The 49th Annual Wooden Boat Show will be held May 3, 2025!
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or prefer to keep your feet on dry land, the Annual Wooden Boat Show has activities for all ages. The show takes place annually at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort on the first Saturday in May. It is the longest ongoing wooden boat show in the Southeast.
This free event celebrates the art of North Carolina boat building and the sport of boat racing. Dozens of handcrafted wooden boats will be on display and activities are available for all ages.
The show has something to offer everyone, even those who are not wooden boat enthusiasts. There are activities for children and opportunities for families to do things together, such as taking a boat ride.
Youngsters can take part in maritime games and crafts in the Wooden Boat Kids area. Kids can also make their own model sailboats. Enjoy traditional skills demonstrations and displays, educational activities, historic vessels, a sailboat race, and sailboat rides.
2025 BOAT SHOW SCHEDULE
May 2, 2025
5 – 7 p.m.
OPENING RECEPTION
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
May 3, 2025
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
BOAT CHECK-IN and SETUP
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
EXHIBIT OF WOODEN BOATS Be sure to vote for your favorite boat
Front Street
WOODEN BOAT KIDS
Museum Front Patio
KNOT TYING BY DON VAN HOY
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
IN-WATER BOAT SHOW
Beaufort Waterfront Docks
NAUTICAL BOOK SALE
N.C. Maritime Museum front patio
VINTAGE TOY OUTBOARD MOTORS
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
BOB ZENTZ
Sea shanties and maritime-themed music
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
10:30 a.m.
ALL COMERS SAILBOAT RACE
Taylor’s Creek
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
GO SAILING IN A TRADITIONAL WOODEN BOAT Free, $5 per person donation suggested
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
4 p.m.
WOODEN BOAT SHOW AWARDS RECEPTION
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
Check out the 2024 winners!