SIGNATURE EVENT: The 49th Annual North Carolina Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show features a variety of small wooden boats, historic vessels, nautical crafts, educational activities, boat models, traditional skills demonstrations and displays. It is the longest ongoing wooden boat show in the Southeast. It’s no wonder Beaufort was named the “Best Yachting Town in America” by Yachting magazine.

Below are some of the activities you can expect at the Annual Wooden Boat Show:

Exhibit of Wooden Boats
In-Water Boat Show
Ship in a Bottle Demonstrations
Go Sailing in a Traditional Wooden Boat
Knot Tying Demonstrations
Barbour Boat Owner Association Displays
Boating Skills Virtual Trainer
Pirate Encampment by the Beaufort Pirate Invasion
Carolina Maritime Model Expo
Nautical Book Sale

The Annual Wooden Boat Show takes place on the Beaufort waterfront at the North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center. Free admission.

Plan ahead: The 50th Annul Wooden Boat show will be held May 2, 2026.

Photo Credit: Betsy Cartier