Top Annual Boating Events and Festivals Across Texas

Texas has a thriving boating culture, with numerous annual events celebrating life on the water. From exhilarating boat races to laid-back waterfront festivals, there’s something for every boating enthusiast. Whether you’re a competitive sailor, an angler, or just love being on the water, here are the must-attend boating events and festivals in Texas.

1. Texas International Boat Show (Corpus Christi)

📍 Where: Corpus Christi Marina
📅 When: March

The Texas International Boat Show is one of the largest boat expos in the state. Visitors can browse the latest boats, marine gear, and water sports equipment while enjoying live music and waterfront entertainment. It’s a great event for both seasoned boaters and newcomers looking to learn more about the industry.

2. Lake Travis In The Water Boat Show (Austin)

📍 Where: Lake Travis, Austin
📅 When: April

Held at Emerald Point Marina, this event is perfect for those looking to test drive the newest models of boats before making a purchase. Attendees can explore luxury yachts, pontoons, and wake boats, as well as enjoy live demonstrations and vendor exhibits.

3. Kemah Crawfish Festival & Boat Parade (Kemah)

📍 Where: Kemah Boardwalk
📅 When: April

A mix of boating and Cajun culture, the Kemah Crawfish Festival & Boat Parade brings together boating enthusiasts and seafood lovers. The boat parade showcases decorated vessels cruising through Clear Lake, followed by a festival featuring live music, crawfish boils, and family-friendly activities.

4. Texas Outlaw Challenge (Clear Lake & Galveston Bay)

📍 Where: Clear Lake, Kemah, and Galveston Bay
📅 When: June

This high-speed event is a must-see for performance boating fans. The Texas Outlaw Challenge features thrilling powerboat races, poker runs, and high-performance watercraft exhibitions. It’s an adrenaline-pumping weekend that attracts boating enthusiasts from across the country.

5. Rockport Nautical Flea Market & Boat Show (Rockport)

📍 Where: Rockport Harbor
📅 When: October

Boaters looking for great deals on marine gear, fishing equipment, and boat accessories should attend this event. The Rockport Nautical Flea Market is a unique gathering where vendors and fellow boaters sell and trade boating essentials. The event also includes food vendors and live entertainment.

6. The Harvest Moon Regatta (Galveston to Port Aransas)

📍 Where: Galveston Island to Port Aransas
📅 When: October

One of Texas’s most prestigious sailing events, the Harvest Moon Regatta is an offshore sailboat race spanning over 150 nautical miles along the Texas coast. Both professional sailors and amateur teams participate in this challenging but rewarding competition.

7. Wurstfest River Boat Parade (New Braunfels)

📍 Where: Comal River, New Braunfels
📅 When: November

Part of the famous Wurstfest, this event features beautifully decorated boats floating down the Comal River as part of the German-themed festival. The parade kicks off a week of celebrations featuring traditional German food, music, and beer.

8. The Christmas Boat Parades (Various Locations)

📍 Where: Clear Lake, Lake Conroe, Lake Travis, and more
📅 When: December

Holiday boat parades are a Texas tradition, with boats decorated in dazzling Christmas lights and festive themes. Some of the most popular parades include:

• Clear Lake Christmas Boat Parade
• Lake Conroe Parade of Lights
• Lake Travis Holiday Boat Parade

These events bring together boaters and waterfront communities for a magical holiday celebration on the water.

9. Texas SandFest (Port Aransas)

📍 Where: Port Aransas Beach
📅 When: April

While Texas SandFest is primarily known for its incredible sand sculpture competition, boating plays a huge role in this coastal festival. Many attendees arrive by boat, and the festival includes waterfront activities, live music, and local seafood vendors.

10. The Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show (Houston)

📍 Where: NRG Center, Houston
📅 When: January

The largest indoor boat show in Texas, this event is a one-stop shop for everything related to boating, fishing, and water sports. Attendees can explore new boat models, accessories, and outdoor gear, as well as participate in educational seminars and hands-on activities.

Make the Most of Texas Boating Events

Attending these events is a great way to meet fellow boaters, learn about the latest boating trends, and celebrate life on the water. Whether you’re looking to buy a new boat, test the latest gear, or simply enjoy a waterfront festival, Texas has an event for you.

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