ALEXANDRIA, VA — One of the biggest boating celebrations on the East Coast is close enough for Alexandrians to enjoy as a day trip.
The Annapolis Powerboat Show and Annapolis Sailboat Show return to historic City Dock on consecutive weekends in October, transforming the downtown waterfront into a temporary marina filled with hundreds of boats, demonstrations, marine gear and people who simply love being near the water.
And despite feeling like a Chesapeake Bay getaway, Annapolis is only about 35 miles from Old Town Alexandria—generally a 45-minute to one-hour drive when traffic cooperates.
Two Weekends on the Water
The Annapolis Powerboat Show runs Thursday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
Now in its 54th year, the show is expected to bring more than 350 boats to the docks, according to Annapolis Boat Shows. Visitors can climb aboard vessels ranging from family-friendly runabouts to head-turning luxury cruisers, compare equipment and meet builders and marine experts.
This year’s attractions include boats making their Annapolis debuts, a brokerage dock featuring previously owned vessels and the PropTalk Demo Dock, where qualified prospective buyers can arrange sea trials with participating exhibitors.
Free seminars are included with admission. Additional on-water courses, taught by licensed U.S. Coast Guard captains, cover subjects ranging from introductory boating to docking and open-water handling.
Children can take part in boatbuilding, casting competitions and Chesapeake Bay-themed activities at the Kids Corner.
Sailboats Take Over City Dock
One week later, the Annapolis Sailboat Show arrives Thursday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 18.
Sailors and manufacturers come to Annapolis from around the world for the internationally known event. Floating docks will be lined with monohulls, multihulls, racing boats, cruisers and sailing dinghies.
“There are boat shows, and then there’s Annapolis,” organizers say on the Annapolis Boat Shows website.
“Known as America’s sailing capital, Annapolis has long been a gathering place for the sailing community. Each fall, its historic harbor becomes the center of the sailing world, welcoming sailors from across the country to celebrate the lifestyle, reconnect with friends, and share a passion for life on the water.”
The website describes the show as more than a destination, adding:
“It’s a place where maritime heritage, a vibrant waterfront, and a deep-rooted sailing culture come together to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. That’s what makes the Annapolis Sailboat Show more than an event. It’s an annual tradition that continues to inspire generations of sailors.”
Tents along the waterfront will feature sails, rigging, electronics, communications equipment, charter opportunities, clothing and other sailing gear. Educational programs are designed for experienced sailors as well as visitors who have never set foot on a sailboat.
You do not need to be shopping for a yacht—or even own a boat—to enjoy either show. Part of the fun is walking the temporary docks, touring boats and watching downtown Annapolis become the center of the boating world.
Closer Than Many Alexandrians Realize
From Alexandria, the most direct trip generally follows the Capital Beltway into Maryland and then Route 50 east toward Annapolis.
Travel time depends heavily on Beltway traffic, so visitors should allow extra time, particularly on Friday afternoons and weekends. Leaving early also makes the parking and shuttle experience easier.
Boat show visitors are encouraged to park away from City Dock and use the event shuttle. For most show days, parking is available at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Ave., with complimentary shuttle transportation to the waterfront.
Powerboat Show parking will move to the Anne Arundel County Board of Education complex at 2644 Riva Road on Saturday, Oct. 10. Visitors should confirm the latest parking instructions before leaving Alexandria because locations and availability can change.
Once inside the show, downtown Annapolis restaurants, shops and historic streets are only steps away—making it easy to turn a few hours at the docks into a complete fall outing.
If You Go
2026 Annapolis Powerboat Show
When: Oct. 8–10, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: City Dock, 1 Dock St., Annapolis, MD
Admission: $32 general admission; $45 Preview Day; $10 for children ages 7–15; free for children 6 and younger
Information: annapolisboatshows.com/powerboat-show
2026 Annapolis Sailboat Show
Dates and hours:
Thursday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: City Dock, Annapolis, MD
Tickets: $55 for Preview Day on Oct. 15; $32 general admission Oct. 16–18; $10 for children ages 7–15; free for children 6 and younger. Military Personnel Day admission is $22 on Sunday, Oct. 18, with valid ID required at the gate.
Box office: Compromise Street. Visitors arriving by shuttle should exit the bus at the second stop.
Tickets and information: Annapolis Boat Shows
Both shows take place rain or shine. Pets are not permitted except for certified service animals, and strollers cannot be taken onto the show grounds for safety reasons.
