Things to do at the show

2026 Norwalk Boat Show Features

Saluting Our Heroes

To express our gratitude for your service, all active/veteran military, active/retired first responders and USCG & USCGA members can take advantage of FREE admission on Thursday, September 24.

Just show your military/first responder/USCG & USCGA valid identification card along with photo ID at Will Call to receive your complimentary ticket. 

Engine Alley

Returning with an expanded lineup this year, Engine Alley is your destination to explore the latest in engine tech to power your on-water adventures. See the latest innovations in marine propulsion from leading engine manufacturers including Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, Tohatsu, Volvo Penta, Flux. Take advantage of demo rides being offered by many exhibitors so you can experience the technology and feel the performance firsthand.

NEW! Captain’s Cove
 

Your Way to the Water

Whether you're just boat-curious, a first-time buyer or already an experienced owner, Captain's Cove is your home base at the show. Pros from the Annapolis School of Seamanship and Fred’s Shed will be on hand leading hands-on demonstrations, interactive discussions and sharing expert advice to help you boat with confidence.

Stop by anytime to get inspired, connect with experts, and discover the tools, skills, and local resources to make the most of your time on the water.

Ask Me Anything: Boating Help Desk

Drop-in chats throughout the day

Questions? Start here. Swing by our Help Desk for a quick, no-pressure chat with a real boating expert. Whether you're wondering what type of boat fits your lifestyle, what questions to ask dealers, or how storage, maintenance, and insurance work, you'll leave with real answers and confidence to explore the show.

No Boat? No Problem: Ways to Get on the Water

Guided talks with Q&A throughout the day

You don't have to own a boat to enjoy boating. Learn about rental programs, clubs, memberships, and other ways to get on the water—plus the costs, requirements, and choosing the right lifestyle fit for each option. Includes practical tips, what to expect, local resources and time for audience Q & A.

Fred's Shed: Basic Boat Maintenance and Tips

Hands-on demos throughout the day

Keeping your boat in shipshape doesn't have to be complicated. Stop by Fred's Shed to learn about (and try) real maintenance tasks covering the basics every boater should know, including:

  • Engine care
  • Batter checks
  • Fuel and fluid basics
  • Trailer and tire checks
  • Seasonal maintenance
  • Pre- and post-departure inspections

You’ll walk away knowing what to check, when, and why.

Docking Basics: Skills Clinics

Live demonstrations throughout the day

Docking makes even experienced boaters a little nervous. This interactive skills clinic covers fundamentals of docking, line handling, knots, and pre-departure preparation through easy-to-follow demonstrations. Pick up tips you can use every time you head out on the water.

Meet the Crew: Local Boating Community Hub

Rotating conversations with local boating organizations

Stop by the Community Hub to meet the people and organizations that make boating happen in your community, including local boating and rental clubs, marinas, boating and sailing schools, fishing clubs, and community partners.

Whether you're looking to learn, join a club, find local waterways, or meet fellow boaters, this is the place to discover your next step beyond the boat show.

NEW! Complimentary Guided Show Tours

Get more out of your visit to the show with a free guided tour led by knowledgeable experts. Tours run daily throughout the show and will take 30-45 minutes.  Space is limited to 12 guests per tour; registration is required to reserve your spot.

Register Here.

Engine Alley Tour
Led by pros from Fred’s Shed

Whether you're repowering, upgrading, or just curious about the latest engine tech, go beyond horsepower as you explore Engine Alley with experts from Fred’s Shed. Check out the newest propulsion systems from leading engine manufacturers, learn about the latest technologies and enhancements, and gain insight into powering your boat.

Perfect for: Boaters who want to understand what’s under the hood

Meet Your Match: Choosing the Right Boat
Led by pros from the Annapolis School of Seamanship

Explore different types of boats while discovering what to look for based on how you plan to boat—whether it's fishing, watersports, cruising, entertaining, or family adventures. Compare hull designs, seating layouts, onboard features, technology and storage options—all through the lens of your boating needs. You’ll also learn about NMMA Certification and what it means for your safety, confidence, and investment

Perfect for: New boaters and first-time buyers who want guidance on choosing a boat

Boating 101
Led by pros from the Annapolis School of Seamanship

New to boating? Start here. This tour walks you through the basics of boat ownership and breaks down the different types of boats you’ll see on the show floor. You’ll get tips on how to shop the show like a pro, including key questions to ask exhibitors. It's the perfect starting point for anyone considering life on the water.

Perfect for: First-time show attendees and boating newcomers

On-Water Lifestyle Tour
Led by pros from the Annapolis School of Seamanship

What could boating look like for you? Explore how boating can fit into your life—whether its entertaining friends aboard, unwinding on a sunset cruise, chasing watersports thrills or making memories with the family. Tour a range of models and learn how different features support the activities you love, so you can picture the boating experience that’s all you.

Perfect for: Anyone curious about life on the water

“Get Outfitted” Retail Experience
Space 104

Stock up on tackle, gear, and accessories for your fishing and boating adventures from Goose Hummock Shop. Find great deals, get expert advice and learn from their experts how to outfit your boat, tackle box or yourself with the right gear for the way you fish and boat. 

freds shed image

Fred’s Shed How-to Center—presented by Progressive®
Space 100

Tips, tricks, and DIY advice for every boater—from first timers to experienced captains. Have a boat or engine problem you haven’t been able to lix? Stop by and ask our tech expert about it

View Schedule

Asos

Progressive Boat School’s—On-water Boating Classes
Space Dock C

Learn by doing. Take the helm under the instruction of USCG Licensed Captains to gain more confidence on the water. Skills covered include boat handling, docking, basic navigation, and weather awareness. 

Basic Boat Operator, Women at the Wheel classes available. 

Reigster Here.

Discover Boating Lighthouse Boat Tour
Space T Head of Dock C

Enjoy a boat ride out to historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse and learn about the role of the lighthouse in Long Island Sound’s maritime heritage. Round trip lasts about one hour. Limited to 49 passengers. Presented by the Norwalk Seaport Association. 

Daily Schedule*:

Thursday–Saturday: 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p

Sunday: 11a, 1p, 3p

*Weather Permitting

Free Power Boat Rides
Space Space Dock CE1-3

Relax and enjoy a free power boat ride on the Long Island Sound, compliments of Freedom Boat Club. Register at Try It Cove. 

Daily Schedule*:

Thursday–Saturday: 11a–6p

Sunday: 11a–4p

*Weather Permitting

try it cove

Try It Cove—Paddle Sport
Space Dock C

Get out on the water and experience the fun of paddle sports. We supply everything you need to take a test ride—no experience needed. Courtesy of Norwalk Sailing School. Register at Try It Cove. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Daily Schedule*:

Thursday–Saturday: 11a–6p

Sunday: 11a–5p

*Weather Permitting

TEST DRIVE A BMW & RECEIVE A FREE SHOW TICKET.

The Norwalk Boat Show and BMW have partnered to offer you a special opportunity. Complete a test drive on Saturday, September 26th, or Sunday, September 27th, and  you'll receive a pair of complimentary tickets to the Norwalk Boat Show.

Click Here to reserve your test drive and get your free tickets.

Get behind the wheel and experience the dynamic driving performance, precision engineering, and sophisticated design that define BMW and discover what "The Ultimate Driving Machine" truly means.

How to Get Your Free Tickets:

  • Test Drive: Join us on September 26th or 27th for a test drive.

  • Get a Ticket: You'll receive one pair of complimentary tickets (2 tickets total) to the Norwalk Boat Show after your test drive. Tickets are limited to the first 100 registrants each day, on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit one pair per registration.

Featured Vehicles:

  • ​Test drive: X7, X5 PHEV, iX , 750e PHEV, i4, X3.

  • Static Display: Don't miss BMW's static display of the M5 Touring at the Norwalk Boat Show.

Toyota

Curious what towing confidence feels like? Stop by Booth A33 for a ride in the 2026 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX as it tows a boat trailer. See availableStraight Path Assistin action, chat with Toyota product specialists, and pick up exclusive Toyota merch! On Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24 and 25, test drive the Tacoma or Land Cruiser with a Toyota product specialist.Experience firsthand what makes Toyota the Official Tow Vehicle of the Norwalk Boat Show.

Space Booth A33

Classic Boat Collection

Step back in time to admire classic wooden and vintage boats dating back to earlier times years.

pete mann image

Live Music—Pete’s One Mann Band
Food Court Activity Lounge

Experience the best one-man “5-piece band” on the East Coast—Pete Mann plays hits from ABBA to Zeppelin.

Water Club Lounge
Space T Head of A Dock

A tented oasis of refreshment where you can relax with a cool beverage and enjoy the water.

SandBar
Space A12

Grab a drink, relax, enjoy live music, and take in the beautiful views of the Norwalk Harbor.  

Touch Tank
Space A8

See and touch a variety of tidepool creatures native to Long Island Sound and learn about their roles in the ecosystem. Presented by the Brien McMahon’s Marine Science Academy.

Kids' Boating
Space A8

Boatloads of fun on the water for kids. Little ones can try paddle boating on a mini lake made just for them.

Daily Schedule: 
Thursday & Friday: 2p–6:30p
Saturday: 10a–6:30p
Sunday: 10a–4:30p

Build-A-Boat—Toy Boat Building
Space A8

Little skippers will have boatloads of fun creating a one-of-a-kind toy boat to take home as a show souvenir.

Daily Schedule:
Thursday & Friday: 2p–6:30p
Saturday: 10a–6:30p
Sunday: 10a–4:30p

PAWS Pet Watering Station
Space A70

Stop by to let your furry friend refresh with a drink of water, courtesy of the Pet Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (PAWS). PAWS is a no-kill animal shelter that rescues and rehomes dogs and cats.

Wing-A-Thon
Radio Tent

It’s back! After a six-year hiatus the fan-favorite Wing-A-Thon returns to the show’s favorite contests. Watch contestants battle it out beginning Saturday at noon. The winner will receive a prize compliments of The Peak 107.1.