Every October, the historic waterfront in Annapolis, Maryland turns into one of the biggest floating marinas on the East Coast. The Annapolis Boat Shows return to City Dock for two back-to-back weekends in 2026: power first, then sail.
The dates
- Annapolis Powerboat Show: Thursday–Sunday, October 8–11, 2026
- Annapolis Sailboat Show: Thursday–Sunday, October 15–18, 2026
- Where: City Dock, 1 Dock St., Annapolis, MD
- Tickets: annapolisboatshows.com/tickets. Buy ahead and skip the entrance line.
Weekend one: the Powerboat Show
The Powerboat Show opens the season with hundreds of boats in the water, from family runabouts and pontoons to center consoles, fishing boats, trawlers and luxury cruisers. Eye On Annapolis reports more than 400 vessels this year. Beyond the docks there’s a shoreside marketplace of marine gear and accessories, free seminars on topics like cruising and living aboard, live music and food.
Hours: Oct 8–10, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Oct 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission as listed: $32 general, $10 for kids 7–15, free for kids 6 and under.
Weekend two: the Sailboat Show
A week later, the masts go up. The Annapolis Sailboat Show is billed as the world’s largest in-water sailboat show, with hundreds of monohulls, multihulls, cruisers and racers on display. Eye On Annapolis reports more than 500 marine exhibitors and more than a dozen U.S. and international boat premieres. Expect electronics, engines, sails, rigging, safety gear and foul-weather clothing, plus free seminars and a First Sail Workshop for beginners.
Hours: Oct 15–17, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Oct 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission as listed: Preview Day (Oct 15) $55; general (Oct 16–18) $32; kids 7–15 $10; kids 6 and under free; military $22 on Oct 18 with ID.
Good to know
- Both shows run rain or shine.
- Pets (other than service animals) and strollers aren’t allowed.
- Prices and hours above come from published listings. Confirm on the official ticket page before you go.
Follow the shows on Instagram, Facebook and X. Citywide.TV covers marine events across the Mid-Atlantic and South Florida. Powerboat weekend or sailboat weekend: which one are you hitting?