Justin Jeansonne to Headline 2026 Boat Show on the Bay in Mobile with Expanded Entertainment Lineup

The 6th Annual Boat Show on the Bay returns to USS Alabama Memorial Park from March 27-29, 2026, featuring an expanded entertainment lineup headlined by singer-songwriter Justin Jeansonne with special guest Ryan Dyer. This year's event marks a significant evolution from a traditional boat exhibition to a comprehensive waterfront festival that combines marine commerce with cultural entertainment, reflecting the growing importance of such events in regional tourism and community engagement. The inclusion of a major musical performance represents a strategic shift toward creating multi-day destination experiences that appeal to broader audiences beyond boating enthusiasts.

Justin Jeansonne, a Marine Corps veteran whose music blends country with southern Alabama soul and rock, will perform live on Saturday, March 28 from 7:30 to 9 p.m., following Ryan Dyer's opening set from 6 to 7 p.m. Jeansonne will be accompanied by bandmates including harmonica player Dayton Olson, drummer Dylan Heflin, and bassist Maison Faulk. The musical component transforms the event from a daytime exhibition into an evening entertainment destination, potentially increasing attendance duration and economic impact for local businesses. Tickets for the concert are available through Eventbrite.

Saturday's programming has been branded as Power Meets Play Day, sponsored by Gulf Coast Suzuki, featuring high-performance boats, marine engines, and nonstop entertainment designed to balance adrenaline-fueled attractions with family-friendly activities. This thematic approach demonstrates how marine industry events are adapting to appeal to diverse demographic segments, from performance boating enthusiasts to families seeking recreational experiences. The event's schedule includes Friday hours from 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the concert extending to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with organizers emphasizing that the show is both kid and pet friendly.

Beyond the musical performances, the event will host over 100 vendors and boat dealers, an inshore fishing tournament, and a corn hole tournament, creating a multifaceted experience that supports local businesses and community organizations. The economic implications extend beyond direct vendor sales to include hospitality, transportation, and ancillary services throughout the Mobile area. Event organizers have published lists of exhibitors and sponsors who contribute to the event's operational scale and community impact.

The Boat Show on the Bay's evolution from a niche marine exhibition to a comprehensive entertainment festival reflects broader trends in event marketing and regional tourism development. By integrating musical performances with traditional boat show elements, organizers create cross-promotional opportunities that benefit both the marine industry and local arts communities. The event's location at USS Alabama Memorial Park leverages waterfront views and historic surroundings to enhance the visitor experience, while the extended hours and diverse programming increase the potential for repeat visitation and longer stays in the Mobile area.