Historic St. Mary’s City will host MarylandFest 2026 on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a family-friendly celebration of Maryland culture, food, drink and traditions.
The event, sponsored by Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation and Patuxent Dental, expands on the former Beerfest with live music, local vendors, activities for all ages and signature Maryland experiences. It takes place on the grounds of the living history museum in St. Mary’s City.
Live music will feature HydraFX and the Annapolis-based band 8 Ohms. Other highlights include performances by the Foggy Bottom Morris Dancers and a traditional Maypole Dance. Crab Derby races run throughout the day, and guests can participate in the Maryland Pride Dog Parade by dressing their dogs in red, yellow and black. The Maryland Dove will offer deck tours, and Miss Maryland 2025 Maria Derisavi, also Miss St. Mary’s County, will make an appearance.
Local food, beer, wine and spirits vendors, along with craft vendors, will be on site. Family activities include inflatables, crafts and additional entertainment. Tours of the outdoor museum will run during the event.
Admission costs $5 for ages 12 and older. Children 11 and under enter free.
“This is Maryland,” organizers stated in the announcement.
The festival builds on the success of its inaugural year and positions itself as a signature spring event welcoming visitors from across Southern Maryland and the broader region.
Parking is available in the primary grass field off Old State House Road with attendants directing traffic. Overflow parking is at St. Mary’s College of Maryland Lot K across the street. Attendees should bring lawn chairs, personal fans and blankets. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome. Coolers, tents or tarps, outside alcohol and smoking or vaping of any substance are prohibited. Food, drinks and Maryland-themed merchandise will be available for purchase from vendors. Identification is required for alcohol sales.
Historic St. Mary’s City serves as a museum of living history and archaeology dedicated to telling the diverse stories of Maryland’s founding. The site offers a scenic backdrop for the festival, allowing visitors to experience both modern celebration and historical context in one location.
Southern Maryland residents in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties frequently attend events at Historic St. Mary’s City, a key cultural and tourism destination that draws thousands annually. The May 2 festival provides an accessible spring outing for families seeking local entertainment without traveling far. The area’s rich history, combined with waterfront views and open spaces, makes it a natural venue for community gatherings that celebrate regional identity.
MarylandFest shifts from the previous Beerfest format to a broader celebration suitable for all ages while retaining popular elements such as live music and vendor offerings. Organizers aim to highlight Maryland pride through food, music, dance and interactive activities.
For more information, including vendor lists and schedule updates, visit www.hsmcevents.com/marylandfest. The Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation can be reached at 301-994-4370 or 800-SMC-1634, or by email at hsmcc.info@maryland.gov.
The event encourages attendees to dress in Maryland colors of red, yellow and black. Organizers describe it as a day to come for the food, stay for the fun and celebrate the spirit of Maryland.
This gathering supports local businesses through vendor participation and boosts tourism in St. Mary’s County, one of Southern Maryland’s primary economic drivers alongside agriculture, defense and health care. Families can enjoy a low-cost afternoon that combines entertainment with education about the state’s heritage.
No rain date was announced. Attendees should check the website for weather-related updates closer to May 2.
MarylandFest aligns with other spring events in Southern Maryland that showcase local culture and draw regional crowds. Its location in Historic St. Mary’s City reinforces the area’s role as a center for historical interpretation and community celebration.
