Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point Opens April 17, Launching the Chesapeake Bay Boating Season
Date: April 14, 2026
For immediate release | Grasonville, MD – The wait for boating season is over. The Bay Bridge Boat Show returns to the waterfront at Safe Harbor Narrows Point in Kent Narrows, April 17-19, kicking off the Chesapeake Bay boating season with three days of boats, hands-on experiences, expert guidance, and waterfront entertainment designed to get boaters on the water faster.
Held along the scenic Kent Narrows waterfront, the Bay Bridge Boat Show marks the unofficial start of the season and the first major opportunity of the year to climb aboard new models, sharpen skills, and reconnect with the boating lifestyle after the winter. With more than 250 boats on display and over 130 exhibitors, the show delivers one of the most comprehensive early-season marketplaces for powerboats, gear, and marine services on Chesapeake Bay.
From center consoles and cruising boats to family-friendly pontoons and luxury vessels, attendees can step aboard hundreds of models side-by-side, including standout new arrivals such as the Bayliner V20 Bowrider, Sportsman Open 402, Everglades 375, and Boston Whaler 330 Outrage. The show makes it easy to compare options, explore layouts, and find the right fit before summer arrives. With knowledgeable regional dealers available throughout the weekend, visitors can ask questions, compare features, and begin building relationships with professionals who support every stage of boat ownership.
A Season Kickoff Built for Hands-On Experiences
More than a traditional boat show, the Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point invites attendees to get behind the helm, ask questions, and build confidence before the busy boating months.
A key attraction, the PropTalk Demo Dock, offers sea trials on select boats such as the Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless and 32 Sportsman featuring Seakeeper, allowing visitors to experience real-world handling before making purchasing decisions. Throughout the show, attendees can meet directly with experienced dealers ready to guide visitors through the boat-buying process, explain features, and help match buyers with boats suited to their lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans on the water.
For many boaters, those connections extend well beyond the show weekend. Dealers serve as long-term partners in creating a second home on the water; helping owners navigate everything from selecting the right model to coordinating refits, securing slip access, scheduling maintenance, and supporting the many details that come with boat ownership. The show provides a rare opportunity to meet multiple trusted professionals in one place, making it easier to move from dreaming to planning with confidence.
Education remains a cornerstone of the show, with free daily seminars included with admission and designed to help boaters of all experience levels prepare for the season ahead. Sessions focus on practical Chesapeake Bay boating knowledge, including spring commissioning, docking and close-quarters handling, navigation and safety essentials, choosing the right boat, and maintenance strategies to protect your investment.
Hands-on learning continues with BoatUS On-Water Training, where licensed captains lead practical instruction sessions that help boaters feel more confident operating their vessels. Families and curious newcomers can also explore the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem through the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center Fishmobile, an interactive marine science experience featuring native Bay species and conservation education.
More Than Boats: A Waterfront Weekend Destination
Set against the backdrop of Kent Narrows, the show delivers a full waterfront experience that extends well beyond the docks. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, dockside food and beverages, and relaxed gathering spaces designed to celebrate the return of spring on the Bay.
Accessible by both land and water, the location makes it easy to turn a visit into a full Eastern Shore outing. Nearby restaurants, lodging, and marina access create opportunities to spend the day (or entire weekend) exploring the area while taking in everything the show has to offer.
The Best Place to Start the Season
For longtime boaters, first-time buyers, and families looking to spend more time on the water, the Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point is widely recognized as the starting point for the Chesapeake Bay boating season. Attendees shopping for a new boat, upgrading equipment, learning new skills or simply soaking in the excitement of spring on the waterfront will find the tools, resources, and inspiration to make the most of the months ahead.
With boats ready to explore, experts ready to guide the process, and a waterfront atmosphere that signals the return of the boating season, the Bay Bridge Boat Show offers a can’t-miss opportunity to start the season with confidence and momentum.
The Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point is made possible through the support of valued sponsors including Safe Harbor, the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM), Visit Queen Anne’s County, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, and Renewal by Andersen.
The show opens this weekend. Running Friday, April 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Tickets are $20 ($15 for military), and children 15 and under are admitted free. For more information and tickets, visit annapolisboatshows.com.
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Annapolis Boat Shows
Founded in 1970, Annapolis Boat Shows is the producer of the world’s first and largest in-water sailboat show and a leader in premier marine events. The company hosts four annual shows on Chesapeake Bay — including the Annapolis Sailboat Show, Annapolis Powerboat Show, Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point, and Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show — that draw tens of thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors from around the world. Guided by its mission to foster a thriving boating community, Annapolis Boat Shows promotes accessibility, education, community, and sustainability while setting the standard for marine events worldwide.
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Media Contact
Ryan Gullang
ryan@annapolisboatshows.com
(410) 268 8828