Ladew Topiary Gardens

Favorite Fall Events

Foliage festivals and fun on the farm are just the beginning!

Ladew Topiary Gardens

Fall into Autumn in Maryland with the sun shining on the ever changing foliage; the farmer’s markets overflowing with the season’s bounty; the exhilarating chills of historic ghost tours;  it’s the perfect time to visit! That’s right, Maryland brings something a little extra to the table in fall. So if you love cozying up with a quilt or a good book, eyeing scenes of the season, then these favorite fall events are for you!

1
Farm Festivals & Corn Mazes
October - November
Kids at Milburn Orchards pumpkin patch

If you’re looking to venture through a corn maze, pet some friendly farm animals, hop on a hayride or pick your own pumpkin, then check out these farm festivals and corn mazes happening across Maryland every fall. 

2
Haunted Ghost Tours
Savage Mill Ghost Tours
savagemill.com

As Halloween approaches, opt to try something spooky! Ghost Tours are offered all around the Old Line State and allow you to explore pubs, alleyways, shops and residences where the stories of some of Maryland’s long-gone residents come back to life.

3
Annual Autumn Glory Festival
Oakland, October
Fall at Deep Creek Lake

Travel & Leisure named Oakland America’s Best Town for Fall Colors, and with good reason. Celebrate Mother Nature’s gorgeous foliage surrounding Deep Creek Lake with parades, a farmer’s market, concerts, antiques, crafts shows and even a car show.

4
U.S. National Oyster Festival
St. Michaels, October
Oyster Festival in Annapolis
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Get ready to sip, slurp, and savor at the Chesapeake Bay’s favorite fall festival! Head over to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for live music, an oyster stew competition, an oyster slurp-off, oyster-themed demonstrations and presentations, retriever demonstrations, children’s activities, and more.

5
Annapolis Fall Sailboat Show
October
Annapolis Sailboat Show
Annapolis Boat Shows

The largest sailboat show in the world, this year’s event will feature a fleet of 155 boats, including 16 exhibiting for their first time in the United States. Ewenson remarks that the selection on display highlights trending models and introduces innovative new designs too. Visitors will also have an opportunity to explore sailing history aboard the Pride of Baltimore II, a reconstruction of a 19th century Baltimore clipper, which will be docked alongside hundreds of its modern sailing descendants.

6
ZOOBOOO!
Baltimore, October
snake in a pumpkin

Have a spooktacular time! Come celebrate Halloween & the fall season with the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore’s 39th annual ZooBOOO! There will be games, prizes, contests, live entertainment, and FREE trick-or-treating! Wear your favorite costume, visit some of your favorite animals, and collect candy at our many trick-or-treat stations.

7
Free Fall Baltimore
Baltimore, October
Kids making art
Baltimore Museum of Art

Free Fall Baltimore is a citywide arts celebration offering a large slate of free arts and cultural activities at participating venues throughout Baltimore.

8
Pumpkin Patch Limited Train Ride
Cumberland, October
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad/Tyler Clayton

Add a twist on a tradition as old as time, take the train to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival and check-in at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad station in Downtown Cumberland, all passengers receive a pumpkin, apple cider, and decorations upon their arrival at the Pumpkin Patch! This train is a 1-hour round trip to Bone Cave and back, Halloween costumes are encouraged!

9
Rock Hall FallFest
October
Rock Hall FallFest
rockhallfallfest.org/

FallFest attracts thousands of visitors from across the eastern seaboard showcasing the quaint hamlet of Rock Hall as we celebrate our heritage as a waterman’s town. Locals and visitors alike attend the festival because they know that FallFest guarantees to be a unique event where musicians hold forth throughout the day, oysters are local and plentiful, and children can participate in captivating and free activities. Approximately 40 handicraft vendors show and sell their wares at the festival and a large selection of food vendors serve up regional favorites.

10
Hispanic Heritage Month Events
October-November
Hispanic Heritage Festival in Downtown Frederick
Centro Hispano de Frederick

Hispanic, Latino, and Spanish-speaking communities are an important part of the rich and diverse cultural, culinary, and artistic landscape of Maryland. Visitors to our state will find memorable opportunities to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic history, music, food, culture and lifestyle at amazing celebrations and events across the state.

11
Waterfowl Festival
Easton, November
Shoppers at the Waterfowl Festival
Waterfowl Festival

The Waterfowl Festival, one of the nation’s premier events dedicated to the celebration of waterfowl and the natural environment, returns to Easton, Maryland. The festival, offers a diverse range of activities that highlight the art, culture, and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages, with activities that cater to art enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and outdoor adventurers alike. 

12
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Run
Annapolis, November
Runners at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Run
runsignup.com

Far more than just a race on Sunday morning, the Bay Bridge Run is one of the largest, most exciting mid-distance events anywhere. The 4.35 miles of the 10k course takes place over water, on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, near Annapolis.

13
Beer Festivals
Oktoberfest at Wisp

Oktoberfest's abound and Maryland’s killer craft breweries have got the goods to quench any thirst. From ales to lagers and porters, Maryland’s brewers are ready to raise a glass and celebrate fall.

14
American Indian Heritage Day at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
St. Leonard, November
American Indian Village Recreated at JefPat
Sherwana Knox/JPPM

Visit JPPM's re-created Indian Village, for a day filled with activities.  While you are here, begin to experience some of the 560 scenic acres stretching along the Patuxent River.  JPPM has 9,000 years of documented human occupation. 

On this day, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions American Indians have made, and continue to make, to our nation in every arena. Celebrate their achievements and learn about their history in this extraordinary Park and Museum. 

15
The Big Dill World's Largest Pickle Party®
Baltimore, November
The BIg Dill Mascot crowd surfing during the festival.
The Big Dill

Get ready for an unparalleled pickle extravaganza! The Big Dill® invites you to the World's Largest Pickle Party® to celebrate National Pickle Day. Nestled amidst the vibrant autumnal hues at Power Plant Live!, this two-day indoor and outdoor festivity is poised to draw over 10,000 pickle aficionados nationwide.

16
Thanksgiving Events
This forest in Western Maryland provides great opportunity for the turkey hunter.

Over the river and through the woods… Check out these fun Thanksgiving events in Maryland throughout the month of November. 

17
Hiking on Maryland’s Trails
Toliver falls in Garrett County
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

Maryland has a trail system second-to-none with routes ranging from coastal to forest and mountainous to flat. There are short, easy trails for those who want a quick walk to get some fresh air, to heart-pumping mountain trails for a longer trip with the best views. From the urban to wilderness, you’ll find a hike that’s just right for you. Lace up your boots and hike to stunning Cunningham Falls, stop to explore Civil War era Fort Foote, or search for ancient fossils along the beautiful Calvert Cliffs. With limitless options to go off the beaten path, it’s time to hit the trails!

For the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Fall Foliage Reports, please click here.