For three days every November, multitudes of visitors discover the best of local wildlife, nature, art, heritage, food, and fun at the Easton Waterfowl Festival. While strolling along the lovely streets of Easton, MD, visitors can discover the town and a tradition that has been going strong for generations.
From its founding in 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has been able to not only share the unique Eastern Shore heritage with visitors but also help to preserve it, raising nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships, and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.
Some of this year’s festival highlights include:
Fine Art and Photography Exhibits: Renowned wildlife artists and photographers from across the country will showcase their work in a series of exhibits spread throughout Easton. Visitors can expect to see stunning paintings, sculptures, decoys, and photographs that capture the beauty and majesty of the natural world. The works will be available for purchase, providing a unique opportunity to own a piece of art that reflects a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
For the Dog Lovers: All the outdoor venues are dog friendly, and three exhibits specifically focus on our lovable furry friends. Dog lovers will be thrilled by the retriever demonstrations at the Bay Street Ponds, the incredible competition between professionals and amateurs alike at the DelMarVa Dock Dogs exhibit, and the lightning-fast field trial dog demonstrations at the Chesapeake Bay Pavilion. At each pavilion, visitors can enjoy a variety of beverages and foods to help make their experience tasty and fun.
Quackin’ Trail for the Kids: New this year, parents can pick up a map for their kids at a ticket kiosk. The trail will lead kids to educational activities such as the Phillips Wharf Fishmobile, “Skyhunters in Flight” raptor show, the live Mermaid story times, face painting, and art activities throughout the festival. And don’t miss the kid’s calling contest at the Sportsman’s pavilion. Kids ages 10 and younger are free to enter with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Conservation Corner: The Waterfowl Festival is committed to the conservation of our wild open spaces and will feature presentations and exhibits from leading organizations in the Chesapeake Bay Pavilion.
Eastern Shore Feast: Enjoy a variety of culinary delights throughout downtown. Local restaurants will feature incredible Chesapeake Bay fare, and the food trucks scattered throughout will offer something delicious for everyone. Guests over 21 can enjoy the new Duck Blind and Decoy bars, the famous Bullitt Garden Tasting Pavilion, and the ever-popular Beer Wetlands.
Helpful Tips:
- Tickets are required for every adult and child over the age of 10 and may be purchased online or at the festival. Ticket booths are located at each designated Waterfowl parking lot and will only accept credit/debit cards. Tickets cost $25, admission is good for all three days of the festival, and gives you access to all galleries and pavilions (except tasting pavilion) as well as bus shuttles and parking at auxiliary lots around Easton.
- Free parking is available at Easton Middle School, Easton High School, and Easton Elementary school. All locations have accessible parking and bus stops and are easy to get to downtown.
- The festival is spread throughout the town of Easton. Buses run continuously throughout the festival from 10:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. daily. You can find the bus routes and stops marked on the festival map, in the pocket guide available at any ticket kiosk, and in the Waterfowl Festival app. A festival ticket (or printed proof of online purchase) is required to ride the bus.
For a map of the festival, a schedule of events, and to purchase tickets visit
waterfowlfestival.org.