Mark your calendar: the Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show returns to Norwalk Cove Marina from September 18 - 21, 2025. It's a can't-miss Northeast stop for boating enthusiasts, shoppers, and families who want a fun end-of-summer getaway on the water.
2025 Norwalk Boat Show Guide: Features to Check Out
Kick off your day with a plan: the 2025 lineup spans hands-on learning, family fun, and plenty of time on the water:
1. Browse (And Buy!) Top Boat Brands and Models
On the market for a new boat? Boat shows are one of the best places to purchase a vessel of your own. With so many brands and models to explore, it's easy to compare your options and find the perfect boat for your needs.
Read Next: Boat Show Buying Tips
2. Explore Engine Alley
Discover the latest propulsion technology from Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Mercury, Flux, and ePropulsion. Some manufacturers are even offering demo rides!
3. Salute Our Heroes
To express our gratitude for your service, all active and veteran military, first responders, and USCG & USCGA members will receive free admission on Thursday, Sept. 19. Show your military ID (or equivalent) and a photo ID at Will Call to receive your complimentary boat show ticket!
4. Test Your Knowledge at Progressive Boat School
Don't miss out on free on-water boating classes! Learn by boating with USCG-licensed captains, who cover boat handling, docking, knots, navigation, and weather awareness. Courses include Basic Boat Operator and Women at the Wheel.
The best way to learn is by doing, and the Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show is the perfect place to get started!
5. Enjoy Free Parking and a Towing Demo, courtesy of Toyota
Enjoy free parking courtesy of Toyota, the Official Tow Vehicle of the Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show! While you're at the show, don't miss a Tundra towing demo at Booth A33.
6. Kick Back at the Mohegan Sun Sandbar
Want to kick back with your crew? After you finish shopping for boats, grab a drink, relax with harbor views, and enjoy live music.
7. Take in the Views on the Discover Boating Lighthouse Boat Tour
Any history lovers out there? Take a boat ride to the historic Sheffield Island (courtesy of Norwalk Seaport Association). In this hour-long excursion, you'll learn about its fascinating role in Long Island Sound maritime history.
Read Next: 10 Lighthouses to Visit by Boats
8. Enjoy a Free Power Boat Rides
Are you craving an on-the-water adventure? Kick back on Long Island Sound with free boat rides, courtesy of Freedom Boat Club and Rex Boating Club. To register, visit Try It Cove.
9. Get on the Water at Try It Cove
Get out on the water and experience the fun of paddle sports. We supply everything you need to take a test ride—no experience required. This activity is courtesy of the Norwalk Sailing School; register at Try It Cove!
10. Visit Fred's Shed How-To Center presented by Progressive
Do you need advice about boating maintenance? Stop by Fred's Shed How-to Center for free, one-on-one consultations. Bring your questions and get DIY tips from experts all weekend long!
11. Listen to Live Music Courtesy of Pete's One Mann Band
Don't miss Pete's One Mann Band, a "five-piece" set covering hits from ABBA to Zeppelin at the Sand Bar.
12. Relax at the Water Club Lounge
Relax with a beverage and take in the seaside views at the Water Club Lounge! After browsing the latest boats, head to Space T (Head of Dock B) to grab a drink in his tented oasis.
13. Get Up Close and Personal with Marine Life
Kids and adults can meet tidepool creatures from Long Island Sound, hosted by Brien McMahon's Marine Science Academy.
14. Learn About Fishing from Kylee Short
Don't miss this exciting weekend fishing demo, as self-taught bass fishing enthusiast Kylee Short shares her beginner's techniques.
15. Get the Kids' Boating
Bring your little captains to the Norwalk Boat Show! They can try paddle boating on a mini "lake" designed just for them.
Another activity for young skippers; they can craft a one-of-a-kind toy boat to take home as a souvenir.
16. Bring Your Furry Friends to the PAWS Pet Watering Station
A quick stop for furry friends, supported by the Pet Animal Welfare Society.
17. Compete in the Cornhole Shootout
Join the third annual Saturday tournament at 1 p.m. for a shot at the grand prize valued at $350!
Norwalk Boat Show: How To Buy Tickets For 2025
2025 show tickets are on sale now at the official Norwalk Boat Show site. Online adult tickets are $20, with group rates at $16 each for groups of ten or more. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult.
Each ticket is good for one day only. Your ticket has a unique barcode that will be scanned upon entry to the event.
Plan Your Visit: Prices, Parking & Transportation
Here are the show logistics, including parking information and the fastest routes to the docks, to help you get to the show smoothly.
Show Hours: Show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Parking: Parking is free at Calf Pasture Beach next to the marina, courtesy of Toyota. You'll be directed to free parking on Calf Pasture Beach Rd.;
Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle carts run from the beach parking lot and Calf Pasture Beach Road to the East Entrance. Look for the service provided by CT Custom Carts.
Water taxi: A free water taxi operates from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Hail the Boat Show Water Taxi on VHF Ch. 68 ("Port Jeff Launch") as you approach the harbor.
Train: Take Metro-North to South Norwalk or East Norwalk stations (New Haven Line), then use local transit or a taxi/rideshare to reach the marina.
Bus: Norwalk Transit's WHEELS Route 8 connects East Norwalk Station to Calf Pasture Beach.
Norwalk Boat Show Location: Norwalk Cove Marina, 48 Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT 06855.
Why This Boat Show Belongs On Your Fall Calendar
At Norwalk Cove Marina, the experience is truly immersive.
Step aboard yachts, center consoles, pontoons, and family cruisers; compare layouts side by side; and speak with dealers about financing or a repower. Take a free boat ride or join on-water boating classes to build real skills before you buy.
Those planning a family day can explore the touch tank, try kids' boating, build toy boats, and enjoy live music. Add the lighthouse boat tour with the Norwalk Seaport Association for classic Long Island Sound views.
Boat show first-timers, potential boat buyers, and longtime boating enthusiasts can all shop smarter, learn something new, and have an easy, memorable day by the water.
