It’s time to go outside! Here are seven waterfront spring festivals around the Chesapeake Bay to enjoy in late March, April, and May.
Maryland Day
Celebrate local history, heritage, culture, and the great outdoors including Maryland waterways. Events are held at multiple locations, including parks, historic sites, and museums. There are more than 40 events with free admission or entry for just $1. March 21-23. Learn more at marylandday.org. There will also be an event March 25 at the state's birthplace at the St. Clement's Island Museum in Colton's Point, MD. There will be a catholic mass on the island at 10 a.m. followed by an official ceremony on the mainland at 2 p.m. Also free water taxi rides to St. Clement's Island, free museum admission, food truck, children's activities, and more.
Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival
If you love birds, wildlife, and nature, this festival is for you and your family. See a live raptor up close, visit vendors on the boardwalk, meet Oscar the Osprey, move through the child-focused nature activity stations, and take part in the lecture series. Proceeds from the festival go to nonprofit organizations interested in protecting and conserving ospreys, bald eagles, other wildlife, and natural areas. Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Town of North Beach, MD. $10 per person/$20 per family. Learn more at marylandospreyfestival.org.
Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
Festival fun for the whole family with more than 90 exhibitors from across the country, selling an array of unique coastal and sea glass-related goods, including jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Live music on two stages, and great food and drinks. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are valid for admission on both days. Learn more at cbmm.org.
Spring DelMarVa Birding Weekend
Since 1995 the Spring DelMarVa Birding Weekend has combined boat trips, paddling treks, and expeditions on foot when migrating birds are arriving and passing through the peninsula for nesting season. The DelMarVa region possesses an extensive variety of environments, including barrier islands, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. Late April is a great time to explore the shore to tally late-leaving winter species and newly arrived migrants. Last year, 153 species were tallied during the event. April 24-27. Learn more at delmarvabirding.com.
Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend
Visit the historic Yorktown, VA, waterfront to learn lessons and legends from pirates’ lives in the 17th and 18th centuries at Riverwalk Landing and the Watermen’s Museum. Enjoy live blacksmith demonstrations, explore a pirate encampment, sing along to sea shanties, take part in a town-wide treasure hunt, and witness exciting cannon demonstrations. Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Yorktown Waterfront. Learn more at visityorktown.org.
Solomons Maritime Festival
Held at the Calvert Marine Museum, this event includes the Antique Boat and Marine Show featuring exhibits from collectors of antique and classic boats and vintage marine outboard and inboard engines. See Chesapeake Bay retrievers in action and watch model boats skim the waters of the boat basin. Learn how to make a traditional stuffed ham, watch demonstrations on how to make crab cakes, clean soft crabs, and shuck oysters like the pros. Enjoy live music and talk with traditional crafts people as they demonstrate their skills. Free 30-minute cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison. Kids will enjoy toy boat building and more. May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at calvertmarinemuseum.org.
Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival
A premier decoy and wildlife art show, with carving competitions on Saturday. Competition categories: Decorative Carving, Floating Working Decoy, and J. Evans McKinney Old Decoy. Also includes the Susquehanna Flats Marine Exhibition. Havre de Grace, MD, known as The Decoy Capital of the World, is a quaint town situated along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at STAR Centre in Havre de Grace, MD. Learn more at decoymuseum.com.