to mind. And while the vessels are undeniably the stars of any boat show, there are many other nautical demonstrations, exhibits, and family-friendly features to explore.
Today’s guide reveals what to expect at boat shows in 2025 – from fishing accessories to paddleboard demonstrations and everything in between.
Common Boat Show Features
Below, you'll find what you can expect to find at a boat show. (Besides the boats, of course.)
1. Boating Education and Seminars
Boat shows often include educational seminars covering a variety of boating topics. In our many years of hosting boat shows, we’ve seen seminars on boating safety, fishing tips, maintenance information, and more. The best part? They’re free with entry!
2. Live Music and Entertainment
Most boat shows have a designated lounge area that attendees can use to kick back, relax, and put their feet up. There are usually food and drinks available for purchase. And if you’re lucky, there might even be live music!
3. Opportunities to Ask the Experts
All the Discover Boating Boat Shows host Fred’s Shed How-To Center. Essentially, it allows attendees to ask our tech experts any and all of their boating and mechanical questions.
4. On-Water Demonstrations
Interested in paddle boarding? Or a certain type of fishing? Many boat shows will host on-water demonstrations for certain watersports and other nautical activities. For example, the Discover Boating New England Boat Show is offering both stand-up paddleboard yoga and live demonstrations at the Art of Casting Pond.
5. Boating, Fishing, and Hunting Licenses
Some boat shows — including the Louisville Boat, RV, and Sportshow — have information regarding boating, fishing, and hunting licenses for the upcoming season. Sometimes, you can even purchase a license right then and there.
6. Delicious Food and Refreshing Drinks
There’s always something tasty to munch or sip on at a boat show! In fact, some shows may offer tastings and other food-focused events, so be sure to check out the boat show's website to learn more.
7. Historical and Antique Boat Exhibits
In addition to showcasing the latest boat brands and models, many boat shows also have classic, wooden, or antique boat exhibits. The impressive selection is one that boating enthusiasts and nautical history buffs will surely appreciate.
8. Plenty of Kids Activities
There are plenty of boat show activities reserved for kids. Some popular activities for little skippers include:
- Build-a-Boat Toy Boat Building. Oftentimes, kids can build a toy boat to take home as a souvenir.
- Bumper Boats. Some boat shows feature miniature paddle boats for kids to splash around in.
- Interactive Fishing Exhibits. If your kids are aspiring anglers, some shows offer free catch-and-release fishing. Other shows have live fishing demonstrations and/or seminars.
- Kid’s Zone. Many Boat Shows — including the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show and the Louisville Boat, RV, and Sportshow — have a special kid’s zone for kiddos to hang out and play in.
Buying a Boat at a Boat Show
At the end of the day, browsing and buying boats is one of the main reasons people attend boat shows. With hundreds of boat brands and models displayed side-by-side, it’s easy to compare your potential options and find the right boat for you.
If you’re interested in buying a boat at a boat show in 2025, check out our guide on Boat Show Buying Tips: How to Get the Best Deal. It’ll tell you everything you need to know.
2025 Boat Show Calendar
Now that you know what to expect at a boat show, it’s time to find a boat show near you! Discover Boating’s Chicago Boat Show, Discover Boating’s New England Boat Show, and Discover Boating’s Atlanta Boat Show are kicking the boat show season off the weekend of January 8-12th, 2025. And there are plenty more boat shows following in their tracks.
Check out our guide to Boat Show Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of Attending a Boat Show. Then, we’ll see you at a 2025 boat show near you!
