F.A.Q. · Ocean City MD
Winter boat shows at the Convention Center—Seaside Boat Show dates, dealer exhibits, admission, parking, February lodging deals, and planning an off-season marine shopping weekend.
The Ocean City Boat Show—also called the Seaside Boat Show—is a major indoor winter expo at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, featuring hundreds of boats, marine dealers, and accessory exhibitors. Presented by the Ocean City–Berlin Optimist Club, it draws thousands of visitors each February. Check ocboatshow.com for current dates and hours.
Sources: Ocean City Boat Show · Visit Ocean City · Town of Ocean City
The show typically runs a February weekend—often Friday through Sunday—with Friday and Saturday hours roughly 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and shorter Sunday hours. Exact dates shift yearly; verify before booking winter lodging. Cold weather keeps the event entirely indoors.
Sources: Ocean City Boat Show · Visit Ocean City
All exhibits are inside the Roland E. Powell Convention Center at 4001 Coastal Highway in midtown Ocean City—climate-controlled halls fit large sportfish and pontoon displays. On-site parking serves most visitors; arrive earlier on Saturday for easiest access.
Sources: Ocean City Boat Show · Town of Ocean City · Visit Ocean City
General admission is typically around ten dollars for adults with reduced pricing for children under fourteen—confirm current fees on official ticket pages. Proceeds support local youth programs through the Optimist Club. Cash and cards are usually accepted at the door.
Sources: Ocean City Boat Show · Visit Ocean City
Sport cruisers, center consoles, fishing boats, pontoons, performance boats, and trailers fill the halls—roughly hundreds of vessels from dozens of dealers. Compare layouts by stepping aboard multiple brands in one afternoon. Winter pricing promotions often appear on new models.
Sources: Ocean City Boat Show · Visit Ocean City
Marine electronics, canvas shops, lifts, financing, fishing gear, and coastal accessories exhibit alongside dealers—use the show to meet installers who service Worcester County waterways. Collect quotes before you commit on the expo floor.
Sources: Ocean City Boat Show · Visit Ocean City
February lodging is usually far below July peaks—boat show weekend may slightly compress midtown inventory but bargains remain versus summer. Confirm heated pools and on-site restaurants; some towers run reduced staffing off-season.
Sources: Visit Ocean City · Town of Ocean City
Convention Center lots handle most cars; overflow may route to municipal alternatives on busy Saturday afternoons. RV and trailer parking for towed boat shoppers may need advance planning—read height and length signs before entering decks.
Sources: Town of Ocean City · Visit Ocean City
Kids enjoy climbing aboard displayed boats under dealer supervision—set rules about running on docks even indoors. Strollers fit aisles better than summer Boardwalk crowds. Sunday shorter hours suit nap schedules.
Sources: Visit Ocean City · Ocean City Boat Show
Indoor paved aisles beat summer sand for mobility—elevators and rest benches help. Off-season lines are shorter than summer festivals. Bring layers; convention HVAC varies hall to hall.
Sources: Town of Ocean City · Visit Ocean City
Compare included electronics, delivery timelines, warranty transfer rules, and winter storage partners in West Ocean City. Get quotes in writing before show discounts expire. Financing pre-approval speeds closing if you commit on site.
Sources: Ocean City Boat Show · Visit Ocean City · Maryland DNR
The Optimist Club historically partners with marinas for promotional drawings—often a pontoon or similar prize entered with admission tickets. Read official rules for eligibility and drawing times. Never assume online rumor lists match current year prizes.
Sources: Ocean City Boat Show · Visit Ocean City
