This year’s Lake Union Boats Afloat Show will start on Wednesday September 11th and will last until Sunday 15th. While there is nothing better than cruising the docks and kicking some anchors on a sunny September Saturday or Sunday, the popularity of the event means it can get crowded on weekends. Why not beat the crowds and come mid-week when there is no need to wait in line to board a boat and the brokers have time to show you the ropes? As an added incentive to be present during the week, show organizers have prepared a festive opening evening this year, with entertainment by Aloha Island Treasures that will comprise Hawaiian music and Hula girls, as well as a wine tasting.
Lake Union Boats Afloat Show 2013 To Go Tropical On Opening Night
It’s a chance to stroll the docks at leisure, enjoy a beautiful evening at South Lake Union, and pick out a boat for that cruise to the South Pacific or the tropical waters of Desolation Sound. So dig out your favorite Hawaiian shirt and island wear and come say Aloha to the brokers, many of whom will also be serving pupu platters at their exhibits.
The show opens at 11am and the tropical festivities start at 4pm and continue through 8pm. The $18 ticket is good all day and includes entertainment, a wine selection from premium Washington wineries and a commemorative glass. The 2013 Boats Afloat opening night is sponsored by Yacht World.com and Pacific Maritime Title.
This year more than 50 distinct brands of boats and yachts will be represented at the show with more than 200 boats on display and a wide range of boating equipment and accessories.
Additional attractions and promotions include:
• An Intro-to-Sailing package that includes 2-day admission, 1.5 hour seminar and 1.5 hour on-water sailing lesson with Seattle Sailing Club
• Kids toy boat building Saturday and Sunday sponsored by Banner Bank
• Kids free sailing lessons, Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of Sail Sand Point
• Free sailboat rides every day courtesy of Discover Sailing
• Kids lifejacket give away on Saturday and Sunday sponsored by Sterns
• Coleman 24 hour survival suit demos
• Kids Coloring Contest
• A free ride on the Great Wheel with e-ticket purchase. (One free ride per transaction)
All you need to know
What: South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show
When: Wednesday September 11th – Sunday September 15th, 2013
Hours:
Wednesday, VIP Opening Day Experience, 11am – 8pm (festivities 4-8pm)
Thursday and Friday 11am – 7pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 6pm
Where: South Lake Union in Seattle
Tickets:
$12 for adults / $5 for kids 12-17 (kids under 11 are free).
$18 for a multi-day pass.
Weekdays (except Wednesday) 5-7 pm: $6
New: VIP Opening Day ticket: $18 includes wine/beer tasting, commemorative glass and entertainment
New: $50 Intro-to-Sailing ticket includes 2-day admission, 1.5 hour seminar and 1.5 hour on-water sailing lesson.
e-Tickets can be purchased online.
Getting There: Parking lots are limited near the show. For convenience park downtown and take the Seattle Street Car directly the show on South Lake Union.
Saturday and Sunday: Park at the lot at the corner of E Blaine and Fairview Ave E and catch the free shuttle to the show. Park all day for $3.
Show Office: 206-748-0012
