On Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Historic St. Mary’s City will host the 18th annual RiverFest, a free, family-friendly celebration of the St. Mary’s River organized by the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA). Rain or shine, Southern Maryland residents can enjoy live music, wildlife encounters, Chesapeake Bay Retriever demonstrations, and hands-on activities, all while honoring the region’s waterways. The event, held at the scenic waterfront and grounds of Historic St. Mary’s City, offers a day of education and fun, drawing attention to the importance of protecting the St. Mary’s River and the broader Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
The day’s highlight is the ceremonial river wade-in at 2 p.m., a tribute to former Maryland State Senator Bernie Fowler, who championed clean water initiatives. Participants will gather under the Margaret Brent Pavilion after the Eastport Oyster Boys’ performance and walk to the waterfront, wading into the river until they can no longer see their feet—a measure of water clarity known as the “Sneaker Index.” Attendees are encouraged to bring water shoes and a change of clothes for this interactive tradition, which underscores the ongoing need to improve water quality in the St. Mary’s River.
there to teach us all how to kayak.
face painting and make-and-take crafts.
tradition demonstrates how water clarity is linked to water quality and honors the late
Sen. Bernie Fowler
Music sets the tone for RiverFest, with the Eastport Oyster Boys headlining from noon to 2 p.m. on the main stage at the Margaret Brent Pavilion. Known for their island-rhythm tunes infused with Chesapeake Bay tales and humor, the band celebrates the region’s maritime heritage. Earlier, from 11 a.m. to noon, fourth graders from Chesapeake Public Charter School will perform songs and narratives about protecting the Bay, emphasizing youth engagement in conservation. Closing the musical lineup, Indian Summer, a RiverFest regular, will take the stage from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., blending local storytelling with music.
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. Raptor’s Eye will showcase live birds of prey, discussing their critical role in the ecosystem. Chad Day’s Chesapeake Bay Retriever demonstrations, scheduled at noon, 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on the State House lawn, highlight the breed’s historical significance in Southern Maryland’s water-based activities. The Forrest Technology Center’s Natural Resource Management Program and NAS Patuxent River’s Natural Resources Department will offer up-close encounters with snakes, turtles, and other native species under the pavilion. At the waterfront, Team River Runner Southern Maryland provides free kayaking, while experts lead fish seining to teach about aquatic life.
RiverFest caters to families with free activities like balloon animals, face painting, and crafts. Visitors can enjoy lunch from El Coqui, Southern Maryland’s first Puerto Rican restaurant, and browse exhibits from over 25 local vendors along the path from the pavilion to the State House. Educational activities include making a Secchi disk with St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Biology Department to measure water clarity, participating in a marine scene stamp-and-splash activity, or planting native seeds to take home. These hands-on experiences teach “101 ways to protect and enjoy our waterways,” as noted by SMRWA.
The event coincides with Historic St. Mary’s City Museum’s free admission day, allowing visitors to explore living history exhibits. The St. Maries Citty Militia’s annual muster, a re-enactment of a 17th-century militia assembly, adds historical flair, with costumed interpreters preparing to defend the colony against Virginians and pirates. Tours of the Maryland Dove and Rainbow vessels offer a glimpse into the life of a waterman, complemented by oyster tonging demonstrations that connect to the region’s oyster restoration efforts.
RiverFest’s free admission and activities, including kayaking, crafts, and drinks, are made possible by sponsors and volunteers. “This event brings our community together to celebrate and protect the St. Mary’s River,” said Emma Ewing of SMRWA. For Southern Maryland residents, particularly in St. Mary’s County, RiverFest is a cherished tradition that highlights the river’s ecological and cultural significance. The St. Mary’s River, a key tributary of the Potomac, supports diverse wildlife and recreational activities like fishing and kayaking, but faces challenges from pollution and development, as noted by the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Attendees can learn more and register for updates at http://www.smrwa.org/riverfest.html or by emailing emmasmrwa@gmail.com. The event’s blend of entertainment, education, and community engagement makes it a cornerstone of Southern Maryland’s environmental calendar, encouraging residents to take an active role in preserving their waterways for future generations.
