Welcome to the Top 10 Events in Maryland
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of Maryland, including events in Baltimore and Ocean City.Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
July
Annapolis, Maryland
Beginning with an Independence Day Parade through the city's downtown area, the celebrations continue with the band concert at City Dock followed by the fireworks launched from a barge in the Annapolis Harbor. Generally, the best viewing areas from City Dock will be at Susan Campbell Park.
For more information visit: www.annapolis.gov/event.asp?id=12926
White Marlin Open
August
Harbour Island, Maryland
The world’s largest billfish tournament, the White Marlin Open is an event that can be fun and exciting for the spectators as well as the anglers. All fish must be weighed on the official scale at Harbour Island each day of the tournament from 4:00 to 9:15 PM and are open to the public free of charge. As the week goes on, the suspense builds, as potential lottery sized fortunes change hands with a tip of the scale.
There are prizes for catching white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin & shark. Between 300 and 400 boats participate each year for $3.5 million in prize money.
For more information visit: www.whitemarlinopen.com
Delmarva Bike Week
September
Ocean City, Maryland
Motorcycle industry leaders gather with more than 200 vendors & 100,000 motorcycle enthusiasts for four days of rides, fun, games, contests & free concerts.
For more information visit: www.delmarvabikeweek.com
Germantown OktoberFEST
October
Germantown, Maryland
Oktoberfest is Montgomery County Maryland’s flagship Upcounty event at which people from all over come together to celebrate the community and heritage. Germantown Oktoberfest offers a wonderful, fun-filled day of live music and performances, delicious food, kids’ games & inflatables, exhibits by local crafters and businesses, the ever-famous Germantown Oktoberfest Biergarten, and a spectacular display of fireworks to end a perfect day!
For more information visit: www.GermantownOktoberfest.org
Sunfest
September
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City’s biggest & best festival. Fine art, distinctive crafts, performers on two stages & a variety of food vendors including gourmet delights & Eastern Shore specialties. Fall children’s activities include pumpkin decorating, hayrides & inflatables on the beach. Highlights include the Adler’s Treasure Hunt and free continuous entertainment with the exception of ticketed evening headline entertainers.
For more information visit: www.ococean.com/sunfest.html
Waterfowl Festival
November
Easton, Maryland
The ultimate weekend for the sophisticated sportsman or art lover. Twelve venues throughout Easton feature world-class wildlife paintings, sculpture, carvings and photos. Collectible decoys, sporting gear and adventures to delight every outdoorsman. A wine tasting pavilion not to be missed. Also scheduled are World Championship Calling Contests, decoy auctions, retriever, fly-fishing and stunt dog demonstrations, kid's activities, and evening concerts. A festive atmosphere topped by great food and music make this event a must each November
For more information visit: www.waterfowlfestival.org
Winterfest of Lights
November / December
Ocean City, Maryland
Now with more than 1,000,000 lights and hundreds of displays, the 2 1/2-month celebration draws thousands of visitors to Northside Park at 125th Street and bayside and the Ocean City Inlet.
From mid-November through January, visitors can see unique light setups befitting a seaside resort, with Surfing Santas, animated Sharks, Santa hooking a Marlin from a charter boat, jumping Marlin, and Santa playing softball.
At Northside Park, the centerpiece of the celebration, visitors are welcomed by a magnificent sand sculpture and the city's 60-foot Christmas tree.
For more information visit:
www.beach-net.com/events/winterfest/winterfest1.html
BaltimoreThanksgiving Parade
November
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore's Thanksgiving Parade kicks off the holiday season with spectacular floats, gigantic balloons, marching bands, cheerleading teams, and community and cultural groups, and the official arrival of Santa Claus to Baltimore.
After the parade, children can stop by Santa's Place, coordinated by Harborplace & The Gallery, to sit on his lap, share their holiday wishes, and have their picture taken.
For more information visit:
www.promotionandarts.com/index.cfm?page=events&id=13
Festival of Trees
November
Timonium, Maryland
The largest holiday-themed event in the Mid-Atlantic region, the Festival of Trees features more than 500 beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses plus holiday crafts shopping at more than over 100 craft boutiques, hourly live entertainment and, of course, Santa!
The three day extravaganza takes place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds
For more information visit: http://festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org
A Monumental Occasion
December
Baltimore, Maryland
A tradition more than 36 years, Mount Vernon Place celebrates the holiday season and annual lighting of the Washington Monument with an evening of choir performances, strolling entertainment, and more.
A Monumental Occasion takes place Thursday, December 4 with pre-event festivities at 5:30p.m. in Mount Vernon. The ceremony begins at 6p.m. with the official lighting at approximately 6:50 p.m. The evening includes performances, strolling entertainment, refreshments, and the official lighting by the mayor. The event ends with a colorful fireworks finale choreographed to music.
For more information visit: www.godowntownbaltimore.com/index.cfm
