HOLLYWOOD, Md. — The Southern Maryland Heritage Festival is a new signature event for Historic Sotterley, building on the best elements of past Sotterley events to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of Southern Maryland. Now in its second year, the festival offers a diverse range of experiences, exhibitors, and activities that highlight the region’s unique traditions in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
“We took the highly successful wine festival and kicked it up a notch. We decided to bring in a wide variety of the changing culture of this region—that’s really what we’re doing,” said Beth Joseph, event planner for the festival. “There’s no other location that can get people down onto the river, out on a charter boat, and camping overnight, while also offering music, food, and all of these hands-on exhibits.”
Returning for its second year, the Southern Maryland Heritage Festival will take place May 17-18, 2025, at Historic Sotterley from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
For the first time, festivalgoers can extend their experience with on-site boondocking RV camping, offering a rare opportunity to stay overnight on the historic property.
The festival, designed to showcase the rich heritage of the tri-county region, will feature nearly 70 exhibits, including historical reenactments, live demonstrations, artisan vendors, and hands-on activities across Sotterley’s 94-acre site. Organizers estimate that visitors will need both days to experience everything the event has to offer.
Attendees can explore Southern Maryland’s diverse heritage, shaped by the Patuxent Naval Air Station, the Maryland Tobacco Buyout, and local agricultural traditions. Exhibits will range from Revolutionary War militia reenactments to lavender farming and a gallery featuring “Vanishing Landscapes.”
Featured experiences include:
- Boat trips with Bunky’s Charter Boats to explore the region’s waterways
- Antique tractor pull by the Southern Maryland Antique Power Association
- Jousting competitions, Maryland’s official state sport
- Beekeeping demonstrations and chicken farming
- Clydesdales from Suttler Post Farms
- Hunting dog demonstrations from the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association
- See the full lineup here!
Food lovers can enjoy stuffed ham demonstrations and a variety of local fare, including a “pig pickin”, highlighting all of Southern Maryland’s signature flavors. The festival will also feature beer and wine vendors from the Liquid Assets Trail, highlighting local wineries, breweries, cider makers, and craft beer, along with the famous 10 oz Budweiser.
“I really hope people come out of there with some ideas—whether it’s discovering how fantastic the local wine and food is, wanting to buy an oyster float to help clean the bay, or even making a list of museums and historic sites to visit after the event,” Joseph said.
The weekend will also feature live music, with performances by HyraFX, Copper Pennies, MainStreet Band, All Funked Up, and several more.
Ticket Pricing & Registration
- Two-Day Pass (Adults): $18 in advance, $25 at the gate
- One-Day Pass (Adults): $10 in advance, $15 at the gate
- Children 12 & Under: Free
- RV Camping Pass: $100 (includes two adult two-day tickets)
For more information, event updates, and ticket sales, visit Historic Sotterley’s website.
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