NRA's Great American Outdoor Show returns to Harrisburg Feb. 1-9

It’s billed as the World’s Largest Outdoor Show, and it is.

Kicking off Feb. 1-9, the Great American Outdoor Show returns again to the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Known locally as the “Harrisburg Show” among local sportsmen, this huge show comprises everything from the latest in firearms, fishing gear, hunting equipment, archery gear, new trucks, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, campers and more for showgoers to see. It takes an entire day, or two, to see everything on display from outfitters, taxidermists, free seminars and the annual Great Country Concert featuring Riley Green, an award-winning country singer. 

This year’s show will have over a thousand exhibitors showing their latest firearms and gear plus over three-hundred outfitters displaying a gamut of outdoor gear and equipment. That plus, over 200 seminars with a chance to win firearms from NRA’s Wall of Guns display. 

Dog lovers will enjoy watching the DockDogs Competition, where sportsmen bring their hunting dogs to propel off a dock and into a swimming pool in attempt to retrieve a decoy. Whatever dog has the best time to retrieve the decoy gets an award. 

There will be several competitions such as 3D Bowhunting Challenger shoots, Elk Calling Championships, a kids casting contest. 

For avid bass anglers, bass fishing pros will give proven fishing techniques and demonstrations by the trailer-long Hawg Tank that contains live bass.

Kids aren’t left out as the show has a Kids Trout pond that allows kids to fish for a trout within a pool. There’s also the Eddie Eagle Kids Zone with games, face painting and lots more. For teens, there’s the Rock-Climbing Wall to try. 

For bowhunters considering a new bow, an onsite archery shooting range at the Archery Pavilion will allow you to try before you buy. There will be the latest tree stands and hunting blinds to check out.  

Woman aren’t left out as there will be daily Wild game Cooking classes and demonstrations. Offered for all is an Airsoft Shooting Experience to try. 

In the Big Arena, a PA Lumberjack Competition takes place where contestants will compete in several categories. It’s a show for all as these men chop, cut and climb for top lumberjack. 

Available is a free mobile app for the shows’ floorplan, seminar schedules, dates/times, with the capability to select a specific exhibitor section to visit.  

To avoid standing in line to enter the show, merely go to the The Great American Outdoor site where tickets can be purchased online. Ticket prices are Adults ($15); 2 Day, ($25); children 6-12 ($9); Seniors 65 plus ($13); Groups 10 minimum ($13) and children under five are free with a paid adult. 

Show hours are as follows:

Saturday, Feb, 1, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 3, through Friday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Farm Show Complex is located at Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

​The best advice for showgoers, wear comfortable walking shoes. There’s a lot to see and do.