The Seattle Boat Show returns January 30 to bring the latest and greatest nautical innovations and teachings to the Pacific Northwest. Not sure it’s for you? Here are 10 reasons why the Seattle Boat Show is worth your time and attention:
After Dark flips the typical boat show script, tranforming the entire venue into a laser-light musical experience. Be sure to checkout the Pie Bar and pouring stations to stay hydrated and energized.- Date Night for Boat Lovers. New this year on each of the Friday nights—January 30 and February 6 from 17:00 to 21:00—the West Hall transforms into Boat Show After Dark: mood lighting, live music, drink stations and a lively nighttime vibe. Stroll the aisles, sip and savour and let local musicians provide the soundtrack as you explore the latest boats and gear.
- Summer Energy in February: Vitamin B(oat). Beat the winter blues! Meet up with your boating buddies, plan summer adventures and soak up some pre-season inspiration. Think of it as a vitamin boost for your boating soul.
- Better than Google or ChatGPT. At the show you can meet real experts, in person, who havesailed, fished and lived the nautical lifestyle. Meet pros, dealers and instructors all in one place. Bring your toughest boating questions and see if you can stump the experts.
James Hamilton giving a seminar at the Seattle Boat Show. - Fish Like a Pro. Why buy it at QFC? Take a seminar and learn the secrets to catching salmon, tuna, halibut or lingcod from some of the best anglers in the region. You’ll never pay retail again, and your friends will think you have a secret fishing superpower.
- Geek Out. Whether it’s high-tech marine gadgets, sleek accessories or the latest gear to trick out your boat, the show is heaven for boat enthusiasts who love the details.
- Size Does Matter. It’s the West Coast’s largest boat show and the third largest in North America. That means more boats, more gear, more info and more fun. With over 280 exhibitors and two locations showcasing bigger boats on the water, you’ll be swimming in options. As a bonus, you’ll get your steps in for the day.
Boat shows are great places to shop around and find the gear that works best for you and your boat. - Reward Yourself. Compare 800-plus boats side by side, including 163 brands on display this year, and find the one that makes your heart skip a beat.
- Learn From the Best. Sharpen your boating chops with free seminars and Boat Show U courses covering everything from navigation to knots to fishing mastery taught by the pros who know their way around the water. You’ll leave with the know-how to turn any boating challenge into smooth sailing.
- Fun for Everyone. It’s not just for boat owners. Kids, first-time boaters and seasoned captains alike will find something to love—interactive displays, games and plenty of chances to explore the maritime lifestyle. Dogs on Deck on Thursday is for your four-legged first mates. Bring your dog and see why pups love the boat show almost as much as their humans.
More than shopping: the Boat Show is a great chance to explore nautical arts and crafts and spend quality time with the boaters in your life. - Surprise Your Sweetie. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner—why not go big? Order a red boat. Or a blue one. Bonus points if your friends get jealous.
The 79th annual Seattle Boat Show is the largest show on the West Coast and the third largest in North America. The show takes place Friday January 30 to Saturday February 7, 2026, indoors at Lumen Field Event Center and on the water at Bell Harbor Marina, with a free shuttle running continuously between both locations. For hours, ticket pricing, exhibitors, seminars, features and promotions visit the Seattle Boat Show website.
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