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. This free event, held each year on the first Saturday in May, celebrates the art of North Carolina traditional wooden boatbuilding and the sport of boat racing.

Dozens of handcrafted wooden boats will be on display, along with nautical demonstrations, and activities for children.

2024 BOAT SHOW SCHEDULE

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

BOAT CHECK-IN and SETUP

Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

MUSEUM OPEN

Free admission

BOATING SKILLS VIRTUAL TRAINER

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

EXHIBIT OF WOODEN BOATS Be sure to vote for your favorite boat

Front Street and Parking Lot

WOODEN BOAT KIDS

Museum Front Patio & Breezeway

CAROLINA MARITIME MODEL EXPO Be sure to vote for your favorite model boat

N.C. Maritime Museum Auditorium

MODELS OF JOHN VANG

N.C. Maritime Museum Auditorium

PLEIN AIR ARTISTS

Throughout the showgrounds

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

DAVE MAHONEY VINTAGE TOY OUTBOARDS

Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

JIM GOODWIN SHIP IN A BOTTLE

Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

BEAUFORT PIRATE INVASION

Pirate encampment: N.C. Maritime Museum back patio

Pirate demonstrations: N.C. Maritime Museum front patio

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

4:30 p.m. WOODEN BOAT SHOW AWARDS RECEPTION

Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

Here are the 2023 winners!