Your Guide to the Oshkosh Boat Show & Why People Love it
The Oshkosh RV & Boat Main Event is the unofficial kickoff to prepping for lake season in Wisconsin. Held each winter on the EAA Grounds, it’s where thousands of families go to explore new models, compare layouts, and get an early look at what boating could look like when the ice finally melts.
If you’re planning to go, or thinking about whether it’s worth the trip, here’s a simple guide to help you get the most out of your visit.
Event Details for 2025
Dates: February 20–22, 2025
Location: EAA Grounds, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI
Hours:
Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (62+).
Children: 17 and under are admitted free.
Parking: Free, with shuttles available from designated lots.
These details may be adjusted by the event organizers, but this is the published schedule for the 2025 show.
Why People Look Forward to This Show Every Year
Winter boat shopping may sound strange, but it’s one of the smartest ways to approach the season. The Oshkosh Boat Show puts a huge range of pontoons, tritoons, bowriders, center consoles, and fishing boats all under one roof—making it easy to compare models without driving from dealer to dealer.
For many families, this is the first time they sit in a layout they’ve only seen online. Being able to walk through boats back-to-back helps people decide what style truly fits their lifestyle.
What You’ll Find Inside the Show
The event always includes a broad mix of boats and brands, giving shoppers a chance to explore:
Pontoons and tritoons for tubing and family days
Luxury pontoons with premium seating and upgraded helms
Bowriders for sporty, performance-driven boating
Center consoles that balance fishing and family fun
Freshwater fishing boats built for serious anglers
First-boat price points and used inventory options
You’ll also get to check out new-year upgrades, such as enhanced lounge seating, updated helm technology, new flooring options, improved storage solutions, and refined motor packages.
Why Winter Is a Smart Time to Shop
Shopping now means you can take your time, compare layouts clearly, and avoid the rush that comes when warm weather arrives.
A few key advantages include:
More time to customize:
Many 2026 models offer choices in colors, flooring, seating, and packages. Build slots fill quickly once spring arrives.
Better comparison opportunities:
Seeing multiple boat types at one event helps you quickly narrow down what you want.
Earlier access to sea trials
Dealers can schedule you for a sea trial as soon as conditions allow, giving you real on-water confidence.
Priority spring delivery
Those who shop early often get their boats prepped and ready for the first warm weekend of the year.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to get value from every minute inside the show:
Sit in multiple layouts: Some boats look similar online but feel completely different in person.
Try the helm seating: Visibility, comfort, and layout matter more than most shoppers expect.
Check storage carefully: Look under seats and in-floor compartments to see if the layout fits your gear and lifestyle.
Take photos as you go: After a few boats, layouts blur together. A few quick pictures keep things clear.
Ask about sea trials: On-water testing is the best way to confirm your choice.
Think about real usage: Tubing, fishing, cruising, hosting, or a blend of all—your lifestyle should guide your selection.
If You’re Considering a Trade-In
Bring the details with you, including:
Photos of your current boat
Estimated engine hours
Information on recent service or upgrades
Notes on what you want your next boat to do better
You can often get a preliminary idea of value before the season starts.
A Great Summer Starts with a Smart Winter Plan
The Oshkosh Boat Show is more than an indoor event—it’s the first step toward lake days, tubing memories, sunset cruises, and a summer that feels a little easier because you planned ahead. Whether you’re buying your first boat or upgrading to more space, this show gives you the chance to explore everything at once.
Walk through the models, sit in the layouts, ask the questions, compare the features, and see what stands out. When the warm weather finally returns, you’ll already be a step ahead.