Annapolis City Dock is getting ready for a floating takeover this fall, with more than 400 powerboats expected to fill the waterfront for four days. The spectacle will bring boat shoppers, curious landlubbers, marine vendors, classes, music and plenty of waterfront traffic to downtown Annapolis.
The 2026 Annapolis Powerboat Show runs October 8 through 11 and is expected to feature trawlers, cruisers, downeast boats, center consoles, pontoons, inflatables and fishing boats, according to Eye On Annapolis. Lined up bow to stern, the boats would stretch more than two miles, giving the phrase “boat parade” an unusually literal meaning.
Hundreds Of Boats And A Shoreside Marketplace
Most boats will be open for visitors to board, inspect and compare, while manufacturers and dealers will be on hand to answer questions. The official show schedule also highlights new and premiering models, a demonstration dock, boating classes and exhibitors selling marine equipment, accessories and apparel.
The event is designed for more than prospective boat buyers. Organizers also plan educational sessions on topics such as living aboard, cruising and fishing with family members, along with demonstrations, live music, food and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, as detailed by Visit Annapolis.
Powerboat Show Returns During City Dock Construction
This year’s show will arrive while Annapolis’ City Dock Resiliency project remains underway. The Annapolis Harbormaster says construction is expected to continue from 2026 through early 2028, with some slips closed and certain services suspended during the work.
That means the familiar downtown boating spectacle will operate alongside a changing waterfront, with the event’s layout adjusted to fit the construction footprint. For visitors, the practical takeaway is simple: City Dock will be busy with boats, vendors and construction activity all at once.
A Major Weekend For Annapolis Businesses
The show is also a significant tourism event for the city. In an official release, Annapolis Boat Shows said the 2025 powerboat and sailboat events brought tens of thousands of visitors from all 50 states and more than 40 countries, while generating a $564,320 payment to the city from its share of ticket revenue.
Advance tickets for the 2026 Powerboat Show are already available, and purchasing ahead of time allows visitors to bypass the ticket lines when the event opens October 8, according to Eye On Annapolis. By then, City Dock should have no shortage of floating conversation starters.
