Boat Shows in Tampa, Mystic and Akron

If you can't be on the water this weekend due to poor weather or poor planning, why not attend a boat show? There are a few boat shows across the US - at least here in the east.

Despite confusing reports of other dates, we just called and confirmed with the St. Pete Times that the Tampa Bay Boat Show is being held THIS Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Admission is free, but parking is $5, and if you go on Saturday or Sunday you'll also see the Florida Fishing School where local fishing captains will share their expertise in a variety of fish-y topics.

Of course, this weekend's event is not to be confused with the Tampa Boat Show, which will be held in September at the Tampa Convention Center.

Other boat shows around the world this weekend are antique or wooden boat shows. There's a big one at Mystic Seaport in CT, Friday through Sunday. The location is great because you can see the Seaport's usual collection of historic ships as well as the classic boats on display for the event, which usually draws quite a crowd.

There's another long-running wooden boat show in Akron, Ohio. The 35th Annual Portage Lakes Antique Boat Show is Saturday only and sounds like it will be fun, as it is being held in front of two restaurants - the Olde Harbor Inn and Hook, Line & Drinkers.

For more info about all of this weekend's boating events or to find a boat show near you, visit our boat show calendar.

Let us know what your plans are for the weekend or if we missed any big shows!

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