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Lakeside Wooden Boat Show

Date & Time

Sunday July 19, 2026

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

This event is included with your Daily, Weekly or Season Chautauqua Pass.

Experience one of Lakeside’s signature summer weekends as the waterfront comes alive with classic wooden boats, plein air artists and maritime fun during the Lakeside Wooden Boat Show & Plein Air Art Festival, July 17-19. 
 
Spend the weekend strolling the grounds, watching artists paint scenic landscapes, exploring exhibits and cheering on Radio-Controlled (RC) model boats as they race across the water. 

The weekend culminates Sunday, July 19, with the 23rd Annual Lakeside Wooden Boat Show, one of Lake Erie’s largest wooden boat exhibits featuring more than 60 classic cruisers. Enjoy live music, Amphicars, lectures, a Wet Paint Sale and more during this celebration of craftsmanship, history, art and life along Lake Erie. 


 

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

RC Model Boat Lectures | Saturday & Sunday
New this year, members of the American Model Yachting Association and the Western Reserve Model Yacht Club will present educational lectures under the tent on the Hotel Lakeside lawn. At 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and 12 p.m. Sunday, learn about "What is RC Model Boat Racing" and "How to Resurrect an Old Model Boat." At 3 p.m. Sunday, "How to Start an RC Sailing Club" will be presented. 
 
RC Model Sailing Regatta | Saturday
From 1-4 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting, watch teams of three sailors race 40-inch, 10-pound RC model yachts on Lake Erie. Sailors are members of the model boat clubs and Lakeside’s Society of Old Salts.
 
Plein Air Painting | All Weekend
Artists from across the Midwest will set up easels throughout Lakeside to capture scenic landscapes in real time. Explore the grounds, meet the artists and watch each painting come to life. 
 
Maritime Museum of Sandusky | All Weekend
The Maritime Museum of Sandusky returns with an antique model boat display from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12-4 p.m. Sunday. The museum also brings along the Gull, a beautifully restored 1939 24-foot Lyman runabout once owned by Oscar Lay of Lay Brothers Fisheries, an important part of the region’s commercial fishing history. 
 

 

SUNDAY, JULY 19

Plein Air Paintout 
After painting throughout the weekend, artists will put the finishing touches on their work Sunday morning during the Plein Air Paintout along the shoreline and throughout Bettinger Park.
 
Amphicars
One of the weekend’s most popular attractions returns Sunday when Amphicars make a splash with their "swim meet." These rare amphibious vehicles travel on both land and water. Weather permitting, they will enter Lake Erie from the Lakeside Sailing Center ramp for an on-the-water demonstration as they depart Lakeside. 
 
Lakeside Wooden Boat Show | Noon-4 p.m. 
The 23rd Annual Lakeside Wooden Boat Show transforms the Hotel Lakeside lawn and Dock into one of Lake Erie’s largest wooden boat exhibits. More than 60 classic cruisers will be on display, giving guests the opportunity to meet the boat owners and restoration experts, hear the stories behind each vessel and learn about the craftsmanship required to preserve these floating works of art. 
 
Wally & The Beavs | Noon-4 p.m. 
Wally & The Beavs return with Motown, classic rock and crowd favorites from artists including Steely Dan, The Beatles and Chicago.
 
Lakeside Heritage Society Lecture | 1:30 p.m. 
Discover the steamships and the people who first brought visitors to Lakeside during a special presentation by Bob and Cindy Grimm under the tent on the Hotel Lakeside lawn. The Lakeside Heritage Society will also display models of Lakeside boats.
 
Wet Paint Sale | 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Take home an original work of art during the Wet Paint Sale, held south of the Pavilion on the Cannon Lawn. Paintings created throughout the weekend will be available for purchase by cash, check or card. Please note: The Gaga Ball pit and the west basketball court will be closed from 1:30-3:30 p.m. to protect the artwork.
 
Easel Art in the Park| 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Children, teens and adults are invited to paint their own masterpiece during Easel Art in the Park south of the Pavilion near Mini Golf. Smocks and all materials are provided, and easels are sized for younger artists. Participation is free. Donations are welcome.
 
Lunch | Noon-4 p.m.
Enjoy lunch at one of Lakeside’s many restaurants or grab a meal on the Hotel Lakeside Lawn while supplies last. Menu options include hamburgers, hot dogs, brats with sauerkraut, pulled pork sandwiches and Italian sausage, served with corn on the cob, pasta salad, pineapple coleslaw, baked beans or fruit. Water, pop and tea will also available. 
 


 

REGISTER A WOODEN BOAT

The show is coordinated by the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society. To register a wooden boat at no cost, contact coordinator Mame Drackett at [email protected] or (239) 776-6205.
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