LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The 25th anniversary of the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival will begin with a “Jazz at Sunset Affair on the Potomac” on July 10, 2025, at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park in St. Mary’s County. The exclusive evening event, scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., will invite jazz enthusiasts to celebrate the milestone with live music, local seafood, and scenic views of the Potomac River, launching the three-day festival.
The opening night will feature a performance by Higher Standards, whose live jazz will set the tone for an intimate gathering under the stars. Attendees will enjoy seafood hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine from local wineries, and handcrafted cocktails while exploring the historic grounds of Piney Point Lighthouse. Tickets, priced at $85 per person or $160 per couple for those 21 and older, include food, live music, and two free glasses of wine. The ticketed event will serve as a fundraiser for the St. Mary’s County Museums, supporting their educational programs and preservation efforts.
The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival, a Mid-Atlantic tradition since 1999, has grown into a three-day event, a format adopted in 2019 for its 20th anniversary. That year, the festival received the Maryland Office of Tourism’s “Maximizing Opportunities Award,” the only event in the state to earn this recognition. Attracting nearly 1,000 jazz enthusiasts annually, the festival highlights national jazz talent and St. Mary’s County’s culinary specialties, particularly its seafood, set against the Potomac River’s scenic backdrop.
The July 10 event will take place at Piney Point Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses on the Potomac, constructed in 1836. Guests will have the opportunity to climb the lighthouse for panoramic views or relax on the beach, with the grounds illuminated by silver and candlelight to mark the silver anniversary. The cruise-style setting will encourage dancing and mingling, blending sophistication with the waterfront’s relaxed charm.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of St. Clement’s Island & Piney Point Museums, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving St. Mary’s County’s historic sites. Key partners include the St. Mary’s County Museum Division, St. Mary’s County Arts Council, and Visit St. Mary’s MD, all working to sustain the festival’s legacy. The event will highlight the region’s cultural and historical significance, drawing visitors to Maryland’s Mother County for a weekend of music and community engagement.
The festival’s opening day is expected to set a high standard for the weekend, reinforcing its reputation for combining world-class jazz with local flavors. Since its inception, the event has evolved from a single-day gathering to a regional tradition, celebrating St. Mary’s County’s heritage and natural beauty. The Piney Point venue, with its lighthouse and keeper’s quarters, will provide a unique setting that enhances the evening’s exclusivity.
Organizers are encouraging early ticket purchases due to the event’s popularity and limited capacity. The fundraiser’s proceeds will directly support the county’s museums, which preserve Southern Maryland’s artifacts and history. As the festival approaches, it remains a cornerstone of St. Mary’s County’s cultural calendar, offering visitors a chance to experience its scenic waterfront and vibrant arts scene. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit the festival’s official site.
