Awesome Old-Line State Arts Festivals
There’s nothing better than spending the day outdoors, listening to live music and seeing just how creative the people of Maryland can be—not to mention picking up a hand-crafted souvenir from your trip. To see more artists at work, check out the many Plein Air Festivals Maryland has to offer.
The annual Annapolis Arts Month is a festive celebration of the local art community that attracts both art buyers and enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in the Annapolis art scene during a month of block parties, gallery exhibits, painting competitions and live music.
Stroll along the waterways and over the bridges at the Frederick Festival of the Arts in Carroll Creek Linear Park. The arts festival takes place in Historic downtown Frederick each June. Some of the best fine art is brought in along with a selection of food vendors and live entertainment to keep you satiated as you browse beautiful works of art.
Art in the Park is a juried art event located in Deep Creek Lake State Park. Each year 50+ vendors display their original artwork and fine crafts over the course of this two-day festival in July. Food vendors are on site as well as kids interpretive events, live animals and a kids art project sponsored by the Garrett Arts Council.
Taking place in Columbia, Maryland, this two-week-long summer arts festival features engaging experiences that will invigorate your senses. Each June, expect a new lineup of live music, festive food, diverse film, workshops and children’s activities at the Columbia Festival of the Arts.
Taking place on the Westminster City Hall grounds, Art in the Park is an annual arts and crafts festival held on the first Saturday in June. With kids’ activities, food vendors and live music, this outdoor event is a great display of the fine arts and crafts created by regional artists.
The Roots Music & Arts Festival is an annual event at McDaniel College in Westminster. Discover the best of national and international musicians as well as talented fine arts and crafts vendors. Shop for unique handmade items from jewelry to Japanese ceramics as you listen to a fusion of blues, bluegrass and more!
Make your plans now to join us in Salisbury, Maryland, for the Maryland Folk Festival— a diverse celebration of arts, culture, and heritage. This large-scale multi-day outdoor event celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture. It features hundreds of the nation’s finest musicians, dancers, craftspeople and other keepers of culture in performances, workshops, and demonstrations, plus children’s activities, nonstop participatory dancing, storytelling, parades, and more. Best of all, it’s FREE!
As America’s largest free arts festival, Artscape has become an integral part of the fabric of Baltimore. More than 350,000 festival-goers walk the streets—alive with art, theater, food and, of course, amazing music.
A three day festival in partnership with musicians O.A.R. featuring over 30 performances on 3 stages, all on the classic Ocean City Boardwalk. Experience delicious east coast bites from local food vendors. Plus, learn tricks of the trade from world-renowned chef cooking demos that celebrate the region. Explore the Ocean City tradition featuring amusement park rides, games and more, all located inside the festival grounds.
The Ballet on the Beach Dance Festival is a free outdoor professional dance performance on Assateague Island that acts as a conduit to connect the community, environment, and performing arts in one. In addition to professional performances, other festival activities include environmental talks, a community dance class, art activities for children, and a pointe shoe pavilion sponsored by Freed of London USA.
An art walk and street festival in one—it doesn’t get any better than that! The Dorchester Showcase & Art Walk is an annual Maryland festival in September featuring musical performances, vendors, family activities and Eastern Shore cuisine along Historic High Street.
This annual arts festival returns to downtown Hyattsville every September. The celebration, also known as Arts & Ales, includes more than 100 artists and artisans and will feature local food vendors, Maryland craft brewers and live performing arts for every age.
Spend a weekend in September at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center and enjoy the works of more than 100 artists at this juried arts festival in Solomons, Maryland. There isn’t just art on display, though. From bands to stilt walkers to living statues, there’s entertainment for the whole family. Artsfest features various entertainment acts performing across multiple stages and an array of food and drink vendors.
Bethesda Row is a destination in its own right, with high-end shops and restaurants to explore. But for a weekend in the fall, four blocks of the downtown area are turned into a remarkable display of carefully curated arts and crafts. After browsing and shopping, take in a little live music and an evening of fine dining at the Bethesda Row Arts Festival.
Catoctin Colorfest is an arts and crafts show featuring 300 well-known and respected artists from across the country. Discover local art, jewelry, food and more during this two-day outdoor event. The area’s vibrant fall foliage makes one of the largest outdoor craft shows on the East Coast even more spectacular.
Look forward to the first Sunday of the month from May through November in downtown Annapolis. This outdoor street festival features more than 130 artists and artisans, food trucks and entertainment. The First Sunday Arts Festival continues to grow each year, expanding into the streets of the Annapolis Arts District.
