SOLOMONS, Md. — The Calvert Marine Museum is inviting families to celebrate one of the ocean’s most iconic predators during its annual Sharkfest on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The popular event combines education, hands-on activities, and up-close marine encounters in Southern Maryland’s premier marine history and paleontology destination.
New this year, live sharks will be on display indoors in the museum’s Harms Gallery. This climate-controlled setting allows visitors to observe these remarkable animals safely and comfortably while learning about shark biology, conservation, and their critical role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. To prioritize animal welfare, touching the sharks will not be permitted.
Attendees can participate in shark-themed crafts, interactive education stations, and engaging activities suitable for all ages. Young paleontologists will enjoy discovering “sharktoids” — fossil evidence of prehistoric sharks — and exploring the ancient marine world that once thrived in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay region. The Calvert Marine Museum is renowned for its extensive fossil collection, including significant shark-related specimens from local Miocene-era deposits.
The Museum Store will host a Sharkfest Guessing Game, challenging visitors to estimate the number of shark teeth in a jar. The closest guess without going over wins a prize, with the winner announced at 3 p.m. One entry per visitor is allowed, and participants need not be present to claim the prize.
Sharkfest consistently draws large crowds as one of the museum’s signature family events. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended for non-members due to limited capacity. Museum members enjoy free admission. For safety and crowd management, strollers and carts will not be permitted inside the museum during the event.
Located in Solomons, the Calvert Marine Museum serves as a vital cultural and educational hub for Calvert County and the broader Southern Maryland region. It showcases the area’s rich maritime heritage, estuarine biology, and paleontological treasures. Events like Sharkfest help connect visitors with marine science and conservation topics while supporting the museum’s mission.
Tickets and full event details are available at calvertmarinemuseum.com. Families are encouraged to plan ahead for a memorable day of shark-themed adventure and learning.
