Tastes of summer at a water-themed extravaganza

In need of some sunny news? Even though we might feel dubious about it at present, boating season will return and, when it finally does arrive, we best be prepared. Lucky for us, the 66th Annual Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat opens this Friday the 25th at 11 a.m., giving plenty of reasons to daydream of carefree days gliding atop Seattle’s waterways.

The ten-day show, the largest of its kind on the West Coast, continues through Sunday, February 3, and takes place at two locations—CenturyLink Field (800 Occidental Avenue S) and South Lake Union (901 Fairview Avenue N). A free shuttle runs between the two spots. The extravaganza features 1,000 boats for every budget (and for every recreational need) at CenturyLink Field, and world-class yachts, trawlers and other vessels steal the show atop South Lake Union.

The Uncorked Opening Night kicks off this Friday at 5 p.m., featuring premium Northwest wineries sampling their varietals at the CenturyLink Field Event Center. Tasting tickets are available for purchase online (and at the show) and include a souvenir wine glass. If beer-and-boating sounds more up your alley, check out Sails and Ales Friday February 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. Attendees cruise the indoor show at CenturyLink, beer in hand, simultaneously taking in some of the Northwest’s best craft brews and boats. Tasting tickets cost extra and include a takeaway glass.

While there’s much to take in on the showroom floor, don’t forget to look up too! “Splash” features nightly nautical-themed performances high above the boats, featuring some of Seattle’s most talented aerialists and acrobats doing Cirque du Soleil-style aerial work. The daring artists dazzle crowds, performing on a corde lisse (or rope), a cloud swing and a triple trapeze. All boats in the West Hall will serve as viewing platforms, as will the boater’s lounge on the mezzanine level.

Get lost wandering among the maze of boats that range from small dinghies and kayaks to the show’s biggest item—a 120-foot-long luxury boat with an asking price of $3,950,000 million. Other show highlights range from contests and giveaways to free seminars by boating experts and kids’ activities for captains-in-the-making.

Tickets cost: adults: $12; youth (11-17): $5; kids 10 & under: free. Monday – Thursday after 5 p.m.: $8. Special five-day “Big Show pass”: $24.  See website for other discounts and show details.