NRA CEO & EVP Doug Hamlin On 2025 NRA Great American Outdoor Show: ‘A True Celebration Of American Freedom’

More than 200,000 freedom lovers attended the world’s largest outdoor show in February.

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posted on February 14, 2025
2025 GAOS 2
The NRA Great American Outdoor Show is a gargantuan celebration of shooting, hunting, fishing and outdoor traditions treasured by millions of Americans and their families.
Photos by NRA

Over nine days in early February, more than 200,000 outdoor enthusiasts attended the 2025 NRA Great American Outdoor Show, held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Attendees at the 2025 NRA Great American Outdoor Show—which took place February 1-9 and is the world’s largest outdoor show—celebrated our nation’s cherished outdoor traditions, including hunting, fishing, archery and more. They also had the chance to visit with more than 1,000 exhibitors on display throughout nine halls in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex.

"The NRA Great American Outdoor Show is a true celebration of American freedom, and the energy and enthusiasm of attendees was palpable throughout the event,” NRA Executive Vice President & CEO Doug Hamlin said. “It was incredibly satisfying to see so many families spending time together, exploring outdoor products, connecting with outfitters and planning future adventures. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the citizens of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for their hospitality and support in making this another hugely successful event. The NRA is honored to be part of this proud tradition.”

NRA Great American Outdoor Show
The 2025 NRA Great American Outdoor Show featured more than 1,000 exhibitors covering 650,000 square-feet of exhibit hall space.

 

Harrisburg was the epicenter of the hunting and outdoors world for nine days. Attendees explored the latest guns and gear from firearm manufacturers, booked what are sure to be memorable hunts and fishing charters, shopped the top brands of bows and archery accessories and perused the latest boats, RVs and ATVs. Plus, more than 200 educational seminars were conducted by leading outdoors experts like Seek One, Melissa Bachman and Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo. Additionally, country music artists Nate Hosie and Nathan Merovich, along with actor Justin Melnick and his K9 partner Pepper from the television show “Seal Team” entertained fans with performances in the Small Arena.

“From DockDogs and the Pennsylvania Lumberjack Championships to a 30-target 3D Bowhunter Challenge, the Great American Outdoor Show has something for every outdoor enthusiast,” NRA General Operations Executive Director Josh Savani said. “It was great to see so many younger attendees enjoying the Kids Casting Contest and our Eddie Eagle Kid’s Zone. Thanks to our staff, exhibitors and attendees for making the 2025 NRA Great American Outdoor Show such a success.”

The night before the show opened, NRA officials and members of the Dauphin County community gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony where The NRA Foundation announced approximately $50,000 in grants to six groups, including a local law enforcement agency and central Pennsylvania organizations that promote hunting and youth shooting. Since 2014, The NRA Foundation has donated roughly $500,000 in conjunction with the NRA Great American Outdoor Show. Also that evening, supporters of the Second Amendment gathered for The NRA Foundation’s Sportsmen’s Auction to bid on firearms, gear, hunts, décor and NRA collectibles. The money raised at this event will support the shooting sports and activities that promote safe and responsible firearms ownership.

The last Saturday of the show concluded with a sold-out NRA Country concert featuring headliner Riley Green and special guests John Morgan and Nate Hosie. The New Holland Arena was at full capacity with country music fans to hear Riley perform his three-time platinum hit “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” his newer songs on country radio “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “You Look Like You Love Me” and many others. It was a night celebrating cherished traditions, freedom and our shared American values.

As for the 2026 NRA Great American Outdoor Show, it will return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on February 7-15, 2026. You can learn more about the world’s largest outdoor show at greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.

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