2026 Seattle Boat Show Brings Boats, Community, and a Few Full Circle Moments
Friday, Jan. 30 – Saturday, Feb. 7 Lumen Field Event Center and Bell Harbor Marina Seattle, WA
For boaters in the Pacific Northwest, winter isn’t the off-season. It’s boat show season. And the Seattle Boat Show is the one that sets the tone for the year ahead.
Now in its 79th year, the Seattle Boat Show remains the largest recreational boating event on the West Coast and the third largest in North America. Between the indoor exhibits at Lumen Field Event Center and the in-water displays at Bell Harbor Marina, it’s become a uniquely Seattle tradition that brings the boating community together right in the middle of winter.
You’ll find 280+ exhibitors, 800+ boats, and acres of marine gear covering everything from kayaks and paddleboards to fishing boats, surf boats, and luxury yachts reaching 83′ on the water. Indoors, the largest boats stretch to 55′, proving once again that Seattle knows how to maximize space when boats are involved.
What to Know Before You Go
- Free shuttle connecting both show locations
- 145 free seminars covering boating, fishing, safety, and maintenance
- $5 parking at Bell Street Pier Garage
- Tickets include single-day, multi-day, and two-for-one options
- Kids 17 and under get free admission
Special Events and Themed Days
Whether you’re showing up solo, bringing the whole family, or planning a day out with friends, or on a date, the Seattle Boat Show has you covered.
Boat Show After Dark (Jan. 30 and Feb. 6) turns the show into an evening event with live local music, ambient lighting, pour stations for adult beverages, and a festival vibe.
Sip and Sketch (Saturday, Jan. 31) features live art by Seattle muralist Dozfy, with wine or beer included with admission.
Bubbly at the Boat Show (Sunday, Feb. 1) includes mimosas for the first 1,000 guests 21 and over, plus a souvenir Champaign flute.
Women’s Day (Monday, Feb. 2) offers free admission for women with an online ticket and seminars created by and for women boaters.
Dogs on Deck (Thursday, Feb. 6) welcomes four-legged crew members, with custom dog tags available.
There’s also Taco Tuesday, Military and First Responder Appreciation, and Boating’s in Our Blood. Family-friendly activities include the Aqua Paddlers pool, toy boat building, and hands-on sessions with the Center for Wooden Boats.
Why the Seattle Boat Show Matters
From fishing boats and pontoons to serious cruising yachts, the Seattle Boat Show is the best place to compare boats side by side and talk directly with builders and dealers. It’s also the best time of year to buy, with show-only incentives and limited-time pricing you won’t find later.
A Full Circle Year for Best4Boats.com
We launched Best4Boats.com at last year’s show, so returning for our one-year anniversary feels full circle. It’s a good reminder of why we do this.Whether you’re shopping seriously, researching casually, or simply need a dose of boats in the middle of winter, we’ll see you on the docks and at the displays.
