Great American Outdoor Show Draws 250,000 to Harrisburg, PA

Nine-day event celebrates hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions with nearly 1,000 exhibitors across 650,000 square feet of space.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The Great American Outdoor Show, the world's largest gathering of outdoor enthusiasts, opened on Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Organizers with the National Rifle Association (NRA) expect nearly 250,000 people to visit the nine-day event, which features nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest outdoor gear, hunting and fishing trips, and more.

Why it matters

The Great American Outdoor Show is a significant economic driver for the Harrisburg area and Cumberland Valley, drawing thousands of attendees and vendors from across the country. It also serves as a platform for charitable fundraising to support outdoor activities for children with disabilities.

The details

The show features 650,000 square feet of exhibit space with a wide range of exhibitors, from shooting manufacturers and outfitters to fishing boats, RVs, and art vendors. For many vendors, the show represents a crucial opportunity to connect with customers and boost sales. The event also serves as a reunion point for vendors and their established clientele.

  • The Great American Outdoor Show opened on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • The show will continue through February 15, 2026.

The players

National Rifle Association (NRA)

The organization that sponsors the Great American Outdoor Show.

Michele Horsey

Owner of Diva Outfitters, a vendor at the show who traveled from Arkansas to showcase her line of women's camouflage apparel.

Matthew Bell

Runs Black Jack Charters from New York and is attending his fifth Great American Outdoor Show, where he has built relationships with many of his customers over the years.

Dan Weaver

A volunteer with Outdoors At Last Youth Adventures, an organization that hosts a gun raffle at the show to support hunting and fishing opportunities for children with physical and intellectual disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard, but it's worth it. The retail community is the awesome part of [the show]. Getting to meet all you people from Pennsylvania is just so awesome.”

— Michele Horsey, Owner, Diva Outfitters (FOX43)

“We've got a lot of clients from this show who not only became clients, but friends. They come every year; we recognize who is coming and what to expect.”

— Matthew Bell, Owner, Black Jack Charters (FOX43)

“When you have a kid that's able to harvest an animal for the first time that maybe never had that opportunity or catch their first fish, you watch that first smile and that's all it takes.”

— Dan Weaver, Volunteer, Outdoors At Last Youth Adventures (FOX43)

What’s next

The Great American Outdoor Show will continue through February 15, 2026, drawing thousands of attendees and vendors to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

The takeaway

The Great American Outdoor Show is a significant economic and cultural event for the Harrisburg area, showcasing the latest innovations in outdoor gear, providing opportunities for vendors to connect with customers, and supporting charitable initiatives that enable outdoor experiences for children with disabilities.