SOLOMONS, Md. — Southern Maryland’s deep maritime roots will take center stage Saturday, May 2, 2026, as the Calvert Marine Museum hosts its annual Solomons Maritime Festival, a free family-friendly celebration of Chesapeake Bay heritage from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The waterfront event transforms the museum grounds into a vibrant showcase of regional traditions, offering visitors a full day of hands-on experiences, live music, educational demonstrations and on-the-water adventures. Guests can step aboard the historic Wm. B. Tennison for free 30-minute cruises and tour the Dee of St. Mary’s dockside. Throughout the day, free boat rides, rowing and pedal boat opportunities, and radio-controlled model boat operation in the boat basin will keep families engaged, while children can participate in toy boat building and other interactive activities.
Inside the museum, attendees can explore exhibits and join demonstrations by the CMM Fossil Club and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Guided bird walks, spinning and weaving sessions, and a special Quilts of Valor display honoring military service members will highlight both natural and cultural elements of the region. Traditional craftspeople will demonstrate wood carving and maritime toolmaking across the grounds, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever demonstrations will delight animal enthusiasts.
Food plays a starring role in the festival’s celebration of local heritage. Live cooking demonstrations outside the Exhibition Building will feature regional specialties, with experts showing how to prepare soft crabs, craft crab cakes, shuck oysters and stuff ham using time-honored Chesapeake techniques.
Maritime enthusiasts will find plenty to explore at the popular Antique Boat & Marine Engine Show and the Solomons Small Craft Gathering, where vintage vessels and engines are displayed and discussed. The Nautical Flea Market, hosted by the Patuxent Small Craft Guild, offers unique finds while supporting the guild’s educational programming.
Live music will fill the air at the Motto Mortgage Preferred & RE/MAX Waterside Pavilion with a lineup rooted in regional sounds:
- Folk Salad, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Patuxent High School A Cappella Group, 12–1 p.m.
- Dance Hall Ghost, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
- The Paulverizers, 3–4 p.m.
Admission to both the festival and museum is free, making the event an affordable way for residents and visitors of all ages to connect with Southern Maryland’s seafaring past. The festival underscores the area’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing its working waterfront legacy.
Sponsors include the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, Calvert County Watermen’s Association, Calvert Marina LLC, and the Patuxent Small Craft Guild. Their support ensures the event remains accessible while celebrating the skills and traditions that define the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay communities.
The Solomons Maritime Festival provides a perfect spring outing for families seeking an authentic taste of local culture. From the scent of crab cakes on the breeze to the creak of historic vessel decks and the rhythm of live folk music, the day offers a rich immersion in the maritime life that has shaped Southern Maryland for generations.
For more information, contact Sherry Reid, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, at 410-326-2042 ext. 8085, or visit the Calvert Marine Museum’s website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com and its Facebook page for updates.
This annual gathering not only entertains but also educates, reminding attendees of the vital role waterways have played — and continue to play — in the region’s economy, recreation and identity. As Southern Maryland grows, events like the Solomons Maritime Festival help maintain strong connections to the past while welcoming new generations to the shores.
