Maryland Seafood Festivals Locals Wait All Year For

Maryland knows how to celebrate seafood like no other state. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic coast, locals mark their calendars for festivals that showcase the best crabs, oysters, and fish around.

I want to share the festivals that bring communities together for unforgettable tastes and traditions.

1. National Hard Crab Derby and Fair

Crisfield hosts this quirky celebration every Labor Day weekend, and trust me, watching crabs race is absolutely hilarious. You can cheer for your favorite crustacean as they scuttle toward the finish line.

Beyond the races, you will find carnival rides, live music, and plenty of steamed crabs to enjoy. Locals have been attending since 1948, making it a beloved tradition.

2. Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival

Wine and seafood pair beautifully at this celebration held at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. I love how local wineries showcase their best bottles alongside fresh oysters and crab cakes.

You can sample dozens of Maryland wines while enjoying live entertainment and stunning bay views. The festival happens in May, marking the perfect start to seafood season for many residents.

3. St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival

October brings thousands of oyster lovers to Leonardtown for the state’s biggest oyster celebration. Shucking contests draw competitive crowds, and I always marvel at how fast those experts work.

You will taste oysters prepared every way imaginable, from raw to fried to Rockefeller style. The National Oyster Cook-Off adds excitement as chefs compete for bragging rights.

4. Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast

Every August, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium transforms into crab paradise for charity. Mountains of steamed blue crabs cover the tables, and the smell alone makes your mouth water.

I appreciate that all proceeds support local charities and scholarships. You can enjoy unlimited crabs, corn, and beer while supporting your community in the best way possible.

5. Watermen’s Appreciation Day

Held in St. Michaels each October, this festival honors the hardworking watermen who harvest our seafood. You can watch demonstrations of traditional crabbing and oystering methods passed down through generations.

I find the skipjack boat displays fascinating, showcasing Maryland’s maritime heritage. Fresh seafood vendors line the docks, offering catches straight from the bay that morning.

6. Sandy Point State Park Seafood Festival

Right by the Bay Bridge, this September festival combines beach fun with incredible seafood. You can dig your toes in the sand while munching on crab cakes and watching boats sail past.

Kids love the playground and swimming area, making it perfect for families. I always grab extra rockfish sandwiches because they sell out fast every single year.

7. Havre de Grace Seafood Festival

Where the Susquehanna meets the Chesapeake, this May festival kicks off the season spectacularly. I love strolling the boardwalk while sampling different vendors’ takes on classic Maryland recipes.

The lighthouse provides a picturesque backdrop for photos. You can watch decoy carving demonstrations, a nod to the town’s rich hunting and fishing traditions that continue today.

8. Solomons Island Rockfish Tournament and Festival

Anglers flock to Solomons each spring hoping to land the biggest rockfish in Maryland waters. Even if you do not fish, watching the weigh-ins gets your adrenaline pumping as massive stripers hit the scales.

You can taste rockfish prepared by talented local chefs afterward. The island’s laid-back vibe makes it easy to spend the whole day exploring shops and restaurants.

9. Ocean City Springfest

May brings this celebration to the famous boardwalk, signaling summer’s approach. You will find every seafood imaginable, from clam strips to mahi-mahi tacos, all with ocean breezes as your soundtrack.

I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and snag a good spot near the stage. Craft vendors and live bands keep the energy high throughout the entire weekend.

10. Tilghman Island Seafood Festival

This small island throws a big party every June, celebrating its working waterfront authenticity. You can chat directly with watermen who caught your dinner just hours earlier, creating genuine connections.

I appreciate the intimate atmosphere that larger festivals cannot match. The skipjack rides offer unique perspectives of the bay and traditional sailing experiences rarely found elsewhere.

11. Baltimore Inner Harbor Crab and Beer Festival

Baltimore combines its famous crabs with craft beer every July at this harbor celebration. You can crack crabs while sipping local brews and watching boats cruise past the city skyline.

The urban setting brings different energy than rural festivals, with food trucks and DJs adding modern flair. I always discover new Maryland breweries pairing perfectly with Old Bay seasoning.