Augusta Boat Show Returns After 2-Year Hiatus

The popular annual event is back, bringing excitement and deals for boat enthusiasts.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting a group of people examining boats at the Augusta Boat Show, with soft, warm pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene.The vibrant return of the Augusta Boat Show brings excitement and opportunity for boat enthusiasts to find their perfect summer vessel.Portland Today

The Augusta Boat Show, a highly anticipated annual event, is returning this weekend after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The show, which runs from April 10-12, features a wide variety of new and used boats from dealers across the region, offering attendees the chance to find the perfect vessel for summer fun on the water.

Why it matters

The Augusta Boat Show is a significant event for the local community, marking the start of the boating season and providing a much-needed economic boost to the area after a long winter. The return of the show signifies a return to normalcy and an opportunity for boat enthusiasts to get excited about the upcoming summer.

The details

The Augusta Boat Show features a diverse selection of boats, from small fishing boats to larger family cruisers, all on display at the Augusta Civic Center. Attendees can browse the latest models, compare prices, and even negotiate deals with the participating dealers, who have traveled from across Maine and New Hampshire to be a part of the event.

  • The Augusta Boat Show kicked off on Friday, April 10, 2026 and runs through the weekend.
  • The last time the show was held was in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation for the past two years.

The players

Brooke Dillon

The event coordinator for the Augusta Boat Show, who expressed excitement about the return of the popular annual event.

Richard Grimshaw

An attendee of the Augusta Boat Show, who discussed the importance of considering factors like size, economy, and motor power when selecting a boat.

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What they’re saying

“It brings something in April. It's mud season, nobody's doing anything. Now a lot of the lakes have come out so you have open water, and I think people have the itch because it's been a long winter to come in, check some boats, buy a boat and be on the lake all summer have some fun.”

— Brooke Dillon, Event Coordinator, Augusta Boat Show

“The cool thing about a boat show is a lot of times you can get a boat show price vs going to the dealership. They try to promote a lot of that as well.”

— Brooke Dillon, Event Coordinator, Augusta Boat Show

“Size of course is important for the family, economy, the motors, the smaller, the bigger, it's going to cost more of course to run them. But it's nice to see the new stuff that's out there on the market.”

— Richard Grimshaw, Attendee, Augusta Boat Show

What’s next

The Augusta Boat Show will continue through the weekend, offering boat enthusiasts the chance to find the perfect vessel for their summer adventures on the water.

The takeaway

The return of the Augusta Boat Show after a two-year hiatus is a welcome sight for the local community, signaling the start of the boating season and providing an economic boost to the region. The event offers a diverse selection of boats, allowing attendees to find the perfect fit for their needs and budget.