Why You Should Go: Though people in some locales are lucky enough to be able to enjoy the water all year round, Seattleites aren’t generally afforded that luxury. While those who love boating on all kinds of vessels will likely see their ocean activity take a tip come October, September is the time to cherish our last buoyant days of 2012, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at the Boats Afloat Show on Lake Union on September 12-16.

What You Should Know: Fun for the whole family is plentiful at the largest floating boat show on the West Coast. Whether you’re in the market for a new vessel or simply love to admire the grandiose yachts on display, you’ll find plenty of boats, exhibitors, distributors, products and services, from charter and leasing companies to clothing companies to nautical computers and software. Kids will love free boat building and sailing lessons, while young and old alike will be able to enjoy free sailing rides. And for those looking for some added good times, the floating 68’ beer garden will be in service all day long. So get outside and on the water while you still can at the Boats Afloat Show.