The fifth annual Chesapeake Bay Boat Show (CBBS), presented by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County (MTABC), returns to the Maryland State Fairgrounds Superbowl weekend, February 5-8, and we’ve got all the information you need to help plan your visit.
Details
Dates and Times:
Thursday, February 5 from 12 to 6 p.m. (VIP Preview)
Friday, February 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location:
Maryland State Fairgrounds (2200 York Road) in Timonium, MD
Directions:
The Maryland State Fairgrounds are located near the intersection of York and Timonium Roads. Vehicle access gates are located on York Road between Padonia and Timonium Roads and on Timonium Road about a quarter mile east of Interstate 83 and just past the Light Rail tracks. Vehicles can enter using either of these gates.
Parking:
Free on-site parking!
Tickets:
Tickets are available at the door and online, but tickets are cheaper online and allow you to skip the line! Military discount tickets are only available at the door with ID.
General Admission (valid one-day only, Friday-Sunday): $20 (ages 12 and under are free)
Military, Veterans, and First Responders (valid one-day only, Friday-Sunday): $18 (please have your valid ID ready at the entrance)
Thursday VIP Preview: $40
A Lifestyle-Driven Event
This event is one of the region’s largest winter showcases of sportfishing boats, cruisers, performance and ski boats, cabin cruisers, and the latest marine gear. Designed for seasoned boaters, avid anglers, and families exploring their first steps into the boating lifestyle, the show will feature 30-plus boat dealers, more than 90 brands, and over 100 exhibitors representing the depth and diversity of Maryland’s marine community. The event also expands its family-friendly features with hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations that introduce kids to boating, fishing, and life on the Bay.
As interest in boating continues to grow across the Chesapeake Bay region, the show has become a highly anticipated kickoff to the boating season. The 2026 event builds on that momentum with an expanded fishing area, refreshed educational programming, additional interactive elements for kids, and its first-ever VIP Day on Thursday, offering early access and an elevated preview experience.
“Our goal is to create an event that reflects the Chesapeake Bay boating lifestyle and welcomes everyone,” said Jason Baumgartner, president of the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County. “Whether you’re an experienced boater, an avid angler, or curious about getting on the water for the first time, the show offers something for every age and interest. Proceeds help support MTABC’s efforts to strengthen Maryland’s marine industry, workforce, and waterfront communities.”
Exhibitors will offer guidance on affordable pathways into boating, safety best practices, maintenance tips, and ways families can create meaningful time together on the water. For newcomers, the show provides an inviting environment to ask questions, compare options, and get personalized advice from industry professionals.
Show Highlights:
- New VIP Day on Thursday offering early show access, limited-capacity demos, and an enhanced guest experience.
- New this year: The Hawg Trough, a massive 40-foot, 5000-gallon aquarium filled with real largemouth bass. Watch professional anglers cast, hook, and reel in fish while explaining their techniques. You’ll see how different lures move underwater and how fish react in real time. Each demonstration is packed with pro tips, fun fishing facts, and plenty of action that both kids and adults will love.
- Expanded Fishing Hall, featuring a winter fishing expo, fishing charters, crabbing supplies, tackle vendors, live seminars, and interactive technique demos.
- Kids’ Corner with hands-on activities designed to introduce young attendees to boating, conservation, and the Bay.
- Live music from local performers including Anton Tuvelman (Thursday evening), T.J. Mullen/Guitar Dog (Friday night), Eddie Johnson (Saturday 12-3 p.m.), Sons of Pirates Duo (Saturday 4-7 p.m.), and Chris Sacks with Keith Esposito (Sunday 12 to 3 p.m.).
- Food court with regional favorites.
Free Fishing Seminars:
Attendees can explore a four-day seminar lineup featuring regional fishing guides, captains, conservationists, and outdoor professionals.
Thursday
1 p.m. Shallow Water Structure Fishing with Capt. James Vitaro
2 p.m. Fish the Potomac with Capt. Tim
3 p.m. A Guide to Light Tackle Fishing the Chesapeake (Seasons, Spots, and Techniques) with Griffin’s Guide Service
4 p.m. Rigs and Catfishing with Stephen Fulz
Friday
11 a.m. Rigs and Catfishing with Stephen Fulz
12 p.m. Unlocking the Bay, From Novice to Ninja with Chuck Jones
1 p.m. Fly Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay with Imogen and Tom Weaver
2 p.m. Trolling Techniques (about 30 minutes with questions and answers) with Capt. John, Spoonbrellas
3 p.m. A Guide to Light Tackle Fishing the Chesapeake (Seasons, Spots, and Techniques) with Griffin’s Guide Service
4 p.m. Fly Fishing the Spring Shad Run with Capt. Scott Barmby
5 p.m. Habitat Today, Fish Tomorrow with CCA’s David Sikorski
Saturday
10:30 a.m. A Guide to Light Tackle Fishing the Chesapeake (Seasons, Spots, and Techniques) and Kids Fishing—Introducing our Youth to the Outdoors with Griffin’s Guide Service
12 p.m. Unlocking the Bay, From Novice to Ninja with Chuck Jones
1 p.m. Fly Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay with Imogen and Tom Weaver
2 p.m. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit Fly Fishing with Capt. Scott Barmby
3 p.m. Trolling Techniques (about 30 minutes with questions and answers) with Capt. John, Spoonbrellas
3:30 p.m. DNR Live Fish Filleting with Branson Williams
4 p.m. Mid-Atlantic Fisheries by the Numbers with CCA’s David Sikorski
Sunday
11 a.m. Fly Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay with Imogen and Tom Weaver
12 p.m. Unlocking the Bay, From Novice to Ninja with Chuck Jones
1 p.m. Rigs and Catfishing with Stephen Fulz
2 p.m. Croker, Perch, Spot, Sea Bass, and Flounder Fishing in the Middle Bay with Capt. Scott Barmby
3 p.m. Shallow Water Structure Fishing with James Vitaro
Special Thanks to PropTalk Advertisers!
There are tons of great exhibitors coming to the boat show, but we wanted to take a moment to highlight (and thank) our PropTalk advertisers who will be there:
- Chesapeake Yacht Center (brands: Prestige Yachts, Princess Yachts, Pardo Yachts, Cranchi Yachts, Dyna Yachts, Jeanneau Powerboats, Navan Boats) (Exhibited at the show: Navan C30 and S30)
- Haven Harbour Marina Resorts
- Latitude Marinas
- Marine Trades Association of Maryland
- North Point Yacht Sales (brands: Tiara Yachts, MagBay Yachts, Pursuit, Caymas Boats, Solace Boats)
- Rhode River Boat Sales (brands: Blackfin, Monterey, Bulls Bay, Pioneer)
- Riverside Marine (brands: Bayliner, Sportsman) (Exhibited at the show: Sportsman - 231, 232, 252, 261, 262, 302, 321, 322. Bayliner - E18, VR4OB, V20, VR6OB, D20, D22. Trophy - T22CC, T22SC, T23EX, T25EX, T29EX.)
- Rudy Marine (brands: Bentley Pontoons, Further Customs, Jeanneau Boats, SunChaser Pontoons, War Eagle Boats)
- Yacht Brokers of Annapolis