Anchors, away! Georgia’s longest-running (and biggest-ever) boating event is returning to the Georgia World Conference Center in January. Following a two-year hiatus, the 2023 Discover Boating® Atlanta Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, takes place January 12–16.
As your one-stop shop for boats, accessories, and on-the-water adventures, the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show will feature hundreds of boats and marine products. Additionally, there will be various boating activities and educational opportunities for all ages and boating experience levels, whether you’re a seasoned captain or newcomer.
Here are the top reasons you don’t want to miss the boat to this year’s show!
What to Expect at the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show
1. Browse and Buy a Boat
Over 800,000 first-time boaters ventured into the water during these last two years. That said, the demand for new boats and accessories has never been higher! As experts in the industry, we can assure you that boat shows are the best place for new boaters to purchase a boat.
Displaying a wide variety of boat brands and models under one roof, boat shows make comparing your options easy. In addition, they provide ample opportunities to network with fellow boaters and boat companies. The connections you form at boat shows can help you with financing, insurance, and other boating issues later on.
Want to start shopping before you attend the show? Be sure to check out our Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show Boat Finder. Using this tool, you can browse boats that will be featured at the show, and filter by boat type, price range, and other factors.
Check Out Our Boat Finder Tool
2. Enjoy $5 Boats and Brews After 5 pm on Thursday
In celebration of opening day, there will be $5 admission on Thursday after 5 pm. And if you’re thirsty? There will be plenty of $5 drink specials to accompany. You can snag your discount tickets online and onsite after 5 pm on Thursday (1/12).
3. Explore Fred’s Shed How-To Center (Presented by Progressive® Insurance)
Have an engine problem that you can’t seem to fix? Or maybe your gear shift is acting up? Stop by Fred’s Shed How-To Center, and the tech experts would be happy to talk to you about it. From first-time boaters to experienced captains, there will be plenty of tips, tricks, and DIY advice to go around.
4. Relax in the Lake Life Lounge
Want to get off your feet? Stop by the Lake Life Lounge for live music and relaxing vibes. There will also be plenty of nautical eating and drinking options (think: lobster rolls, crab cakes, specialty cocktails, and more).
5. Free Fishing Demos and Seminars at the Bass Tub
Looking to hone your fishing skills? If so, you’ve got to stop by the Bass Tub during the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show. Visitors can watch pro anglers demonstrate their fishing and casting skills from a 5,000-gallon aquarium. Get ready for a first-hand look at how fish react to various baits, lures, and techniques.
6. Explore the Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Boat
Stop by Booth L40! Captain Cefus McRae is touring the boat he pilots for his fishing adventures on the hit TV show, Nuts & Bolts of Fishing.
7. Learn to Sail – From the Experts!
Are you looking to level up your sailing skills? Because the show will feature sailing seminars for boaters of all skill levels! Whether you’re learning the ropes or have years of experience, the experts are here to help everyone along their sailing journey.
8. Listen to Atlanta’s Children’s Choir
If you come by the show on Saturday (1/14), you can listen to Atlanta’s Children’s Choir performance. They will perform at 12 pm and 1 pm and trust us—you don’t want to miss it!
9. Hang Out in the Kids’ Zone
The Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show is kid friendly! Once they’ve gotten their boating fix, bring your little ones by the Kids’ Zone for some old-fashioned, kid-inspired fun. We promise there will be something for every age group.
10. Read Nautical Stories in the Kids’ Zone
The Atlanta News First/Peachtree TV is hosting nautical story time sessions on Saturday (1/14) and Sunday (1/15). Bring a new or gently used book(s) to donate to Books to Kids, and you’ll receive a $5 concessions voucher. (But only meal voucher per family.)
Ticket Information
Ready to get your 2023 Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show tickets? If so, you can purchase them online. You can also buy them at the door with a credit card.
General admission is $17 per adult (anyone 13 years or older). And all children are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. As we mentioned, you can purchase discount tickets for $5 after 5 pm on Thursday (1/12).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show:
Where Should I Park?
If you’re driving to the show, there is plenty of convenient parking for Hall C within walking distance. Additionally, you could use the building parking lots Red or Green, for easy access to Hall C.
Is the Show Handicapped-Accessible?
Yes! The Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show will be handicapped-accessible from parking to the trade show floor. All entrances have ramps, and there are plenty of disability-friendly restrooms throughout the building.
Can I Board the Boats?
Browsing and purchasing boats is a significant aspect of boat shows. However, most display boats will be available for the public to board. Of course, according to the dealer’s discretion, some boats might require an appointment. If you’re interested in boarding a particular boat, we recommend making an appointment to be safe.
Can I Come Back on the Same Day?
If you have to leave the show (say you forgot something in the car), you can return later that day as long as you grab a wristband. However, each ticket is valid only for the day it is purchased. So, if you can’t make it to the show, feel free to gift your ticket to someone else to use.
For more information about the Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
From discoverboating.com