The Bayfront Maritime Center Cardboard Boat Regatta is an annual, family-friendly event held in Erie, Pennsylvania, celebrating creativity, community spirit, and maritime fun. Participants of all ages design and build boats using only cardboard, tape, glue, and paint, then race them across the East Canal Basin next to the Bayfront Maritime.

Event Overview

Date: September 13, 2025
Location: Bayfront Maritime Center, 40 Holland Street, Erie, PA
Divisions:
- Kids Crew (under 12)
- Teen Crew (13–18)
- Adult Crew (19+)
- Mixed Ages Crew
Entry Fee: $50 per boat, which includes two event t-shirts

Event Schedule

9:00 AM: Registration opens.
10:00 AM: Boat parade line up
10:30 AM: Boat parade—participants showcase their creations to the crowd.
11:00 AM: Races begin, with boats competing head-to-head in their respective

Awards and Recognition

Participants vie for various awards, including:

Fastest Time: Awarded in each division.
Most Creative Boat: Recognizing innovative and artistic designs.
Most Dramatic Sinking: Celebrating the most spectacular (and safe) boat failures.
Crowd Favorite: Determined by audience donations placed in designated boat

Community Engagement

The Regatta is one of the Bayfront Maritime Center's primary fundraisers, supporting its mission to provide hands-on maritime education and experiences to Erie's youth and community members. The event features food vendors, raffle prizes, merchandise sales, and tours of the Bayfront Maritime Center facilities, including the Schooner Porcupine project.bayfrontcenter.org

For more information, registration details, and guidelines, visit the official event page: Bayfront Maritime Center Cardboard Boat Regatta.

13th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta

Choose your tickets

Boat Registration ticket

Donations

Bayfront Maritime Center