Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show

Fall transforms Grand Lake into classic boat country when the Mahogany & Chrome show brings vintage wooden runabouts, restored cruisers, and chrome-detailed beauties to Cherokee Yacht Club for a weekend of polished nostalgia. This annual gathering (typically September or October) features dockside displays, owners swapping restoration stories, group meals at the yacht club, and informal meet-and-greets where you can step aboard boats that represent decades of craftsmanship. Attendance is often by yacht club membership or invitation, though public viewing hours sometimes allow visitors to walk the docks and admire the fleet.

Classic boat owners, restoration enthusiasts, and couples who appreciate mid-century design and lake heritage will find this weekend delivers both visual beauty and community connection. The casual format encourages conversation, with owners happy to discuss original hardware, wood restoration techniques, and the stories behind boats that have been in families for generations. Expect to see Chris-Crafts, Centurys, Gar Woods, and other iconic brands gleaming under fall sunlight.

Check with Cherokee Yacht Club ahead of time for public viewing hours and any registration requirements if you’re not a member but want to attend. Bring a camera for detail shots of mahogany grain and chrome fittings, and dress in smart casual attire that respects the club setting. Fall weather on Grand Lake runs cool and crisp in morning and evening, so pack a light jacket for dock walks. Book a lakefront home on Lake.com near Grove or Afton where you can spend mornings exploring the main lake by boat, then attend afternoon and evening show events before returning to your own dock to watch sunset colors reflect off the water.