The 2025 Annapolis Powerboat Show opened its gates yesterday morning and the VIP crowds were soon swarming the docks and filling the tents. This year’s show is the largest powerboat show the city has ever seen with more than 300 exhibitors and 400 boats on display.
Both the annual powerboat and sailboat shows, which starts next Thursday, are maritime happenings or festivals of the sea and boating. In the spirit of fun, relaxation and recreation, the show has teamed up this year with local craft brewer Pharm Brewing to offer a special Boat Show Brew. Pharm has created a light crisp pilsner that will hit the spot on warm fall afternoons.
Annapolis is also the home of the U.S. Naval Academy which is celebrating its 250-year anniversary. In honor of the milestone, the Academy has brought their gray YP training vessels to the show and is offering show-goers rides on the Chesapeake Bay.
While we’re all at the show to ogle over and perhaps buy new boats, there are also hundreds of booth displays offering every type of marine gear, equipment, electronics and services. Many of the exhibitors offer discounts so this is a time for some serious shopping.
One of the attractions of the Annapolis shows is the ambience of the town itself. It’s Maryland’s state capitol and home to a wonderful collection of colonial buildings and homes. Brick sidewalks and buildings give the whole town a warm and traditional feel. Plus, there are dozens of good restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating.
If you are in the neighborhood, the Annapolis Powerboat Show 2025 is the place to be.
