Annapolis will turn City Dock into two temporary marinas Oct. 8 through 18, giving DC-area readers back-to-back boat shows and waterfront dining in one day trip. Visit Annapolis puts the drive from Union Station at roughly 44 minutes outside rush hour, though traffic can change that quickly.
Two October Shows Bring Powerboats And Sailboats To City Dock.
The Annapolis Powerboat Show opens Oct. 8 to 11. Organizers expect more than 350 boats, plus a demo dock for qualified buyers, admission-included seminars, and a Kids Corner.
The Annapolis Sailboat Show follows Oct. 15 to 18 with monohulls, multihulls, racers, cruisers, sailing dinghies, gear, charter companies, and classes. Both events come from Annapolis Boat Shows.
The 2026 layouts shift tents and features around the City Dock project, so returning guests should study the latest map. Powerboat weekend is the better fit for engine, fishing, and cruising shoppers, while sailboat weekend serves sailors comparing designs or training options. The shows’ official Instagram account is useful for late dock and schedule updates.
Three Waterfront Restaurants Turn The Show Into A Full Day.
Steps from the gates, Armada Dockside Cantina at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel serves Mexican-inspired plates and agave spirits. Its all-day menu lists blue crab taquitos at $18 and Maine lobster tacos at $39. In the same hotel, Marmo focuses on hand-rolled pasta, house-made charcuterie, prime steaks, and nightly piano performances. Its happy-hour menu lists $5 beers, $6 wines, and $8 to $10 food.
For a Maryland seafood counterpoint, The Choptank overlooks Ego Alley from a waterfront deck and rooftop. Its current menu includes a $36 crab-cake sandwich, $34 Chesapeake rockfish, and market-priced blue crabs.
Plan Ahead For Tickets, Parking, And Waterfront Tables.
Both shows take place at City Dock, with the box office near the Tent D gate on Compromise Street. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $32, children ages 7 to 15 pay $10, and children six and younger enter free.
Powerboat preview admission is $45. The sailboat page lists a $55 preview ticket but displays a date that conflicts with the published show dates, so confirm that option at checkout.
Armada and Marmo are at 80 Compromise St., while The Choptank is at 110 Compromise St. Average restaurant checks are not publicly listed, and dining prices vary by order. Reserve waterfront tables early and check the official show pages for parking updates. Follow The Washington Lobbyist for informed coverage of Washington DC travel, hotels, restaurants, and events.
