Major Boating Events to Look Forward to in 2025

Last Updated on May 27, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

Stargazers in New York can start the new year watching planetary parades. Seven hundred pirates will invade Tampa Bay in what is known as the most unique outdoor celebration in the U.S. And this year, three super moons will light up the night sky. Add all of your favorites to your calendar for an eventful year (and don’t forget your boat).

Find boat rentals & on-water experiences near you

Planetary parade | Jan 21 

Part of the excitement 2025 brings is a plethora of unique natural phenomena. Just a few weeks after the New Year, New Yorkers can get on the water for out-of-this-world views of a planetary parade including Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus.

Gasparilla Pirate Festival | Jan 25

Every January (since 1904), pirates invade Tampa. Locals call it tradition; America calls it one of the most unique outdoor celebrations. Here’s an event guide, including an on-the-water itinerary curated by a local.

Miami Sailing Week (98th Barcardi Regatta) | Feb 28 to Mar 2 

Every early spring, since 2010, Miamians flock to Biscayne Bay for community, festivities and water sports. Kicking off the sailing season in Miami is the Bacardi Invitational Regatta from March 2 to March 8. Six hundred sailors, from Olympic to sailing legends, will compete for the Bacardi Cup.

Sail GP in Los Angeles | March 14 – 15 

The high-stakes world of professional sailing storms back to Los Angeles for the fourth stop of SailGP’s 2025 campaign. The Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix will see American skipper Taylor Canfield and his crew hunting for victory. The U.S. team faces stiff competition from Spain, the defending L.A. champions who clinched the Season 4 crown. All this, you can watch with a boat on the water. 

The Bassmaster Classic | March 21 

The biggest fishing tournament of the year, the Bassmaster Classic, takes place March 21-23 on Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas. If you’re traveling to Fort Worth for the Bassmaster Classic, give yourself the best experience possible with a fishing boat rental or captained charter. Boatsetter Captains are made up of guides, local experts and experienced anglers who can show hidden gems.

Gray whale watching season | March-May

From March to May, gray whales migrate from Baja California to Alaska in groups, reaching lengths of up to 50 feet. This round-trip migration is over 10,000 miles, and the best opportunity for gray whale spotting is by getting on the waters of Dana Point, the whale watching capital of the world.

Music festival season | April 

Waterfront music festivals will be taking center stage in 2025 with Tortuga Music Festival (April 4-6) lineup including contemporary musicians like Luke Combs and early 2000s stars such as Ludacris, and North Charleston’s High Water Festival (April 26-27) lineup featuring Lord Huron and The Backseat Lovers.

National Parks Week | April 20 

National Parks Week takes place on the third week of April with Free Entrance Day happening April 20. Whether planning an epic trip to the most remote National Park in the U.S. or looking to explore the Galapagos of North America, there’s no better way to explore National Parks than by boat. 

Air & Water Shows | May-Aug

Watch the Navy Blue Angels take to the skies during the Fourth of July holiday at the Pensacola Air Show. Or, get on Lake Michigan and watch the Golden Knights free fall from 12,500 feet. Get the guide on the must-see U.S. Air Shows for important event details and the best viewing spots.

National Sorry I Was on a Boat Day | June 5

National Sorry I Was on a Boat Day is your official hall pass to log off, head out, and unapologetically float. Here are 50 OOO replies to get out of work and make June 5 the most legendary excuse ever. 

Sail GP in New York City | June 7 – 8

Can’t catch the LA action? Set your sights on New York City, where SailGP’s high-speed spectacle takes over the harbor June 7-8. The Manhattan skyline provides an unforgettable backdrop as 12 F50s battle for glory in the Big Apple. 

National Fishing and Boating Week | June 7 – 15

Celebrate America’s love for fishing and boating during National Fishing and Boating Week. Many states offer free fishing days, allowing residents and visitors to fish without a license. Here are the free fishing days for three popular boating states:

• Florida: June 7–8 (saltwater); June 14–15 (freshwater)

• California: July 5 and August 30

• Texas: June 7

Take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy the water and perhaps discover a new favorite pastime.

Chicago’s iconic Black Yacht Week | June 19 – 22

This Juneteenth weekend, Black Yacht Weekend takes over Chicago’s iconic Playpen for four days of high-energy celebration, community, and culture on the water. From the official kickoff party on Thursday to Black Yacht Day on Saturday—when hundreds of boats drop anchor and turn Lake Michigan into a floating festival—this event brings the vibes. Expect legendary day parties, DJ sets across the city, and a second boat day on Sunday to close things out. Registration is required for boaters who want to rep the official event flag and join the core celebration.

Fourth of July & National boating day | July 1 – 4

Boaters or people with friends who own boats are in for a treat as National Boating Day takes place on Tuesday, July 1. Celebrate boating and the Fourth of July with a day out on the water exploring our country’s most precious and unique qualities, from sea to shining sea. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest holidays for boat rentals; consider booking ahead.

American Century Celebrity Gold Championship |  July 9 – 13

Every year, celebrities and sports pros participate in the American Century Championship, and every year, boaters anchor around the 17th hole for premier views and the chance to meet their muse. Enjoy the game from the comfort of an on-the-water seat box and be first in line for autographs. Past celebrity participants include Steph Curry, Patrick Mahomes and Michael Jordan.

Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo | July 18 – 20

Recognized as the world’s largest fishing rodeo, the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo draws thousands of anglers and spectators to Dauphin Island for a weekend of friendly competition and coastal celebration. Whether you’re in it to win it or just in it for the experience, booking a fishing boat with a local angler is a great way to try your hand at reeling in a prize catch.

Lobster Mini Season | July 30 – 31

Lobster Mini Season, also known as the Florida spiny lobster sport season, is a highly anticipated, two-day event held annually in late July, attracting thousands to the Florida Keys. This year, the Lobster Mini Season will take place on July 30 and July 31.

Great Lakes Offshore Grand Prix | July 28 – Aug 3

Experience the thrill of offshore powerboat racing at the 16th Annual XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City, Indiana. Enjoy free races all week long, featuring some of the world’s fastest and most powerful race boats. For the best viewing experience, consider booking a private, Captained boat rental to catch the action from one of the on the water spectator zones.

Labor Day Weekend | Aug 30 – Sep 1

The last long weekend of summer break definitely has to be marked on your calendar. Another busy holiday for boat rentals, secure a boat and spend the long weekend anchored at a sandbar, sun-soaked and surrounded by good vibes.

Chesapeake Bay Seafood Festival | Sep 13 – 14

Held at Sandy Point State Park’s East Beach, the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Festival is a two-day celebration of the Mid-Atlantic’s most beloved flavors. From the iconic Crab Soup Cook-off to chef demos, live music performances, and local craft booths, this festival is a feast for all the senses. Come for the blue crabs, then get on the water for a scenic cruise of the bay.

Peak fall foliage | October

The third and fourth weeks in October are peak fall foliage, an incredible natural wonder that you can experience from a boat in many places across the country. Places to get on the water for fall foliage cruises include the Hudson River, Whidbey Island, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and other destinations.

Super moon cruises | Oct. 7, Nov. 5, Dec. 4

Super moons occur when the moon is full and its orbit is at its closest point to Earth. In 2025, we get three opportunities for a group of friends to get on the water for scenic views of a big, bright moon over the water. 

Discover the 2025 Guide to an Adventurous Year