Mark your calendars for Feb. 1 through Feb. 9, because the biggest, open-to-the-public outdoor show on the planet is coming to Harrisburg, Penn. Whether you’re a hunter, shooter, fisherman, boater, camper or simply love all the outdoors has to offer, it’s the place to be early next month.
The annual extravaganza, which began modestly as the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show back in 1955, has grown exponentially since the NRA took over the helm in 2014. That year it was renamed, more appropriately, the Great American Outdoor Show.
One of the reasons for the longevity is the number of hunting, fishing and outdoor-related companies it attracts, including major manufacturers eager to show their latest and greatest products. Add guides, outfitters, retailers and more, and it’s a one-stop shopping experience, with an unusual opportunity to gather advice from the industry’s top experts.
This year there are more than 1,000 exhibitors spread across 650,000 square feet of exhibit hall space. There’s lots to see when the event’s doors open at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. The family-friendly show includes recreation vehicles, boats, seminars, your favorite outdoor celebrities, a 3D Bowhunter Challenge and the Pennsylvania Lumberjack Championships.
NRA’s Eddie Eagle Kids Zone includes rock climbing and other activities ideal for the entire family. Regardless of angler age, the fishing demonstrations at the HAWG Tank throughout the show are always a huge hit.
Featured speakers this year cover everything from cooking to hunting and fishing to firearms. It’s an opportunity to improve tactics, technique and dinner.
As always, the Great American Outdoor Show really begins the night before—this year on Jan. 31—when the NRA Foundation holds its Sportsmen’s Auction. Tickets are available to attend the dinner, and enjoy the auctions and fun that follow with a chance to win exclusive NRA guns, gear, décor and collectibles. Add the NRA Country Concert on Feb. 8 featuring Riley Green with special guest John Morgan. There’s something for everyone.
“Overwhelmed,” American Hunter editor David Herman wrote after attending the show in 2023. “This was the first word that came to mind as I trundled down the long hallway connecting the Shooting Sports Exhibit Hall to the rest of the sprawling show. Before grabbing a map, I had foolishly thought the Shooting Sports hall was all there was; I had never been more wrong. There were still eight halls to go, not counting arenas and packed hallways.”
To avoid that feeling of “overwhelm,” we highly recommended downloading the free Great American Outdoor Show app to help you navigate and maximize your experience at the world’s biggest outdoor show open to the public.
