The Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, now in its 36th year, takes place October 18-19, and the historic waterfront will be abuzz with boat building and related activities.

And proceeds raised remain local, benefiting the S.C. Maritime Museum.

The boat show is “a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and coastal heritage," explains Hope McFaddin, executive director of the museum. “More than 100 wooden boats will be on display, both on land and in the water, ranging from vintage vessels to homebuilt skiffs. Boat exhibitors are welcomed and thanked with an evening reception, while judges award prizes to boats in each category. Every boat tells a story, and every visitor finds something to connect with.”

The boatbuilding competition held on Saturday in which teams build wooden boats from scratch and race them in the Sampit River is a highlight. The corrugated cardboard boat rivalry on Sunday “brings a little chaos and a lot of laughs,” she notes. “Kids can get hands-on with model boat building and knot tying, while live music, food vendors, and maritime- themed exhibitors fill the street. The Nauti Dog Parade on Sunday adds extra charm!”

Last year’s event saw about 25,000 attendees, she states, and “not only celebrates our maritime heritage but also brings tremendous energy and economic impact to Georgetown. Local businesses, restaurants, and shops all benefit from the thousands of visitors who make this event part of their fall tradition. 

“The Wooden Boat Show continues to be the South Carolina Maritime Museum’s largest fundraiser. The support we receive from visitors, sponsors, and volunteers ensures that we can continue sharing our maritime history with a free museum, new exhibits, and growing youth sailing and boat building programs,” she concludes.

Georgetown Wooden Boat Show

Front Street, waterfront
Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission is free
woodenboatshow.com