The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival is set to celebrate its 25th silver anniversary with a four-day event from July 10-13, 2025, in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Recognized as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier jazz festivals, this milestone celebration will bring together nationally acclaimed jazz artists, locally sourced seafood, and breathtaking views along the Potomac River.
For the past 25 years, the festival has drawn nearly 1,000 attendees annually, offering a unique combination of live music and Southern Maryland’s culinary traditions. The 2025 event will feature multiple days of performances, special dining experiences, and scenic excursions designed to immerse guests in the region’s rich culture.
The celebration will begin on Thursday, July 10, with an evening of jazz at Piney Point Lighthouse. Guests will enjoy a waterfront setting, live music by Higher Standards, and a selection of seafood hors d’oeuvres paired with local wines. The event is designed to provide an intimate, relaxed atmosphere where attendees can take in the sunset while enjoying classic jazz melodies.
On Friday, July 11, the festival will continue with an art and music fusion event at St. Clement’s Island Museum. Artists will have the opportunity to paint the scenic surroundings during the day before the evening’s free concert on the museum lawn. The U.S. Navy Band, The Commodores, will headline the performance, with an opening set by the St. Mary’s Ryken Jazz Band. Food trucks and vendors will be on-site, providing a selection of festival-style cuisine.
The main event will take place on Saturday, July 12, at St. Clement’s Island Museum. Jazz fans will be treated to performances by Casual Groove, Rebecca Jade, Andréa Lisa, and Chelsey Green. Attendees can also browse vendor booths featuring handcrafted items, sample a variety of local seafood dishes, and take a complimentary water taxi to St. Clement’s Island. General admission and VIP ticket options are available for those looking to enhance their experience with priority seating and additional amenities.
On Sunday, July 13, the festival will close with a jazz brunch at Riverview Restaurant at Wicomico Shores Golf Course. The brunch will feature live music and a scenic dining experience overlooking the water. Guests will have the option to extend their morning with a round of golf, creating a relaxing conclusion to the weekend.
For those looking to take their festival experience to the next level, a series of exclusive jazz cruises will also be offered on Sunday. Departing from St. Clement’s Island Museum, these two-hour excursions will feature live performances by Sax Appeal, along with curated food and beverage pairings. With only a limited number of spots available for each cruise, early reservations are strongly encouraged.
Tickets for general admission, VIP packages, and all specialty events are available online at www.PotomacJazzFest.com. Guests can also stay updated on festival details by following the event’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SCIMuseum/events.
Proceeds from the festival support the Friends of St. Clement’s Island & Piney Point Museums, which works to preserve and promote historical sites throughout St. Mary’s County. The festival is made possible through partnerships with the St. Mary’s County Museum Division, the St. Mary’s County Arts Council, and other local organizations dedicated to celebrating the arts and culture of the region.
