Sublime Springtime Events

Say hello to the bright colors of spring at Home & Garden Shows all over the state. With spring plantings, amazing crafts and lots more to get you out of the house and into your yard.

Steeplechase races over timber is a Maryland tradition that goes back some 100-plus years. Few sports can boast the tradition of family participation which characterize these races. 

Follow the winds east to Maryland’s Atlantic shore for the International Kite Expo in Ocean City. Watch thousands of colorful kites soar over the sand and water, or stop into the Kite Loft and get your own kite to get in on the high-flying action.

This now-iconic event began in 1956 as a Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne beautification project. Starting on May 1, dwellings and businesses in the Historic District of Maryland’s capital adorn their entrances with baskets brimming with fresh flowers and colorful ribbons. 

40th Annual Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival will feature more than 100 decoy carvers, wildlife artists, displaying and selling their work. There will also be food, children’s activities, silent auctions, retriever demonstrations, carving competitions and much more. 

The event includes the Antique Boat and Marine Engine Show with exhibits from more than 30 collectors of antique and classic boats. Taste traditional Southern Maryland foods, learn how to pick crabs and shuck oysters like the pros, enjoy local music, see Chesapeake Bay retrievers in action, meet artisans as they demonstrate their skills.

Join the roar of the crowd and witness the Middle Jewel of Thoroughbred Racing. Old Hilltop comes alive with the running of the Preakness Stakes, where the finest three-year old thoroughbreds compete; truly test a of a horse's raw ability and composure. All eyes will be on the Preakness Stakes as we discover if Triple Crown potential lives on-- because if it doesn’t happen here, it doesn’t happen at all. 

The Interstate Blues Fest,  takes place at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, just south of Hagerstown.  There are many ways to enjoy this festival including by bringing your own tent, listening to the Blues and partaking of a wide variety of wine, beer, spirits and food offerings.  The event takes place in a spacious and lovely rural setting. 
 

This year Balticon 59 will be a free convention featuring multiple tracks of fantastic programming including authors, artists, scientists, musicians, podcasters, publishers, editors, costumers and other creative Science Fiction luminaries. 

The annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival , during Memorial Day weekend, celebrates colonial resistance to British rule with a Tea Toss, Raft Race, Street Party, Colonial Parade, Performers and Strolling Musicians, Children's Events including "Sneaker Creeper" and Sultana Sails.

Plein Air painting is a phrase borrowed from the French meaning "open (in full) air." It is used to describe the act of painting outdoors, where a painter reproduces the visual conditions experienced at the time of the painting. Stroll around and watch artists at work at these Plein Air festivals throughout Maryland.

Spring kicks-off the Film Fest season in Maryland. Check out these fabulous film festivals throughout the state.