Hidden Cove Marina is excited to be an exhibitor at the Charleston Boat Show, returning January 23–25, 2026. For more than four decades, this show has marked the unofficial start of boating season in the Lowcountry, bringing together boaters, families, and marine brands under one roof. Being part of this event is a natural extension of what Hidden Cove Marina represents: easy access to the water, a strong boating community, and a lifestyle built around time well spent on the lake and coast.
The 2026 Charleston Boat Show takes place at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston. With hundreds of boats, marine accessories, and outdoor lifestyle exhibitors, the show offers something for everyone—from first-time boat buyers to experienced captains looking to upgrade or refine their setup. For Hidden Cove Marina, it is an opportunity to connect directly with boat owners who are actively planning their season and looking for the right home base for their boat.
Show Dates, Times, and Location
The Charleston Boat Show runs across three full days:
Friday, January 23, 2026 from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm
The event is held at 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418. Parking is free and available in the convention center garage as well as Lots A, B, and C, making it easy for families and groups to attend without added hassle.
Why the Charleston Boat Show Matters
Now in its 46th year, the Charleston Boat Show has grown into one of the most important marine events in South Carolina. It features everything from fishing boats and center consoles to pontoons, cruisers, yachts, and personal watercraft. Beyond the boats themselves, the show highlights gear, accessories, services, and destinations that support a full boating lifestyle.
For local marinas like Hidden Cove Marina, the show is about more than exposure. It is about meeting boaters at the exact moment they are thinking about where they will launch, store, maintain, and enjoy their boat throughout the year. Conversations at the show often turn into long-term relationships once the season begins.
Family-Friendly Events and Activities
One of the reasons the Charleston Boat Show continues to grow is its strong focus on families. Throughout the weekend, kids can participate in free fishing clinics led by Captain Don Dingman, host of the TV show “Hook the Future.” These hands-on sessions take place Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2:00pm, with participating kids receiving a free rod and reel combo and a chance to win prizes.
Additional attractions include face painting on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, live music throughout the weekend, and the SCDNR Boating Virtual Trainer located outside in the parking area. The simulator allows attendees to experience docking, maneuvering, and handling a boat in a realistic virtual environment, making it both educational and entertaining.
Music, Authors, and Show-Only Experiences
Live music runs throughout the show, featuring local Charleston musicians across multiple genres. From acoustic singer-songwriters to bluegrass bands, the entertainment adds to the relaxed, coastal atmosphere that makes the event feel less like a trade show and more like a community gathering.
Attendees can also meet local authors Mark and Nadia Schaper at the front entrance of the convention center, where they will be signing copies of The Blue Pearl Series, a family-friendly fantasy adventure set under the sea. Exclusive Charleston Boat Show merchandise, including official event t-shirts, will be available for purchase only during the show.
Tickets and Admission
Tickets are available both online and onsite, with discounted pricing offered through January 22, 2026. Online adult tickets are $13, while onsite adult tickets are $15. Seniors and military personnel receive discounted pricing, and children ages 4 to 12 can attend for $7. A two-day pass is available for $20, making it easy to spend more time exploring everything the show has to offer.
Visit Hidden Cove Marina at the Show
At the 2026 Charleston Boat Show, Hidden Cove Marina will be available to talk about slip availability, dry storage options, daily access, and what makes the marina a convenient and welcoming destination for boaters. Whether you are new to boating or looking for a marina that fits your lifestyle, the show is the perfect place to start that conversation.
If you are attending the show, be sure to stop by, introduce yourself, and learn more about how Hidden Cove Marina can be part of your 2026 boating season.