Maryland’s 2025 Festival Calendar: A Year of Coastal Charm and Cultural Celebrations
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Overview of Maryland's 2025 Festivals and Events
Maryland, known for its rich history, coastal beauty, and diverse culture, boasts a dynamic festival scene that showcases its traditions and creativity. In 2025, the state’s communities will host events that highlight everything from its maritime heritage to its artistic spirit.
Winter begins with celebrations like the Baltimore Winter Lights Festival, while spring ushers in the National Cherry Blossom Festival, tying Maryland to the beauty of the Washington, D.C. region. Summer is a vibrant season for outdoor festivals, including the Maryland Seafood Festival and Artscape, one of the largest free art festivals in the country. Autumn offers harvest festivals like the National Hard Crab Derby, while winter wraps up with cozy, festive events like the Christmas Village in Baltimore.
Whether you’re enjoying Old Bay-spiced crabs by the Chesapeake Bay, exploring historic sites, or dancing at a music festival, Maryland’s 2025 festival lineup promises something for everyone.
Check more: Full List of Festivals in Every State 2025: Date, Location, Significance, and Celebration
List of Festivals and Big Events in Maryland 2025
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| Festivals in Maryland 2025 |
January: Winter Celebrations
Baltimore Winter Lights Festival
- Date: January 2–7, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Significance: A spectacular light display transforming the Inner Harbor into a winter wonderland.
- Activities: Interactive light sculptures, food trucks, ice skating, and live performances.
- Tickets: $15 for adults; $10 for children under 12.
- How to Attend: Tickets available online or at the entrance; parking is available near the Inner Harbor.
Frederick Fire & Ice Festival
- Date: January 27, 2025
- Location: Frederick, MD
- Significance: A celebration of winter featuring ice sculptures and fire performances.
- Activities: Ice carving demonstrations, live music, and hot chocolate vendors.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Event takes place in downtown Frederick; street parking available.
February: Cultural and Culinary Delights
Annapolis Restaurant Week
- Date: February 19–25, 2025
- Location: Annapolis, MD
- Significance: Showcasing the culinary creativity of Annapolis with special menus and dining deals.
- Activities: Prix fixe menus at participating restaurants, cooking demos, and food tastings.
- Tickets: Prices vary by restaurant; reservations recommended.
- How to Attend: Visit the official website for participating venues and parking information.
Maryland Polar Bear Plunge
- Date: February 3, 2025
- Location: Sandy Point State Park, MD
- Significance: A fundraising event where participants plunge into the Chesapeake Bay to support Special Olympics Maryland.
- Activities: Plunge into the bay, live entertainment, and food trucks.
- Tickets: $75 registration fee for participants; spectators free.
- How to Attend: Register online; parking available on-site.
March: Springtime Celebrations
National Cherry Blossom Festival
- Date: March 20 – April 14, 2025
- Location: Washington, D.C. area, including parts of Maryland
- Significance: Celebrating the blooming of cherry blossoms with cultural events and parades.
- Activities: Cherry blossom tours, kite flying, live performances, and food vendors.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Accessible by public transit; parking is limited.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Date: March 17, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Significance: A lively parade celebrating Irish culture and heritage.
- Activities: Floats, Irish music, dancing, and traditional food and drinks.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parade route runs through downtown Baltimore; arrive early for good viewing spots.
April: Artistic Expressions
Light City Baltimore
- Date: April 19–27, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Significance: A premier light, art, and innovation festival transforming Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
- Activities: Light installations, music performances, food trucks, and technology exhibits.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Held at the Inner Harbor; parking is available nearby.
Maryland International Kite Festival
- Date: April 27–28, 2025
- Location: Ocean City, MD
- Significance: A family-friendly event featuring colorful kites flying along the beach.
- Activities: Kite flying competitions, workshops, and children’s activities.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking available near the Ocean City Boardwalk.
May: Springtime Fun
Preakness Stakes and InfieldFest
- Date: May 17, 2025
- Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD
- Significance: The second jewel of the Triple Crown, combined with a music festival for a lively atmosphere.
- Activities: Horse racing, live music performances, and food vendors.
- Tickets: Starting at $50 for general admission.
- How to Attend: Tickets sold online; parking and shuttle services available.
Chestertown Tea Party Festival
- Date: May 24–26, 2025
- Location: Chestertown, MD
- Significance: Reenacting a colonial rebellion with parades and historical events.
- Activities: Colonial-themed reenactments, food markets, and live entertainment.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Downtown parking available; arrive early for the parade.
June: Summer Begins
HonFest
- Date: June 8–9, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Significance: A quirky festival celebrating Baltimore’s unique culture and charm.
- Activities: Costume contests, local food vendors, and live music.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Held in Hampden; street parking and public transit available.
Maryland Wine Festival
- Date: June 22–23, 2025
- Location: Westminster, MD
- Significance: A premier event showcasing Maryland’s wine industry.
- Activities: Wine tastings, vineyard tours, and local food vendors.
- Tickets: $30 for general admission; VIP packages available.
- How to Attend: Tickets sold online; parking available on-site.
July: Summer Highlights
Fourth of July Fireworks at Inner Harbor
- Date: July 4, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Significance: A patriotic celebration featuring a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.
- Activities: Live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities along the waterfront.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Arrive early for prime viewing spots; parking available in nearby garages.
Artscape
- Date: July 18–20, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Significance: The largest free arts festival in the U.S., showcasing visual arts, music, and performances.
- Activities: Art exhibits, live concerts, street performers, and food vendors.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Event held in Baltimore’s cultural district; public transportation recommended.
August: Coastal Charm
Maryland Seafood Festival
- Date: August 10–11, 2025
- Location: Annapolis, MD
- Significance: A celebration of Maryland’s seafood heritage, particularly its famous crabs.
- Activities: Crab feasts, cooking demonstrations, live music, and craft vendors.
- Tickets: $15 for adults; $10 for children under 12.
- How to Attend: Tickets available online or at the gate; parking available on-site.
Chesapeake Bay Balloon and Wine Festival
- Date: August 17–18, 2025
- Location: Easton, MD
- Significance: A unique festival combining hot air balloon rides with local wine tastings.
- Activities: Balloon launches, wine tastings, and live entertainment.
- Tickets: $20 for general admission; balloon rides priced separately.
- How to Attend: Advance reservations for balloon rides recommended; parking provided at the venue.
September: Fall Beginnings
National Hard Crab Derby
- Date: September 1–2, 2025
- Location: Crisfield, MD
- Significance: A quirky and beloved crab race celebrating Maryland’s seafood traditions.
- Activities: Crab races, cooking competitions, parades, and fireworks.
- Tickets: $10 for general admission; children under 12 free.
- How to Attend: Held at Somers Cove Marina; parking available nearby.
Havre de Grace Art Show
- Date: September 15–16, 2025
- Location: Havre de Grace, MD
- Significance: A community art show featuring local and regional artists.
- Activities: Art exhibits, live music, and food vendors.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Held at Tydings Memorial Park; parking is free.
October: Harvest Festivals
Fells Point Fun Festival
- Date: October 5–6, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Significance: A historic neighborhood celebration featuring local culture and entertainment.
- Activities: Live music, craft beer tastings, artisan markets, and food trucks.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking is limited; public transit or rideshare recommended.
Autumn Glory Festival
- Date: October 11–15, 2025
- Location: Oakland, MD
- Significance: A celebration of fall foliage in Garrett County.
- Activities: Parades, craft fairs, live performances, and scenic tours.
- Tickets: Free admission; some events may require tickets.
- How to Attend: Downtown Oakland offers parking; maps available online.
November: Gratitude and Tradition
Maryland Irish Festival
- Date: November 8–10, 2025
- Location: Timonium, MD
- Significance: Celebrating Irish heritage with music, dance, and traditional foods.
- Activities: Irish music performances, dancing competitions, and cultural exhibits.
- Tickets: $15 for adults; children under 12 free.
- How to Attend: Tickets available online or at the entrance; parking provided at the venue.
Thanksgiving Parade
- Date: November 23, 2025
- Location: Silver Spring, MD
- Significance: A festive kickoff to the holiday season featuring floats and performances.
- Activities: Parade floats, marching bands, and Santa’s arrival.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parade route runs through downtown Silver Spring; arrive early for good spots.
December: Holiday Cheer
Christmas Village in Baltimore
- Date: December 1–24, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Significance: A European-style Christmas market offering gifts, food, and festive activities.
- Activities: Shopping, live music, and traditional German food and drinks.
- Tickets: Free admission; some activities may require tickets.
- How to Attend: Held at West Shore Park; parking available nearby.
Winterfest of Lights
- Date: December 15–31, 2025
- Location: Ocean City, MD
- Significance: A spectacular light display along the boardwalk and beach.
- Activities: Walking tours, hot cocoa stands, and photo opportunities.
- Tickets: $5 for general admission; children under 5 free.
- How to Attend: Parking available at designated lots; best viewed after sunset.
Conclusion
Maryland’s 2025 festival calendar showcases the state’s rich heritage, coastal beauty, and vibrant community spirit. From iconic seafood feasts like the Maryland Seafood Festival to the festive charm of the Christmas Village in Baltimore, each season offers a unique reason to celebrate. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Maryland’s festivals promise unforgettable experiences.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Maryland for festivals?
Spring and summer are packed with events like Artscape and the Maryland Wine Festival, but fall and winter bring iconic celebrations like the National Hard Crab Derby and Winterfest of Lights.
2. Are Maryland’s festivals family-friendly?
Yes, many festivals, such as the Maryland International Kite Festival and Christmas Village in Baltimore, offer activities for all ages.
3. Do I need tickets for Maryland festivals?
Some festivals, like Preakness Stakes, require tickets, while others, like Artscape, are free. Check event websites for details.
4. Are pets allowed at Maryland festivals?
Policies vary by event. Outdoor festivals like Autumn Glory Festival may allow pets, but confirm with organizers.
5. What should I pack for Maryland festivals?
Comfortable clothing, weather-appropriate gear, and essentials like sunscreen for summer or warm layers for winter events.
Plan your visit and immerse yourself in Maryland’s vibrant celebrations throughout 2025!
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