Summer in Maryland means one thing above all else: crabs piled high on brown paper, plenty of seasoning on your fingers, and a band playing somewhere in the background. Across the state, small towns and waterfront communities throw festivals that celebrate the blue crab and everything else that comes from the Chesapeake.
Some are decades old, some raise money for good causes, and all of them mix good food with live music and family fun. If you love a reason to gather outdoors near the water, this list is for you.
Here are nine Maryland seafood festivals worth marking on your calendar, each one bringing its own flavor to the season. Grab a mallet, bring your appetite, and get ready to plan a summer full of Chesapeake tradition.
1. Maryland Seafood Festival, Annapolis, Maryland
Held at Sandy Point State Park with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in view, this is one of the biggest and best known seafood gatherings in the state. The setting alone makes it stand out, with sandy beach access right beside the festival grounds…