January 18, 2016

Lineup of fun includes wine and beer tastings, chowder contest, 3D street artist, free boat rides and tons of kids activities

From stand up paddleboards to superyachts and everything in between, there’s lots to take in at the Seattle Boat Show (Indoors +Afloat). The 2016 show drops anchor on Friday Jan. 29 and runs through Feb. 6. The largest show on the West Coast, it features some 1,000 boats and yachts in two locations, more than three acres of the latest and greatest gadgets and gear, 430+ exhibitors, 200 free seminars and advanced training classes for a fee. There’s also tons of fun to be had at the show. Highlights this year include:

Uncorked— Opening Night, Friday Jan. 29, 5pm – 9pm

Showgoers can sniff, swirl and sip their way through the show, tasting a variety of award-winning Washington wines, while shopping for the boat of their dreams. Tasting stations will be set up throughout the indoor location. Tickets are $27 and include show admission, tasting tokens and a souvenir glass. Presented by Basta Boatlifts. (At CenturyLink Field Event Center)

Chowder Chomp

Six of Seattle’s elite seafood restaurants will be coming together Saturday and Sunday Jan. 30 and 31 to battle it out for the title of Best Boat Show Chowder. Showgoers will enjoy free samples of delicious chowders from Chandler’s Crabhouse, Duke’s Chowder House, Flying Fish, Ivar’s, Pike Place Chowder and Seattle Fish Company and then can vote for their favorite. The Seattle Boat Show will donate $2,500 on behalf of the winning restaurant to the non-profit, Salmon for Soldiers. (At South Lake Union)

3D Street Painting

Award-winning 3D Street painting artist Melanie Stimmell—the only woman to ever hold the prestigious title of “maestra madonnara” (master street painter) in Italy and Germany—and former lead technical director on the iconic series South Park, will be painting a 20 x 20 foot, 3D waterski pyramid and encouraging showgoers to interact with the work. Come watch Melanie at work as she creates this anamorphic masterpiece.  (At CenturyLink Field Event Center)

Boatless in Seattle – Free admission Monday – Thursday after 5pm

No boat, no cover! Those who don’t own a boat but would like to learn more about how to get into boating can simply show up any weeknight of the show after 5pm, announce that they are Boatless in Seattle and they will be admitted for free. (At CenturyLink Field Event Center)

Kids Zone

Kids can enjoy time on the water using the Aqua Paddler boats, build a wooden toy boat with help from the Center for Wooden Boats and learn some fundamentals of boating while having fun with Plankton Races, Tug o’ War, the Rain Gutter Regatta and more. See the Show’s website for a schedule of activities. (At CenturyLink Field Event Center)

See the floating portion of the show from the water with complimentary boat rides

The 20-minute guided tours in all electric 21-foot enclosed, heated Duffy boats will point out fun facts about South Lake Union and the unique qualities of the spectacular yachts in the show. It’s a great way to see the show from a new perspective. Blankets are provided for an added snuggle factor. (At South Lake Union)

Women’s Day – Monday, Feb. 1

Women can attend the show for free on Monday, Feb. 1 and enjoy a slate of seminars designed specifically for women, by women boaters, including Effortless Onboard Entertaining: A Cooking Demonstration and What Every Woman Should Know before Getting on a Boat. Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to meet, learn and get inspired by some of the moist experienced and talented women boaters in the northwest and beyond. Women can print their free pass here.  (Women are free at both locations. Seminars are at CenturyLink Field Event Center)

Sails & Ales – Friday Feb. 5, 5pm – 9pm

What better combination than hops and props? That’s what’s on tap for Sails & Ales, the craft beer night. Attendees will be able to cruise the show with ale in hand and enjoy the best of NW brews and boats. Tickets are $27 and include show admission, tasting tokens and a souvenir beer glass. Presented by S3 Maritime. (At CenturyLink Field Event Center)

For a complete list of exhibitors, seminars, travel package and ticket prices, please visit www.SeattleBoatShow.com. Purchase tickets online and receive $2 weekend parking.