2026 show planning snapshot
Dates: October 8–11, 2026. Location: Annapolis City Dock. Current published hours: 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sunday. Current online ticket prices: $45 Preview Day, $32 general admission, $10 ages 7–15, children 6 and under free; military Sunday ticket currently $22.
2026 Annapolis Powerboat Show dates and hours
| Day | Date | Current published hours |
|---|---|---|
| Preview Day | Thursday, October 8 | 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. |
| General Admission | Friday, October 9 | 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. |
| General Admission | Saturday, October 10 | 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. |
| General Admission | Sunday, October 11 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Ticket prices currently posted
The official ticket portal currently posts the following prices. Buying in advance also reduces time spent in the ticket line.
| Ticket | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Preview Day | $45 | Thursday, October 8; valid one day |
| General Admission | $32 | One day, October 9–11 |
| Preview Day + General Admission Combo | $72 | Thursday plus one General Admission day |
| Two Day General Admission Combo | $59 | Two General Admission days, October 9–11 |
| Child, ages 7–15 | $10 | Children 6 and under are free |
| Military Sunday | $22 | Sunday, October 11; see portal for eligibility |
Boat-in visitors: 2026 City Dock closures matter
Do not plan on normal Ego Alley access during the shows. The City of Annapolis currently says docking in Ego Alley will close October 1 at 9:00 p.m. through October 23 at 6:00 p.m. Moorings 1–9 and 12–15 close from October 3 at noon through October 23 at 6:00 p.m.; moorings 20, 30 and 31 have shorter temporary closures in early October.
- Prince George Street dinghy dock: closed during the boat shows.
- Temporary dinghy access: a dedicated dock is planned at the end of Shipwright Street.
- City Dock footprint: the 2026 show is being reconfigured around resilience-project construction, including removal of the traditional A and B exhibit tents and expansion onto Compromise and Randall Streets.
These restrictions are unusually important in 2026 because construction changes both waterfront access and the show layout. Re-check the City and organizer pages shortly before departure.
Parking and downtown access
Annapolis City Dock is in the historic downtown core, so parking requires more planning than a suburban convention center. The City of Annapolis publishes boat-show access notices and has already posted 2026 harbor impacts, including closure periods for Ego Alley slips and some moorings. The city also notes a temporary dinghy dock at the end of Shipwright Street during the shows because the Prince George Street dinghy dock will not be open.
For vehicle parking, check the current Annapolis Parking information close to the event. In recent city boat-show guidance, regular garages such as Hillman, Knighton, Gotts Court and Park Place have been primary options, with downtown shuttle service. Do not assume prior-year event parking arrangements are unchanged; verify 2026 details before leaving.
Best day for serious boat buyers
Preview Day generally costs more but can be the better choice if your objective is to have substantive conversations with dealers and spend time aboard a short list. Saturday is typically the most natural day for casual visitors but can make detailed comparisons more difficult when docks are crowded. If you are actively buying, arrive early and make appointments with the dealers representing your highest-priority boats.
What to bring
- Comfortable non-marking shoes and weather-appropriate layers.
- A written short list of boats and questions.
- Your current boat’s dimensions and slip constraints.
- Notes on your real annual boating mission: fishing, family, overnighting, tow sports, spring/fall use.
- A phone battery pack; you will take more photos and notes than expected.
Before you buy at the show
Show incentives can be useful, but they should not replace diligence. Confirm the exact model year, engine package, included electronics, freight, commissioning, taxes, warranty, service location and delivery timeline. For a large purchase, consider a survey and sea trial appropriate to the transaction.
One more boat you may want to compare
Nord Star is not currently confirmed for Annapolis. If an enclosed Finnish pilothouse belongs on your list, register interest so we can quantify demand.