Waterland Weekend in Des Moines
July 18, 19 and 20, 2025
Here is the update on the Wooden Boat Show in Des Moines for their Waterland Festival on July 19, 20 and 21 (Friday through Sunday). The show is open to all wooden boats and over the years has had great support from the PNW Classic Yacht Association. It is also a great opportunity for participants to enjoy a weekend with some great events surrounding the marina.
The Des Moines Waterland weekend is a precursor to Seattle’s Seafair celebration. Saturday’s Waterland Parade provides small town flavor with Seafair Pirates, UW Alumni Band, a motorcycle team, drill teams, boats, cars, trucks and other community organizations in the procession.
Our goal over the years for the Wooden Boat Show has been to make the weekend a relaxed show with more of a cruising destination feel for those attending. Our wooden boats will be on display in the marina, which is a very popular gathering spot for public viewing and appreciation. Visitor boarding is at the boat owner’s discretion. The show schedule allows participating boaters time to enjoy other Waterland activities. We want to provide great value and convenience for boaters attending.
Reservations are made by emailing or calling the show organizers - Todd Powell or Bill/Patti Linscott-- contact information below. You should not call the marina for a moorage during the show. If you plan to come earlier or stay after, you will need to call the marina for those days and let them know you will also be in the show. The show is limited this year to 12 slips. Let us know as soon as possible if you have decided to participate. The first 12 will fill the slips we have. We will carry any additions on a standby list, should there be changes in attendees or additional moorage becomes available from the marina.
We will have a dock plan developed as participants are confirmed.
Highlights
Boat Show hours are Saturday 10am to 4pm. Sunday 10am to 2pm. A Thank You gathering on the dock at 2pm Sunday will conclude our weekend.
Weekend moorage (arrive Friday- leave Sunday) is a flat rate of $40 (includes shore power). Boat Show organizers will collect your payment. Checks are to be made out to Destination Des Moines, the host of all Waterland weekend activities. (Note: If you plan to come early on Thursday, or stay over on Sunday, you will need to pay the Des Moines marina’s standard guest moorage rate. You make that payment at the fuel dock in the guest moorage area.)
The Waterland weekend is full of activities immediately adjacent to the marina and can be enjoyed by boaters throughout the days. These include:
Friday Night Arrival:
Harbormaster Hosted BBQ (5pm – 6:30pm) At the dockside facility in guest moorage.
The Quarterdeck Wine & Coffee Shop (8am -10:00pm) At the top of the dock.
Saturday
Breakfast: (8am - 9:30am) On your own.
Wooden Boat Show: 10am through 4pm.
Farmer’s Market: (10am – 2pm) Located at the top of the guest moorage ramp with food, crafts and music.
Wooden Boat Social: (4pm to 5:30pm) at the Linscott’s home on 6th Ave. So. overlooking the marina. Directions will be provided. Enjoy appetizers and socializing before walking to the parade. (Appetizers are provided, but it is a BYOB gathering.) If you are not here with a boat, but wish to come to the social by car, please call Patti for arrangements and directions.
Waterland Parade: Grand Parade is ~6pm - 7pm. Junior Parade begins at 5:45pm. The Parade is on Marine View Drive (2 blocks from Linscott’s home). Enjoy the fanfare and procession through town.
Dinner after the Parade: On your own with restaurant choices within easy walking distance.
Sunday
Breakfast: (8am - 9:30am) To be a boater-organized event on the dock. Discuss and establish your plans during the show.
Wooden Boat Show: 10am-1pm.
Wooden Boat Thank You Gathering: Last event before departing for your homeport.
There is no military river boat on display, or the Sunday Car Show this year. Our boats will carry the day. We hope you can join in on the fun. Please email or call CYA hosts Todd Powell and Bill/Patti Linscott. If there are CYA members driving in to visit the boat show, social and parade, please let us know:
Boat Show Organizers:
(T) 206-939-0312 grandyexpress1965@gmail.com
(P) 206-390-4659 pattilinscott@gmail.com
(B) 206-445-2099 billlinscott@yahoo.com
