When you visit Ocean City, you’re in for a treat. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, ranging from food and music festivals to sporting events and holiday celebrations.
As you explore Frederick County and beyond, you’ll find that visitors from all over flock to experience the state’s diverse heritage and community spirit. The festivals in Ocean City and other parts of Maryland are a reflection of the state’s rich cultural landscape.
This comprehensive guide will help you discover the most captivating events across Maryland, organized by season. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, music lover, or history buff, you’ll find something exciting happening in Maryland during every season.
Discover Maryland’s Festival Culture
Experience the best of Maryland through its festivals and events that celebrate its rich heritage.
Ocean City, MD, and Frederick County are among the many locations that host a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
What Makes Maryland Festivals Unique
Several factors contribute to the uniqueness of Maryland’s festival culture. The state’s diverse geography and strategic location have fostered a blend of cultural influences.
- Maryland’s historical heritage is reflected in many of its festivals.
- The music and content of the festivals showcase the state’s multicultural background.
Planning Your Festival Visit to Maryland
To experience the best of Maryland’s festivals, timing is everything. Ocean City hosts various events throughout the year, making it a great place for visitors.
Tips for Festival-Goers
- Plan around specific events that interest you.
- Visit during spring or fall for pleasant weather and popular festivals.
- Base yourself in one city like Ocean City or Frederick to access multiple events.
Spring Celebrations: Springfest in Ocean City
Experience the vibrant start of summer in Ocean City at Springfest.
Kicking Off the Season
Springfest marks the unofficial start of the summer season in Ocean City, typically held in early May. You’ll enjoy four days of food, music, and crafts under large festival tents at the Ocean City Inlet.
The events feature continuous live music performances on two stages, with both free shows and ticketed headline concerts. Vendors offer local Chesapeake Bay seafood specialties to international cuisine.
- Four days of festivities with live music on two stages
- Food vendors offering a variety of cuisine
- Arts and crafts vendors showcasing handmade items
- Family-friendly atmosphere with activities for children
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration that attracts over 1.5 million visitors to the nation’s capital. It is held in March and April.
A Celebration of Spring and Culture
The festival is a celebration of spring and the cultural bond between the United States and Japan. It commemorates the gift of cherry blossom trees from Tokyo to Washington DC in 1912.
The festival features a variety of events, including parades, concerts, and traditional Japanese performances. You can experience the breathtaking sight of over 3,000 cherry trees in bloom around the Tidal Basin.
- While technically centered in Washington DC, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is easily accessible from Maryland.
- The festival spans several weeks from late March to early April.
- Many Maryland residents make annual pilgrimages to this celebrated festival, which draws more than 1.5 million visitors from across the nation.
- The events honor both American and Japanese cultures.
Maryland Craft Beer Festival in Frederick
Frederick’s picturesque Carroll Creek Park transforms into a beer lover’s paradise during the Maryland Craft Beer Festival. You’ll have the chance to taste over 200 unique, locally produced beers from dozens of Maryland breweries.
Celebrating Local Breweries
The festival features craft beers, live music entertainment, and delicious food pairings, creating a perfect blend of entertainment for attendees.
- The Maryland Craft Beer Festival showcases the state’s thriving craft brewing industry.
- Sample rare small-batch creations and exclusive cask offerings.
- Enjoy continuous live music featuring local bluegrass, Americana, and folk performers.
- Savor food pairings designed to complement the beer selections.
- The event maintains a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Stroll along Carroll Creek’s linear park while enjoying your craft beer samples.
Maryland Iron Festival at Catoctin Furnace
Step back in time and discover the historic significance of iron making in Maryland at the Maryland Iron Festival. This event is held at the historic Catoctin Furnace, a site that once produced iron for the American Revolution.
Exploring Industrial Heritage
The festival offers a glimpse into Maryland’s industrial heritage. You’ll witness skilled artisans performing traditional blacksmithing demonstrations.
Various vendors selling handcrafted ironwork and traditional crafts are present throughout the festival grounds, offering unique souvenirs.
The event, typically held in May, is organized by the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society to preserve Maryland’s heritage. It combines educational elements and entertainment, making it appealing to history enthusiasts and families.
Summer Fun: Frederick Pride Festival
Frederick Pride Festival is a must-visit event during Pride Month, offering a unique blend of entertainment, food, and activities. You’ll enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with hundreds of local businesses and nonprofit organizations showcasing their support for diversity and inclusion.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
The festival features diverse music and entertainment options, including drag performances and local musical guests. You can also savor delicious food and drinks from various vendors, with many local restaurants creating special menu items for the event.
- Frederick Pride transforms Carroll Creek Park into a vibrant celebration each June.
- The festival includes a dedicated youth pride area with age-appropriate activities.
- The picturesque setting along Carroll Creek provides a beautiful backdrop for this colorful celebration.
Fishing Tournaments in Ocean City
Fishing enthusiasts from around the world flock to Ocean City for its renowned fishing tournaments.
Competitive Angling on the Atlantic
Ocean City is known for its abundant fishing opportunities. The city hosts prestigious tournaments like the White Marlin Open and the Ocean City Tuna Tournament.
- Ocean City is dubbed the “White Marlin Capital of the World” during summer.
- The White Marlin Open is the world’s largest billfish tournament.
- Weigh-ins at the harbor are public spectacles.
- Tournaments highlight different species throughout the summer.
- Shoreside activities offer excitement for non-participants.
- The events showcase Ocean City as a premier fishing destination.
National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race
You won’t want to miss the National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race, a unique cycling tradition that brings a touch of the Victorian era to the streets of downtown Frederick each summer. This event is the only one of its kind in the nation, attracting participants from across the country and around the world.
A Glimpse into Cycling History
The race features daring cyclists competing on high wheel bicycles, also known as penny farthings, which are characterized by their large front wheel and tiny rear wheel design from the 1800s. It’s a thrilling spectacle that not only showcases the riders’ skill but also provides a glimpse into the history of cycling.
The city of Frederick’s historic architecture provides a charming backdrop for this event, creating a time-warp effect as racers in period-inspired attire navigate the streets. Between race heats, you can enjoy performances and demonstrations related to cycling history, adding an educational element to this fun and unusual sporting event.
The family-friendly atmosphere makes this a perfect summer outing, with spectators lining the streets to cheer on competitors as they balance on these precarious historical bicycles. The event is a celebration of cycling heritage and a testament to the community’s spirit.
Fall Festivities: Sunfest in Ocean City
As summer fades, Ocean City welcomes fall with Sunfest, a vibrant celebration. You’ll enjoy four days of festivities under the iconic white tents at the Ocean City Inlet.
Celebrating the End of Summer
Sunfest marks the transition to fall, typically held in late September or early October. The festival features continuous live music on two stages, including free performances and ticketed headline concerts.
You’ll savor an impressive array of culinary delights from food vendors, offering Maryland seafood specialties and international cuisine.
Explore handmade creations from local vendors, perfect for starting your holiday shopping.
Sunfest is one of the many festivals that make Ocean City a great destination.
The Great Frederick Fair
Every September, the Great Frederick Fair transforms the Frederick Fairgrounds into a vibrant showcase of agricultural excellence. This nine-day event is a celebration of Maryland’s rich farming heritage, offering something for everyone.
Agricultural Heritage on Display
The Great Frederick Fair stands as one of Maryland’s oldest and largest agricultural fairs. You’ll experience a blend of rural traditions and modern entertainment, with the fair’s agricultural focus providing insight into Maryland’s farming heritage.
The event features impressive livestock exhibitions where local farmers showcase their prize animals, agricultural competitions, and educational displays about farming practices. These activities cater to all ages and interests, making the fair a valuable experience for the whole family.
Nightly grandstand entertainment brings nationally known musical acts and performers to Frederick, with concerts spanning various genres. The carnival midway offers classic fair rides and games, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that makes this a favorite annual tradition for families across the region.
Over the year, the Great Frederick Fair has evolved to include a wide range of events and activities, from children’s agricultural education programs to cooking competitions, tractor pulls, and craft exhibitions that showcase local talents.
Catoctin Colorfest in Thurmont
The Catoctin Colorfest transforms the small town of Thurmont into one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier craft festivals each October.
Arts and Crafts Amid Fall Foliage
You’ll discover hundreds of juried artisans and vendors displaying their work throughout the town.
The festival’s timing allows you to enjoy the spectacular fall colors as a natural backdrop to your craft shopping experience.
Vendors offer an impressive range of handcrafted items, including pottery, jewelry, and seasonal decorations.
Winter Wonders: Winterfest of Lights
Get into the holiday spirit at Winterfest of Lights, Ocean City’s premier festive event. This dazzling festival transforms Northside Park into a holiday wonderland from mid-November through December, featuring over a million sparkling lights and animated displays.
Holiday Magic in Ocean City
Enjoy a magical tram ride through the illuminated path, accompanied by holiday music. Warm up with hot chocolate and seasonal food in the heated Winterfest Village pavilion. The city comes alive with festive cheer, making it a perfect outing. Winterfest of Lights is one of the top festivals in the area.
Candlelight Tours and Museums by Candlelight
The holiday season in Maryland is marked by enchanting candlelight tours and museum exhibitions. You can experience the magic of historic sites during this time.
Historic Holiday Traditions
During the Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship, you’ll explore Frederick’s famous “clustered spires” churches and other historic houses of worship. The events feature special performances by choirs and instrumental groups, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Each year, demonstrations of historical crafts and traditions are offered, providing insight into past holiday celebrations.
Conclusion: Maryland, United States: Top Festivals to Check Out When Visiting
From coastal celebrations to cultural events, Maryland’s festival scene is a treasure trove of exciting experiences waiting to be explored. With a diverse range of festivals throughout the year, you can plan your visit according to your preferences.
Planning Your Festival-Focused Maryland Adventure
You’ll discover that many of Maryland’s festivals feature live music and performances that showcase local talent and nationally recognized artists. The state’s restaurants and food vendors also play a significant role, offering a taste of Maryland’s renowned seafood and regional specialties. Whether you’re looking for fun in the summer or a festive atmosphere during other seasons, Maryland’s festivals are the perfect place to be.
With events like Restaurant Week and Shore Craft Beer, you can enjoy the region’s top-notch culinary spots and craft breweries. Maryland’s festival calendar is filled with exciting content that reflects the state’s diverse heritage and contemporary culture.
