Family Building Sandcastle
Maryland Office of Tourism

Summer's Can't-Miss Activities

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Family Building Sandcastle
Maryland Office of Tourism

Sail on the Chesapeake Bay, build sandcastles in Ocean City and get into a mountain of steamed crabs—that’s just the beginning of summer in Maryland! Cool off in the mountain-fed waters of Deep Creek Lake, stroll the boardwalk at National Harbor and find the perfect ice cream cone. In Maryland, your summer’s only limit is your imagination!

1
Ocean City Air Show
USAF Thunderbirds performing the High Bomb Burst

The OC Air Show keeps getting bigger and better thanks to the support of the Town of Ocean City and the hundreds of thousands of spectators who come out to make it a success, some from as far away as New York, Ohio and the Carolinas” said Bryan Lilley, President of the OC Air Show.

2
Virtual Fun for Everyone
Black Eyed Susans

Many tourism destinations, museums, historic sites and other attractions are offering virtual options for visitors to explore and learn at home.  And, to keep all that Maryland offers top of mind, visit Maryland Fun For Everyone for Puzzles, Bingo, Scavenger Hunt and much more.

3
Outdoor Movies & Drive-Ins
Movies On The Beach, Ocean City
Rachell Smith Photography

Watching movies on a big screen outdoors has become a summertime tradition in many communities in Maryland and this summer, drive-in movie theaters are making a big comeback! Locations all across the state allow viewers to enjoy food, drink and good company in a variety of casual settings while seeing the stars under the stars.

4
Water Wonderland—Maryland’s Beaches, Bays, Boats
Family paddleboarding
VisitAnnapolis.org

In Maryland, you’re never far from an H2O adventure. We’ve got the Atlantic at one end, Deep Creek Lake and mountain rivers at the other, and the Chesapeake Bay, jewel of the Americas, in the middle. Discover amazing ways to get out on the water including lots of favorites, and some that just might surprise you!

5
Plein Air Easton
A painting of an Easton farm by Henry Coe
HenryCoePaintings.com

Plein Air Easton is the largest and most prestigious outdoor painting competition in the United States; artists from all over the United States and beyond apply to be included. There will be 60 artists painting throughout Talbot County this year in the 18th annual Plein Air Easton.

6
4th of July Celebrations
July 4 fireworks over Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts

We have a lot to celebrate this summer! Check out the terrific 4th of July weekend celebrations across Maryland. Reach out to the organizers for details.

7
Adrenaline Rush
Kayaking
ASCI - Adventure Sports Center International

Whether you prefer hurtling along a steel track with the velocity of a speeding bullet, winging through a forest dangling below a zip-line, testing your will against a raging river, or trading paint with friends on a twisting road course, Maryland is the place where your adrenaline dreams become reality. 
 

8
The Great Outdoors
Family fishing

In Maryland, your next great outdoor escape is just around the corner. From family fishing in one of our many lakes and streams, to hiking and biking trails, to extreme thrills in our Class V rapids or rides on Class I-III rivers, if you can do it outside, you can do it here in Maryland. For a small state, we are big on nature. With Maryland’s diverse geography that includes mountains, beaches, bays, streams and plenty of green space, you can choose your terrain and your adventure. 

9
White Marlin Open - Ocean City
White Marlin

Last year the event drew more that 400 boats to fish for prize money of more than $6.8 million. This is the world’s largest billfish tournament! Come watch fish weigh-ins Monday-Friday at Harbour Island Marina. 

10
County Fairs
Howard County Fair
mwarrickphotography - Instagram

County Fairs bring everyone out to play - even the livestock. Good old-fashioned fun can be found throughout the state. 

11
Labor Day Weekend Events
Deal Island Harbor hosts this race each Labor Day Weekend. The event also features a fishing contest and delicious local food.

Labor Day Weekend is a the perfect opportunity to make even more summer memories in Maryland. Check out this list of ideas to get you inspired. 

12
Maryland Fishing Tournaments
People fishing

Summer means tournament time, so whether it’s the fishing rodeo at the local pond, the multi-million-dollar White Marlin Open out over the canyons off Ocean City, or hitting the bay with old buddies for big rockfish and even bigger stories, make your plans now!
 

13
Maryland Pride Events
Baltimore Pride Celebration
Bryan Barnes Photography

Throughout Maryland, new Pride events are emerging alongside long-established Pride traditions, which typically happen at the end of June. Join in the excitement of festivities ranging from parades and parties to films, family fun and drag contests. 

14
National Hard Crab Derby, Crisfield
National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield - Crab Picking Competition
Kevin Moore

On Labor Day Weekend, beautiful Somers Cove Marina hosts this unique fair, with crab picking and eating contests, concerts, fireworks, a carnival and, of course, the National Hard Crab Derby where the fastest crustaceans on earth claw their way to the finish line.

15
Madonnari Arts Festival
Young girls drawing on a car with a puppy at Madonnari arts festival
Nicole Shipula

Be a part of the creative process at the Annual Little Italy Baltimore Madonnari Arts Festival as artists give vision and voice to this year’s theme.  Artists will define in personal and universal terms that honor virtue.  Enjoy continuous live music, activities for kids and "delizioso" food in Baltimore's colorful Little Italy neighborhood. 

 

16
The Maryland Folk Festival
Crowd attending Maryland Folk Festival
Mdfolkfest.com

Celebrate the roots, richness, and variety of American culture at the Maryland Folk Festival in Salisbury. This annual, free, multi-day event features hundreds of musicians, dancers, and craftspeople. A wonderful array of hands-on children’s activities, parades, workshops, demonstrations, and culinary offerings will delight all ages!