Boat shows
Annapolis Sailboat Show 2026: Dates, Tickets and What's New
Published · Last checked October 2026
The Annapolis Sailboat Show, the US's biggest in-water sailboat show, runs from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October 2026 at City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland. Doors open at 10:00 every day, closing at 6:30 pm Thursday to Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Know before you go
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October 2026 |
| Where | City Dock, 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 |
| Hours | 10:00 to 6:30 pm Thu to Sat; 10:00 to 5:00 pm Sun |
| Tickets | Buy from the official Annapolis Boat Shows site or at the gate. Military Personnel Day is Sunday 18 October. |
| Parking | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Ave, with a free shuttle |
Organisers warn that tickets from unofficial resellers may not be valid. Check current prices on the official site before buying.
What's different this year
Because of the City Dock revitalisation project, tents have been moved, expanded and reoriented, and four new bars have been added around the show. The separate Annapolis Powerboat Show ran the week before (8 to 11 October).
Getting the most from a boat show
- Make a shortlist of boats to board: queues build by midday.
- Sit at the chart table and in the cockpit, and imagine using them heeled in a seaway.
- Ask about the engine checks, access to the seacocks, and where the liferaft lives.
- Many sailing schools exhibit too, and it's a good place to compare ASA and RYA courses.
Annapolis: America's sailing capital
Annapolis, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay, calls itself 'America's Sailing Capital'. It's home to the US Naval Academy, dozens of yacht clubs and a busy Wednesday-night racing scene, and the in-water Sailboat Show has been held at City Dock every October since 1970.
Who should go?
- First-time buyers comparing monohulls and catamarans side by side.
- Charter sailors meeting charter companies and comparing destinations.
- Students looking at sailing schools and certification courses, including American Sailing (ASA) and US Sailing.
- Owners hunting for gear, electronics, sails and safety equipment at show prices.
Boat show checklist
- Wear soft-soled shoes you can slip off quickly: you'll board many boats.
- Bring a tape measure and phone camera to note berths, headroom and storage.
- Ask how the boat is reefed and whether lines lead back to the cockpit.
- Check the anchor set-up and the VHF and DSC installation.
- Note show-only discounts but don't buy safety gear you haven't researched.