Boats, Bites And Free Fun: Solomons Maritime Festival Celebrates 20 Years

SOLOMONS, Md. — Boats on the water, music in the air and the smell of fresh seafood cooking — the Solomons Maritime Festival returns Saturday, May 2, bringing a full day of free, hands-on fun to the Calvert Marine Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Now celebrating its 20th year, the annual festival has grown into one of Southern Maryland’s signature waterfront events, connecting thousands of visitors with the region’s deep-rooted maritime heritage through interactive and family-friendly experiences.

Hosted by the Calvert Marine Museum, the festival not only highlights life on the water but also invites visitors to explore the museum’s exhibits, grounds and working waterfront throughout the day.

Celebrate the traditions that define Southern Maryland — from life on the water to the creativity and community that continue to shape the region today. The festival offers a chance to slow down, step into the past and experience the heritage that has long been at the heart of local life.

Throughout the day, the boat basin becomes a hub of activity with free boat rides, radio-controlled model boat demonstrations and opportunities to try rowing and pedaling on the water. Kids can jump into toy boat building, while working watermen demonstrations give a firsthand look at the skills and traditions passed down through generations.

Inside and around the museum grounds, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits and community displays, including the CMM Fossil Club and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Guided bird walks, spinning and weaving demonstrations and a Quilts of Valor display add even more to discover throughout the day.

Live Music Schedule

Food And Cooking Demonstrations

Food takes center stage at this year’s festival with local culinary partners who help bring Chesapeake traditions to life through live demonstrations in front of the Exhibition Building.

• Soft Crabs with Melissa McCormick — 11:30 a.m. to noon
• Preparing Crab Cakes with Melissa McCormick — 12:30 to 1 p.m.
• Oyster Shucking with John Fulchirion — 1:30 to 2 p.m.
• Stuffing Ham with Danny Huseman — 3 to 3:30 p.m.

Each demonstration offers a step-by-step look at how these iconic regional dishes are prepared — from cleaning and cooking soft shell crabs to crafting traditional crab cakes, mastering oyster shucking and preparing Southern Maryland’s signature stuffed ham.

Throughout the day, Calvert Marine Museum also hosts food vendors across the grounds, serving up fresh seafood and festival favorites, giving visitors the chance to taste the flavors of the Chesapeake while exploring everything the event has to offer.

Visitors can also step aboard history with dockside tours of the Dee of St. Mary’s or enjoy 30-minute cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison, a 1899 sailing bugeye that once worked the Chesapeake Bay as an oyster dredging vessel. Now preserved by the Calvert Marine Museum, the Tennison offers a rare chance to experience a piece of the region’s working waterfront past while out on the water.

With something happening around every corner, the Solomons Maritime Festival offers a laid-back, come-and-go atmosphere perfect for families, friends and anyone looking to enjoy a day on the water.

Make it a day. Walk the docks, catch a performance, grab something fresh, explore the museum and reconnect with the traditions that make Southern Maryland unique.

Calvert Marine Museum | 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD

Plan your visit and view the full schedule: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com

Free admission | Saturday, May 2 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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