April 10–12, 2026
The Lee Civic Center Marine & Boat Show gave me the chance to attend a new event in Southwest Florida and spend a few days back in the Fort Myers area. After driving to Georgia earlier in the month, the trip made for another enjoyable stop on the road, this time focusing on the AMSOIL Marine Products.
Arriving at the Lee Civic Center
I arrived the day before the show opened and stayed on site in the van. By the end of the evening, I was the only one on the property—so the running joke was that I had become the night-security crew after the gates were locked until morning.
It worked out just fine. I had food in the fridge, TV, and plenty of solar power thanks to the sunny weather. The temperatures were comfortable, and although the wind had me keeping an eye on the awning, it came from the driver’s side of the van and caused little trouble.
A First-Year Marine Show
The show was well organized, with vendors and boat companies laid out neatly across the property. The organizer worked hard to promote the event through billboards, radio advertising, and other outreach, and she took excellent care of the vendors.
Attendance was quieter than expected, particularly in my outdoor section of the event. That can happen with a first-year show: even a professionally organized event needs time for local boaters and families to become familiar with it. Another major event in town may also have drawn some of the potential crowd away that weekend.
Boats, Conversations, and a Good Getaway
Even with lighter traffic, the Lee Civic Center Marine & Boat Show was a worthwhile trip. I met many good people working the event and enjoyed talking with the vendor beside me, who displayed Scarab boats. Of course, the Scarab name brought back plenty of Miami Vice memories.
The evenings were just as memorable. One night I watched the Artemis mission return from the Moon, and for a change, the weather stayed dry—no rain soaking the supplies. Overall, it was a relaxing Southwest Florida getaway, a chance to meet marine-industry vendors, and an interesting first visit to this Fort Myers-area boat show.
Lee Civic Center Boat Show Photos
Browse the gallery below for scenes from the 2026 Lee Civic Center Marine & Boat Show, including boat displays, vendors, and views from the event grounds.
