View more Maryland Festivals, Fairs and Parades.
Are you looking to do a little celebrating this week? A Maryland festival is sure to fit the bill since we have everything from the exciting to the unusual, and everything in between. From events for the arts, to film festivals, to fishing tournaments, you’ll find the festival you’re looking for. Mark your calendars. Here are the 9 best festivals in Maryland.
Welcome to the Village, as they call it. Held in the summer, the Maryland Renaissance Festival is like no other event. The entire festival is made to look like an old European Village with characters dressing, speaking, and acting the part. Even guests will come in full period garb. Expect plenty of libations, food with a historic bent, jousting, music, dancing, and a story plot that changes from year to year. You can even rent a costume to fully join in on the fun.
In July, you can join Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival. People of all ages come to Baltimore from across the Mid-Atlantic to participate in entertaining and educational events where the community can connect directly with more than 150 artists, become part of the artistic process, and make art of their own. Fantastic for families and adult, this is an event that no one should miss.
There are numerous fall festivals to choose from and with farms located across Maryland, there is always one nearby. Greenstreet Gardens has everything you would want for a fun family day at the farm and they start every fall festival with a Hero’s Weekend, honoring military service members, veterans, and their families. It begins mid-September each year.
Attend viewings of independent films produced in and outside of Maryland during this four-day festival. The Audience can vote for winners in addition to the awards handed out by the Annapolis Film Festival judges. Other speakers and artists will perform throughout the week.
Held twice a year, you can participate in the largest crab feast in Maryland while also enjoying local craft beers. There are arts, crafts, live music, and a run to join in on so this event is fun for the entire family, even though the beer is freely flowing.
The largest white marlin fishing tournament in the country is held every August in Maryland. The event is a festival in and of itself with entertainment and activities for the entire family. Plus, you can sign up to participate and try to catch the big one!
Sample your favorite Maryland wines and a few you have yet to discover at the annual Maryland Wine Festival held in September. Listen to live entertainment all day, sample wines from over thirty wineries and taste artisan cheeses and farm-to-table favorites.
Some of the largest kites you will ever see are at the International Kite Expo every year. Expect to see large octopus flying, kites that require several adults to hold and crowds enjoying this peaceful pastime. Beautiful Maryland beaches are the perfect setting for the expo and you are sure to have a great time!
Listen to your national and local jazz musicians as you attend this festival “with a soul.” Past performers of the Capital Jazz Fest include David Sanborn and Toni Braxton. Running several days in June, you can enjoy the warm Maryland summer weather while grooving to the most soulful sounds around.