Celebrate 50 Years of the Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show

WHAT: The Discover Boating^® Norwalk Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive^®, returns to Norwalk Cove Marina September 24-27, 2026, with more boats to see and deals to shop, free boat rides, paddle sports demos, new Captain’s Cove interactive education center, complimentary Boating 101 tours, expanded Engine Alley, and fun for the whole family. This annual tradition celebrates 50 years in 2026 and invites seasoned captains and nautical novices to experience the best of life on the water. Tickets can be purchased at BoatShowNorwalk.com.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• More boats, more brands, more gear, more fun – see & shop the most comprehensive selection of boat brands and types in the tri-state area this fall, from center console boats and yachts to day boats and family cruisers.
  • Looking for a new boat? The Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show is the perfect opportunity to browse, compare, and get great deals on your boat, plus gear up on the newest boating accessories, marine electronics, and on-the-water must-haves from the best brands in the business.
  • New to Boating? You don’t need to be shopping for a boat to get in on the fun. Hop aboard hundreds of boats, take a free boat ride, or just soak up life on the water with a cool beverage, live music, and a terrific community of water lovers.
• NEW! Captain’s Cove – Welcome to the show’s new experiential resource center with immersive boating education, from daily seminars to complimentary guided show tours. DIY maintenance tips and seminars will be held within the cove at Fred’s Shed, presented by Progressive®.
• NEW! “Get Outfitted” Retail Experience – Stock up on tackle, gear, and accessories for your fishing and boating adventures from a variety of retailers including 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.
• Expanded Engine Alley – Leading outboard and electric engine manufacturers including Mercury, Suzuki, Honda, Flux, Tohatsu, Volvo Penta MTU, and more will feature the latest tech and innovations, plus host sea trials. Talk with the engine experts to answer all your questions, whether you’re looking to re-power or evaluate new options while shopping for your next boat.
•  Nautical fun for kids – Little skippers can check out the Touch Tank with live tidepool creatures, presented by the Brien McMahon’s Marine Science Academy, plus free paddle boating in a mini pool, toy boat-building workshops, and more.
• Free power boat rides – Relax and enjoy a free power boat ride on Long Island Sound, compliments of Freedom Boat Club. Daily Schedule: Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 11a.m. – 5p.m.
• Free paddle sports demos at Try It Cove – Paddle and kayak your way around the boat show to get a different view of hundreds of boats and get closer to the water! Kayak and stand-up paddleboard demos available for ages 10 & up. Brought to you by the Norwalk Sailing School.
• Relax waterside overlooking hundreds of boats at the Water Club Lounge or kick back at the SandBar with live music and boating bites from the best local food trucks.
• Free Lighthouse Boat Tour – Enjoy a complimentary boat ride out to historic Green’s Ledge Lighthouse on Sheffield Island. During the trip, you’ll hear about local history and folklore, including the origins of the local oyster industry and the maritime heritage of Long Island Sound. Presented by the Norwalk Seaport Association with daily, one-hour trips Thursday-Saturday 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and Sunday 11am, 1pm 3pm (weather permitting).
• Progressive® Boat School’s On-Water Boating Classes, by Annapolis School of Seamanship – Takethe helm under the instruction of USCG Licensed Captains to gain more confidence on the water and get hands-on education for all levels. Skills covered include boat handling, docking, knots, basic navigation, and weather awareness. Basic Boat Operator and Women at the Wheel classes available.
• Towing with Toyota – Stop by Booth A33 to explore the latest Toyota trucks and SUVs, talk with product specialists, and experience towing technology like available Straight Path Assist in action. You'll even have the chance to ride in a 2026 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX during a live towing demonstration. On Thursday and Friday (9/24-25), guests can also test drive the Tacoma and Land Cruiser with a Toyota product specialist. 
• Test Drive a BMW – check out BMW’s latest fleet of vehicles and test drive your favorite at the Boat Show. Featured test drive vehicles include the X7, X5 PHEV, iX, 750e PHEV, i4 and X3 – plus check out the M5 Touring on display. September 26-27 only; see website for test drive booking details. 

WHEN is the 2026 Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show? Thursday-Sunday, September 24-27, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday