It’s a-boat time! The Discover Boating® Nashville Boat Show® in partnership with Progressive Insurance, kicks off the New Year with boating fun for everyone. Following a two-year hiatus, the show will return to Nashville’s Music City Center from January 5–8, 2023.
A great destination for avid boaters and newcomers alike, Nashville’s biggest boating event offers four action-packed days of browsing, boarding, and buying from the region’s best boat dealers. There’s no better place to dive into the boat life!
Top Boat Show Attractions
The 2023 Discover Boating Nashville Boat Show has an abundance of attractions, boating education and activities for all ages.
1. The Boats! Shop the Newest Models from the Best Brands
Boat shows are the best place to purchase a vessel of your own. Why? Well, a wide variety of boats—from pontoons to deck boats (and everything in between)—is on display under the same roof!
Not only will you be able to compare models and brands side by side, but boat shows are a tremendous opportunity to immerse yourself in the boating lifestyle.
To start shopping before the show, be sure to visit our Boat Finder. Using this tool, you can browse boats that will be featured at this year's show.
Check Out Our Boat Finder Tool
2. Hang Out in the Wake Zone
If you’re interested in water sports, the Wake Zone is the place to be. Enjoy food and drinks throughout the show—plus check out some of hottest gear and water toys available this year.
That’s not all. Wakeboard Pros Drew Danielo, Chad Sharpe, and Eric Ruck will also be in the house! And they’d be happy to offer pointers and tips for your wakeboarding journey. All three pros will be here Friday through Sunday in Booth 545.
3. See Twiggy, the Waterskiing Squirrel
Twiggy, the infamous waterskiing squirrel, will show off her skills daily during the show. This watersports-loving rodent has her own custom, heated pool that she will be skiing around in Booth 590.
4. Test the Waters at the Paddle Board Demo Pool
Have you ever tried stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)? If not, the Nashville Boat Show is your chance!
The paddle board demo pool will be open for guests to kayak, paddle board, and try other popular paddle sports. The instructors will provide all the necessary gear, and you don’t need prior experience! Just show up with an open mind, and they’ll teach you everything you need to know.
5. Explore Fred’s Shed How-To Center (Sponsored by Progressive)
What boater wouldn’t like some tips, tricks, and DIY advice? Well, Fred’s Shed How-To Center can provide all that and more. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time boater or a pro on the water; there will be helpful tidbits for every sailor.
Note: Have an engine problem that you can’t seem to fix? Maybe your boat is overheating, or you’re struggling to shift into gear. Swing by the Shed and ask our tech experts about it. They would be happy to help.
6. Learn More About the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
If you’re an outdoorsman (which we’re going to assume you are, given your attendance at a boat show), you’ll want to visit the TWRA booth. They are your one-stop shop for rules, regulations, and schedules for the 2023 boating, fishing, and hunting seasons.
7. Take a FREE Boating Safety Course
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will host FREE responsible boating courses on Friday and Saturday in Show Office Hall C. However, you need a Type 600 Boat Safety Exam Permit to attend. If you don’t already have one, you can purchase it anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Then, register for the course online.
8. Experience America’s Boating Club’s Boating Simulator
We must admit, America’s Boating Club’s Boating Simulator is pretty incredible. Swing by Booth 003 to get “hands-on” practice in common boating skills (like docking, pivot turns, stopping, and more). The simulator uses a Mercury throttle and steering wheel—so it’s just like the real thing!
9. Discover the Magic of Mermaids
Mermaid Alouette will enchant folks of all ages with her mermaid stories and sing-alongs. She’ll be at the show on Friday and Saturday, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Ticket Information
Ready to snag your 2023 Discover Boating Nashville Boat Show tickets? Because these prices can’t be beaten. General admission tickets for adults (aged 13 and older) are just $13, and children are FREE in the company of an adult.
Active military and veterans will enjoy FREE admission on Thursday (1/5) with their military ID. In addition, half-day tickets can be purchased for entry on Thursday (1/5) after 5 pm for just $7. Get your tickets today!
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