Antique & Classic Boat Festival in Salem, Massachusetts — 36th Annual

For the 36th consecutive year, Salem, Massachusetts, will welcome a rich display of beautiful antique and classic wooden boats at the Antique & Classic Boat Festival. The festival celebrates maritime history, craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of vintage boats, bringing together owners, restorers and enthusiasts for a weekend devoted to classic vessels and coastal traditions.

This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26 at Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina in Salem. Hours are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors can expect close-up views of a wide variety of classic wooden powerboats and sailboats, many of which have been carefully restored and preserved by passionate owners.

Attendees will find more than just static displays. The festival features live music, local crafts, a traditional blessing of the fleet and boat rides, creating a lively atmosphere that’s ideal for families and anyone interested in maritime heritage. The event typically includes judged entries, giving owners the chance to showcase their restoration work and compete for awards judged by peers and experts in classic boat preservation.

Classic wooden boats on display often highlight a range of eras and styles, from early 20th-century runabouts and utility launches to graceful classic sloops and yawls. These vessels demonstrate not only period design and aesthetic but also the skills of woodworkers, varnishers and marine carpenters who keep traditional boatbuilding techniques alive. For many visitors, seeing these boats in person is a unique opportunity to appreciate hand-crafted details such as fine joinery, original hardware and traditional finishes.

The festival is a great opportunity to learn about boat restoration and maintenance, to speak with owners about their projects, and to discover resources for anyone considering bringing a classic wooden boat back to life. In addition to viewing the boats, visitors can enjoy a selection of artisan vendors and maritime-related crafts, making the event a blended celebration of boating culture and local arts.

If you own a classic boat and are interested in entering it for judging, the festival welcomes entries and typically provides guidelines for eligibility, categories and judging criteria. For details about how to register a boat, entry deadlines and any rules for competition, visit the festival website at boatfestival.org. The site also offers information for visitors, including schedules, parking suggestions and any updates or changes to the event.

Practical tips for attending: plan to arrive during opening hours to avoid the busiest times, bring a camera to capture the boats and waterfront scenes, and wear comfortable shoes for walking the marina. The festival takes place outdoors, so consider checking the forecast and bringing sun protection or a light jacket depending on the weather.

The Antique & Classic Boat Festival in Salem is a community-centered event that highlights the region’s maritime roots and celebrates the people who preserve that legacy. Whether you are a long-time fan of wooden boats or simply curious about classic vessel design, the festival offers an engaging blend of history, craftsmanship and seaside entertainment.

For additional information, participant instructions, or to register a boat for judging, please consult the festival website: boatfestival.org. The organizers typically provide the most current details there, including any last-minute updates, volunteer opportunities and contact information for vendor inquiries.