The 2025 NRA Great American Outdoor Show (GAOS) kicked off on Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pa.
There was still much snow on the ground and the nearby Susquehanna River was completely frozen over, but this did not deter the thousands upon thousands of attendees who gathered to join in this celebration of our uniquely American freedoms. A cursory glance of license plates on cars parked at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center showed that showgoers came from all over, including Alabama, Wisconsin and even Ontario, Canada, to name a few.
It was from this very show last year where President Donald Trump (R) said, “Now I stand before you with a simple promise, your Second Amendment will always be safe with me as your president. When I’m back in the Oval Office, no one will lay a finger on your firearms.”
This nine-day show draws more than 200,000 attendees each year and it features over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 650,000 square feet of exhibit hall where attendees can explore the latest guns and gear from firearm manufacturers, book the hunt of a lifetime in the Outfitters Hall, check out the latest fishing boats and RVs, reserve an unforgettable fishing charter and more.
The show also features more than 200 seminars from leading outdoors experts, like Melissa Bachman, Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo and Seek One covering hunting, trapping, self-defense tactics and strategies, cooking with wild game and fishing tips.
“This is amazing,” said one attendee to her husband as they both took their first steps into the main exhibit hall, where the NRA booth is front and center, flanked by top manufacturers within the firearms industry. Nestled just behind the NRA’s booth is the Silencer Central exhibit, which was founded by Brandon Maddox, recipient of American Rifleman’s 2024 Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award.
This is a destination event for the whole family. It is the only place where, in one day, you can compete at the 3D Bowhunter Challenge, attend education seminars and traverse the nine exhibit halls that feature exhibitors from every part of the outdoor industry. For those younger showgoers, there is the Kids Casting Contest and the Eddie Eagle Kid’s Zone, which has crafts, games, face painting and more. It is open all nine days of the show.
There is also the fan-favorite Dock Dogs competition, which saw the crowd roar with delight as the first pups jumped into the water on Saturday. This event runs until Wednesday, February 5. Of course, no NRA event is complete without the NRA Foundation’s famous Wall of Guns, where you have a chance at winning one of over 40 different firearms with the purchase of a raffle ticket.
“I’m not sure how we can fit this all into one day,” said one showgoer. Fortunately for him, and for all others interested, the 2025 Great American Outdoor Show runs through Sunday, February 9.
The second weekend (February 8-9) includes several marquee events, including the NRA Country Concert headlined by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Riley Green and special guest John Morgan. It will also feature the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writer’s Association 41st Annual Sportsman’s Auction.
Act fast and buy your tickets today for the 2024 Great American Outdoor Show. Tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for children, with two-day passes discounted to $26. Admission is free with the purchase of an NRA membership. The show also has a mobile app for download to assist with all your questions and needs on the go.
For more information, visit greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.
