Maryland Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Maryland is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and what better way to experience its rich flavors than by indulging in the best food, wine, spirits, and beer festivals across the state. From Hagerstown to Baltimore down to Annapolis there's something for every palate. 

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Baltimore: A Culinary Extravaganza

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Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Festival: September

 

At Concord Point Park in Havre de Grace, the Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Festival has grown into the region's premier celebration of Chesapeake Bay cuisine and local vintages, drawing thousands of attendees annually. More than 20 top-tier restaurants and food trucks, including iconic establishments like Jimmy's Famous Seafood, Koko's Pub, Abbey Burger Bistro, and Faidley's Seafood, serve their signature dishes ranging from Maryland steamed crabs to grilled oysters and gourmet lobster rolls. Visitors can sample from an impressive selection of 60+ wines, signature cocktails and brews while enjoying mixology demonstrations and expertly curated wine pairings from local vintners.

 

The waterfront festival grounds feature a dedicated VIP tent, family zone, and artisan marketplace where local craftspeople showcase maritime-themed creations. Local chefs perform ongoing cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend, sharing their culinary expertise with engaged audiences. The festival atmosphere is enhanced by live music performances, while special features include a unique shopping area and dedicated spaces for both craft cocktail enthusiasts and families to enjoy the celebration.

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Festival Baltimore: April

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This premier cultural celebration brings together over 100 local food vendors and artisans at West Shore Park in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Festival Baltimore showcases authentic cuisine ranging from classic Maryland blue crabs to innovative fusion dishes, with standout vendors like Jimmy's Famous Seafood, Ekiben, and The Local Oyster serving their signature specialties. The event attracts approximately 35,000 attendees across its duration, featuring multiple stages hosting local jazz ensembles and regional rock bands like Dan Deacon and Future Islands.

 

Craft beer enthusiasts can sample offerings from over 30 breweries including Heavy Seas, Union Craft Brewing, and Flying Dog, while wine lovers explore Maryland vintages in a dedicated tasting pavilion. A distinctive feature includes the Chesapeake Bay-focused education area where visitors learn about sustainable fishing practices and local marine conservation efforts. The waterfront festival grounds incorporate a children's zone complete with face painting, a rock climbing wall, and interactive cooking demonstrations led by Baltimore's top chefs.

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Annapolis: Sip, Savor, Sail

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The Wine Festival Kurtz's Beach: October

 

This annual fall gathering at the waterfront venue in Pasadena, Maryland brings together wine enthusiasts from across the Mid-Atlantic region. Kurtz's Beach has hosted The Wine Festival for over two decades, welcoming approximately 3,000 attendees each year to sample offerings from 15 Maryland wineries including Boordy Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars, and Great Frogs Winery. Local food trucks and vendors serve gourmet pairings ranging from artisanal cheeses to wood-fired pizzas, with live music performances by regional bands like The Reagan Years and Sons of Pirates creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

 

Guests can participate in wine education seminars, browse craft vendor stalls featuring local artisans, and enjoy stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay while tasting wines. The festival features a dedicated VIP area with exclusive wine selections and premium seating, plus unique touches like a commemorative wine glass for each attendee to take home.

 

Annapolis Crab Feast: August

 

Each year, thousands of seafood enthusiasts gather at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Maryland's capital city for a cherished tradition dating back to 1946. The Annapolis Crab Feast welcomes over 2,500 attendees to indulge in all-you-can-eat steamed crabs, Maryland crab soup, and fresh corn on the cob, with approximately 40 local vendors offering additional regional delicacies. Notable vendors like Mike's Crab House, Cantler's Riverside Inn, and Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn serve up signature dishes while local breweries pour cold drafts from Flying Dog and Heavy Seas.

 

Live entertainment features regional acts on the main stage, including performances by local favorites like The Eastport Oyster Boys and Dublin 5. The event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Annapolis, includes unique features like crab-picking demonstrations, a commemorative mallet station, and communal-style dining at long tables covered in brown paper - a signature element that encourages socializing among festival-goers.

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Hagerstown: Where Flavors Flourish

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Maryland Craft Beer Festival: May

 

At Frederick's Carroll Creek Linear Park, craft beer enthusiasts gather for one of Maryland's premier beer celebrations, the Maryland Craft Beer Festival. The event draws over 4,000 attendees who sample offerings from more than 30 Maryland breweries pouring over 200 beers including Flying Dog Brewery, Evolution Craft Brewing, and Heavy Seas Beer. Local food trucks and vendors serve a variety of fare ranging from artisanal pizzas to gourmet tacos, perfectly complementing the extensive beer selection. Live music fills the air throughout the day with performances by regional bands on the creek-side stage, while visitors can explore the festival's beer education tent featuring brewing demonstrations and expert talks.

 

The scenic venue spans several blocks along Carroll Creek, with its water features and public art providing a picturesque backdrop for the festivities. Special features include a VIP tasting hour, commemorative tasting glasses, and a "Brewers Row" where attendees can meet and chat with local brewmasters about their craft.

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Fallback Wine Festival: November

 

This annual autumn wine celebration takes place at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center in Boonsboro, Maryland. This popular event showcases over 130 wine, beer, ciders, spirits vendors, offering visitors a chance to sample a wide variety of libations. Attendees can enjoy live music performances on the main stage, featuring local bands and musicians.

 

The festival also includes food vendors serving a range of culinary delights, from artisanal cheeses to gourmet food truck offerings. In addition to wine tasting, guests can participate in wine education seminars and browse craft vendors selling handmade goods. A unique feature of the festival is its scenic location, with the picturesque Antietam Creek flowing nearby, providing a beautiful backdrop for this celebration of Maryland's wine culture.

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Whether you find yourself in the bustling streets of Baltimore, the historic charm of Annapolis, or the welcoming atmosphere of Hagerstown, Maryland's food, wine, spirits, and beer festivals promise an unforgettable experience for every palate.

 

So, gather your friends, bring your appetite, and embark on a culinary adventure through the heart of the Old Line State.