14 Maryland Seafood Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss
Maryland and seafood go hand in hand, with traditions rooted as deeply as the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Locals crack open blue crabs, savor the snap of fresh oysters, and gather year after year to celebrate it all at bustling festivals.
These events aren’t just about filling plates – they’re about music, community, and a proud taste of Mid-Atlantic heritage served with plenty of butter and Old Bay.
1. Maryland Seafood Festival – Annapolis
Crabs crack and music flows at Sandy Point State Park each September during this Chesapeake tradition. The famous crab soup cook-off pits local chefs against each other in a delicious battle for supremacy.
Kids bounce in the dedicated zone while adults sample fresh catches and watch cooking demonstrations. General admission gets you in the door, but bring extra cash for the mouthwatering seafood and refreshing drinks available throughout the grounds.
2. National Hard Crab Derby & Fair – Crisfield
Only in Maryland would racing crabs become a beloved Labor Day tradition! At Somers Cove Marina, numbered crustaceans scuttle across circular tracks while spectators cheer on their favorites like they’re thoroughbreds at the Preakness.
I’ll never forget watching my daughter’s face light up when her chosen crab (#7) actually won its heat – she talked about it for months!
Between races, the crab cooking and picking contests showcase local skills while a spectacular fireworks display caps off the festivities.
3. J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake – Crisfield
Politicians, locals, and seafood lovers converge on Somers Cove Marina for this legendary Eastern Shore feast. The all-you-can-eat format transforms normally polite diners into enthusiastic seafood warriors, armed with mallets and picks.
Steamed crabs pile high on paper-covered tables alongside tender clams, fresh fish, buttery corn, and juicy watermelon slices.
Named for a former Maryland governor, this September tradition has become as much about the social scene as the incredible food itself.
4. Fell’s Point Oyster Fest – Baltimore
Historic cobblestone streets transform into an oyster lover’s paradise during this September celebration at Broadway Square. Shuckers work furiously behind tables laden with ice, opening fresh bivalves for eager customers.
The distinctive smell of the harbor mingles with music floating through the air. Last year, I discovered a tiny pearl in my sixth oyster – the vendor let me keep it as a souvenir!
Your purchase supports good causes too, with proceeds benefiting local community development and oyster restoration efforts.
5. Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Festival – Havre de Grace
Concord Point Lighthouse provides a picture-perfect backdrop for this September celebration of Maryland’s twin loves: seafood and local libations. Tasting stations dot the waterfront grounds, offering everything from creamy crab dip to perfectly steamed shrimp.
Wine glasses clink as visitors sample vintages from regional vineyards. Chef demonstrations reveal the secrets behind favorite seafood dishes, while a dedicated family zone keeps younger visitors entertained with maritime-themed activities and games.
6. OysterFest at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – St. Michaels
Museum grounds come alive with the sounds of oyster knives tapping against shells during this late October celebration. Smoke rises from roasting stations where bivalves sizzle to perfection, while nearby fryers bubble with golden-brown oyster fritters.
The annual oyster stew contest brings out fierce but friendly competition among local chefs. Children gather around touch tanks to learn about bay ecology from marine scientists, connecting the delicious food on their plates to the living ecosystem of the Chesapeake.
7. St. Mary’s County Crab Festival – Leonardtown
Blue crabs reign supreme at this June celebration run by the dedicated volunteers of the Leonardtown Lions Club. Mallets crack in unison as visitors tackle piles of perfectly seasoned steamed crabs at communal tables under open-air tents.
The aroma of crab cakes sizzling on griddles mingles with the sweet smell of corn on the cob. Community spirit defines this grassroots festival, where proceeds support local causes while showcasing Southern Maryland’s most famous culinary treasure in every imaginable preparation.
8. Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival – Coltons Point
Smooth saxophone notes drift across the water at St. Clement’s Island Museum during this sophisticated July gathering. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, this festival pairs the cool sounds of jazz with hot seafood specialties in a setting that can’t be beat.
Visitors spread blankets on the waterfront lawn, sipping wine while watching boats bob in the harbor. The Saturday main event features multiple jazz performances that continue into the evening, creating the perfect soundtrack for savoring Southern Maryland’s finest seafood under the stars.
9. Ocean City Seafood Festival – Ocean City
Northside Park transforms into a seafood lover’s paradise during this September celebration that showcases Ocean City’s restaurant scene. Though new to the festival circuit, this event has quickly become a local favorite for its impressive lineup of seafood offerings.
Top chefs from coastal eateries demonstrate their signature dishes on the main stage. The tantalizing smell of Old Bay seasoning wafts through the air as families gather around picnic tables with trays of steamed crabs, crispy fish tacos, and creamy crab dip.
10. Chesapeake City Seafood Festival – Chesapeake City
The charming town along the C&D Canal bursts with activity during this mid-September weekend celebration. Historic buildings provide a picturesque backdrop as seafood vendors line the waterfront, offering everything from fried oyster sandwiches to crab-topped fries.
I once spent an entire afternoon here watching massive cargo ships pass through the canal while sampling every type of seafood imaginable!
Live music echoes through town as visitors stroll between venues, creating a progressive feast that showcases this small town’s big maritime heritage.
11. Rock Hall FallFest: Celebrate the Oyster – Rock Hall
Main Street in this quaint Eastern Shore town comes alive with oyster celebrations every October. Local watermen shuck bivalves on the spot, offering them raw on the half-shell or chargrilled with special toppings that highlight their briny sweetness.
The small-town atmosphere makes this festival particularly charming. Children create nautical crafts in the kids’ court while adults sample different varieties of Chesapeake oysters.
Merchants open their doors for special sales, adding shopping opportunities to this seafood-centric street party.
12. Taste of Cambridge: Crab Cook-Off & Festival – Cambridge
Culinary competition reaches fever pitch during this September showdown in downtown Cambridge. Chefs battle for bragging rights in both “crab cake” and “crab specialty” categories, with festival-goers casting votes for their favorites after sampling bite-sized portions.
The streets fill with the mouthwatering aroma of Old Bay seasoning and butter. My cousin still talks about the chocolate-covered crab chips she tried here three years ago – surprisingly delicious!
Local bands provide the soundtrack as visitors stroll between tasting stations with a scorecard in hand.
13. Rescue Fire Company “Seafood Feast-i-Val” – Cambridge
Hungry crowds line up early at Governor’s Hall for this legendary all-you-can-eat August extravaganza benefiting local firefighters. The feast unfolds rain or shine, with mountains of steamed crabs, fried fish, clams, and traditional sides covering long tables.
Families return year after year, making this a true community tradition. The volunteer firefighters themselves often serve the food, creating a personal connection between diners and those who protect the community.
Come hungry – seconds and thirds aren’t just allowed, they’re encouraged at this no-frills seafood celebration.
14. Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning – Annapolis Maritime Museum
Winter officially ends when Annapolitans gather in March to burn their winter socks and welcome boating season. This quirky maritime tradition at the Annapolis Maritime Museum pairs perfectly with mountains of roasted oysters and flowing libations.
The ceremonial sock burning happens mid-afternoon – boat captains toss old socks into a bonfire while reciting nautical poetry. I watched in amazement as an 80-year-old waterman tossed his holey socks while reciting the traditional verse from memory!
Oyster shucking contests and live music round out this uniquely Chesapeake celebration.