Upcoming: The 36th Annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show

The Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, now in its 36th year, is more than just a festival—it's a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and coastal heritage.

Each October in South Carolina, Georgetown’s historic waterfront comes alive with sawdust, sea spray, and stories. This year’s show, taking place on October 18th and 19th, will stretch along Front Street and the Harborwalk, drawing thousands of visitors to downtown Georgetown for a free, family-friendly weekend. More than 100 wooden boats are 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 a connection to something at the show.

The boatbuilding competition held on Saturday is a highlight, where teams build wooden boats from scratch and race them in the Sampit River in front of a roaring crowd. The corrugated cardboard boat competition on Sunday brings a little chaos and a lot of laughs. Kids can get hands-on experience 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 to the pet-friendly event, with costumed pups stealing the show.

The event also includes a private Sponsors Tent to thank those who help bring the weekend to life. Though free to attend, the show is the primary fundraiser for the South Carolina Maritime Museum. Proceeds support exhibits, educational programs, youth sailing, and the preservation of South Carolina’s maritime history.

The Georgetown Wooden Boat Show is a reflection of the community that creates it—hardworking, welcoming, and full of heart. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a boatbuilder at heart, or just in it for the fun and community spirit, this event is a coastal tradition worth experiencing.

To learn more or become a sponsor, visit: woodenboatshow.com  

To learn more about the South Carolina Maritime Museum, visit: scmaritimemuseum.org