Only-In-Maryland Seafood Festivals
Get a taste of the local catch at one of the many seafood festivals around the state.
We Marylanders are modest folk, except when it comes to one thing—we have hands-down the best seafood in the world! There’s no better way to celebrate that than by attending a Maryland seafood festival. Catch some iconic Maryland events, bringing together great people, amazing music, big-time family fun, and in case we didn’t mention it, the best seafood in the world. If you’re hungry for more, explore along the Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail to find the best restaurants, markets, tours and more.
Join us on the water to enjoy fare from some of Baltimore’s best food and drink establishments and listen to great local live music—all while sipping on delicious craft beer and specialty cocktails.
Sitting on the banks of the Potomac River at the crown of the Chesapeake, charming, walkable Havre de Grace is the perfect backdrop for this world-class wine and seafood festival. With seafood restaurants from across the region joining food trucks and vendors at the base of the iconic Concord Point Lighthouse in the heart of town, it’s simply not to be missed.
One of the biggest and best seafood festivals in the world, the Maryland Seafood Festival turns the banks of the Chesapeake into an unforgettable feast and party! Located at Sandy Point State Park, this Annapolis event is famous for its crab soup cook-off and offers delicious seafood, eclectic music and fun activities on the beach.
Most years, "A Taste of Chesapeake" is a family-friendly seafood festival with a hometown feel. Set in Historic Chesapeake City and hosted in partnership with the Chesapeake City Volunteer Fire Department, you’ll get your fill of Maryland seafood, sip local beers and wines, and take home a souvenir.
Held in October when the wild oysters are ready and the crabs are extra heavy, Rock Hall Fallfest celebrates this tidewater town’s heritage as a watermen's oasis at the start of the traditional oyster harvesting season. Try a variety of Chesapeake Bay favorites, shop local vendors, listen to live music and find fun for the whole family.
A true Maryland institution, the J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake is a must-attend, see-and-be-seen event, and your ticket to all-you-can-eat crabs, clams, fish, corn on the cob, and watermelon. The annual celebration takes place on the Eastern Shore and is named in honor of Crisfield native, J. Millard Tawes, Maryland's 54th Governor. Stay awhile and explore more top things to do in Crisfield.
Witness the crowning of King Oyster and the National Oyster Shucking Championships & National Oyster Cook-Off at one of the longest standing seafood festivals in Maryland. A true can’t miss event, the shuck-off is the most delicious sporting event on Earth!
OysterFest brings you everything you’d expect from a Maryland seafood festival and more. Taste sweet steamed oysters, oyster fritters and crab cakes with music and competitions galore. Held at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, take a break from the festivities to explore the exhibits or take a boat ride.
Crisfield's National Hard Crab Derby is an annual Labor Day weekend event. The unique crab themed festival features crab races, crab cooking and picking contests, arts and crafts, vendors, live entertainment, beauty pageants, a parade, fireworks and more.
The Saint Mary’s County Crab Festival in Leonardtown serves up steamed hard crab, crab soups, crab cakes, and other seafood favorites, but that’s not all! Watch or join a crab-picking contest, tour the classic car show, shop homemade gifts and enjoy some live tunes. Leonardtown is part of the Southern Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail, and there are plenty more iconic experiences to discover along the route.
Seafood and jazz lovers won’t want to miss the soulful summer celebration at the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival. Performers, restaurants, vendors and friends come together at the St. Clement's Island Museum in Colton's Point year after year. This event supports the museum and its educational programs, which trace the route of the first settlers on St. Clement’s Island in the 1600s. If you haven’t explored Southern Maryland, stick around to discover maritime history, local wines, and more.
Get the history behind our famed Maryland blue crabs and sweet Chesapeake oysters during Tilghman Island Day. From oyster shucking and crab picking, to nautical crafts and boat building demonstrations, immerse yourself in the life of a Chesapeake Bay waterman.
All-you-can-eat menu includes steamed crabs, crab soup, fried clams and more. Named a Top 100 event by the American Bus Association. Come out rain or shine to Sailwinds Park.