Whether you’re ready to purchase a brand-new boat, or you just enjoy shopping for that boat of your dreams you’ve been eyeing, the experience of visiting a boat show is exciting for those who love being on the water.
You’ll find seemingly endless acres of shiny vessels at a Louisiana boat show. There is always something new to wow your expectations, be it a fun family watercraft for a weekend outing or a two-person fishing boat to take out with a fishing partner. Compare different models and size up what you’d love to see parked in your driveway or tethered at the dock.
Boat Purchasing Information
Before going, you may want to do some research to get a sense of what type of vessel you’re looking for, especially if this is your first boat purchase. Arm yourself with some information about many classifications to find out what your boat type is, and then use this boat finder to compare them side by side.
Benefits of Boating
If you need to be reminded why owning a boat is a good investment, be assured that boating is good for your mind and body. Proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success. Proven benefits of being on or near water include stress reduction, boosts in creativity and positive neurochemicals in the brain, and promotion of healthy hormones. As a bonus, you get to spend more time with your friends and loved ones.
Browse the Latest Watercraft in Louisiana
We took a look at a few boat shows happening in Louisiana this year. If you’ve never been to a boat show, now’s the perfect time to dive in.
Louisiana Sportsman Show and Festival
March 17–19, 2023
Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
Gonzales, Louisiana
The Louisiana Sportsman Show and Festival is Louisiana’s largest hunting, fishing, and boat show. Visitors may shop a huge selection of major brand boats from Baton Rouge area dealers, all in the comfort of this 75,000 square foot indoor space. There will be acres of fishing tackle. The spacious outdoor show will feature acres of ATVs, fishing and hunting equipment, tractors, and lawn equipment. And kids will love the family activities.
Red River Marine of Cenla Boat Show & Outdoors Sporting Expo
TBD
Rapides Parish Coliseum
Alexandria, Louisiana
Last year was the inaugural version of the Red River Marine Boat Show. Right now the date for the 2nd annual show is TBD. In 2022, expo goers got great deals on boats, outboard motors, RVs, tractors, as well as hunting and fishing gear.
Louisiana State Fair Boat Show
October 26–November 12, 2023
State Fairgrounds in Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
The Louisiana State Fair Boat Show showcases fishing boats, Jon boats, high performance bass boats, ski and wakeboard boats, deck and pontoon boats, party barges, and more marine industry products. Also keep in mind that you are at the state fair, and all the fun and trappings of the state fair are on tap as well.
The Boat Show
Returning in 2024
Pontchartrain Center
Kenner, Louisiana
The Boat Show is New Orleans biggest and best boating show of the year. Offering hundreds of boats at the best prices around. Besides the deals, families with young children will find plenty to do at the “kids zone” featuring laser tag and video games. Unfortunately, The 2023 Boat Show has been canceled, but the good news is that the organizers are looking to come back in 2024 making the event bigger and better than ever before.
Protect the investment you’ve made in your boat by purchasing high-quality boat insurance from Farm Bureau Insurance. Contact an agent near you by using our Agent Finder.