SOLOMONS, Md. – May brings a full lineup of events to the Calvert Marine Museum, from the return of seasonal experiences to signature celebrations like the Solomons Maritime Festival.
Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, on-the-water adventures, and family-friendly programs throughout the month. The museum also marks a meaningful milestone with the 15th anniversary of Night at the Museum for Friends with Disabilities. For the full calendar of May events, visit calvertmarinemuseum.com.
Now Open for the Season – The Calvert Marine Museum’s seasonal sites and experiences return in May.
Select Dates in May – Lore Oyster House
Explore the newly refurbished 1934 seafood packing house, located 0.6 miles south of the main campus on Solomons Island Road. Exhibits highlight oyster harvesting and processing in Southern Maryland. Free admission. See website for dates and hours.
Wednesdays through Sundays and holidays in May – Wm. B. Tennison Public Cruise | 2 p.m.
Enjoy a one-hour cruise aboard the historic Wm. B. Tennison. Capacity is 40 passengers; if full, a 3:10 p.m. cruise will run with a minimum of eight passengers.
$9 adults; $5 children (ages 0–12). May 2 follows the Solomons Maritime Festival schedule.
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in May – Cove Point Lighthouse | 1–4 p.m.
Visit the grounds and Visitors Center to learn about the Chesapeake Bay’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse and enjoy views of the Calvert Cliffs. Free admission. No beach access.
Wednesday, April 29 – Sunday, May 3 – Solomons Small Craft Gathering All day
Wednesday, April 29 – May 3 – Solomons Small Craft Gathering, all day
Join the Patuxent Small Craft Guild in association with the Calvert Marine Museum, Shallow Water Sailors, Traditional Small Craft Association, and Dinghy Cruising Association for a week of informal small boat adventures. The event includes three days of cruising and camping on the St. Mary’s River, followed by a boat show and activities during the Solomons Maritime Festival on May 2. Visit, Calendar • Solomons Small Craft Gathering for more information.
Friday, May 1 – First Fossil Friday! | 1–4:30 p.m.
Fossil hunters, bring your fossil finds from Calvert Cliffs or other local areas to be identified! This service is provided for free; however, admission fees apply for access to CMM exhibits.
Saturday, May 2 – Solomons Maritime Festival | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Celebrate Southern Maryland traditions with activities for all ages, including cooking demonstrations, traditional live music, toy boat building, a Quilts of Valor display, Chesapeake Bay Retriever demonstrations, antique boats and motors, dockside tours aboard the Dee of St. Mary’s, and 30-minute cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison. Food vendors will be on-site.
Sundays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 – Beyond the Displays: Artifact Stories | 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Join museum educator Lori to explore the museum’s artifacts, uncovering their origins and significance. Hear how World War II shaped Solomons and discover hidden details in the museum murals. Learn something new every tour. Included with museum admission.
Thursdays, May 7 & 14 – Sea Squirts | 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.
This month’s theme is Garden. Children 18 months to 3 years, with an adult, are invited to discover the museum together through music, stories, and special activities. Join us for story time and a craft, available while supplies last. Sessions are 25-40 minutes. Included with museum admission. Sign up at the Admissions Desk when you arrive. Sea Squirts | Calvert Marine Museum, MD – Official Website
Sunday, May 10 – Creature Feature | 10:15–11:15 a.m.
Each month, discover a mystery animal from our local estuaries — not normally on display. Take-home coloring pages available. Included with museum admission.
Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day Evening Cruise | 4:30–6 p.m.
Celebrate mom or your “special” someone aboard the Wm. B. Tennison! Relax together and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Solomons Harbor and Patuxent River. Heavy hors d’oeuvre and a special dessert will be served. Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages; water, tea and lemonade will be provided. Cost is $40 for adults, $20 for children ages 5-12, and $15 for children 4 and under. To purchase tickets, visit Special Cruises | Calvert Marine Museum, MD – Official Website
Friday, May 15 – Night at the Museum for Friends with Disabilities – 15th Anniversary Celebration
| 5–8 p.m.
Celebrate 15 years of this special evening designed for guests with disabilities and their families, friends, and caregivers. The museum and grounds will be open exclusively for this free event, presented in partnership with Calvert County Parks & Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation Services. Enjoy a relaxed, self-paced visit with access to exhibits, the Discovery Room, Drum Point Lighthouse, boat basin, and the Museum Store. Special anniversary activities include a horse experience with Still Waters Refuge and the Greenwell Foundation, a performance by Starz Cheerleaders, toy boat building, snuggles with comfort dog Dougall, 30-minute cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison, fossil display, remote-control boat racing, and snacks and beverages will be available for purchase from the S’Cool Beans coffee and snack cart.
Pre-registration for museum access includes a chance to win exciting raffle prizes and special passes. Register online at Online Registration | Calvert County, MD – Official Website. Search “Night at the Museum” (Activity #26-470773). Pre-registration is required for 30-minute cruises aboard the Wm. B. Tennison at 5, 5:45, 6:30, and 7:15 p.m. Call 410-535-1600, ext. 8203, 8204, or 8205.Capacity is 39 passengers per cruise. Register online at Online Registration | Calvert County, MD – Official Website
Wednesday, May 20 – CMM Members Save 20% in the Museum Store | 10:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
CMM members enjoy a 20% discount in the Museum Store today and on the 20th of every month. Purchases can be shipped via USPS, Priority Mail, or held at the store for curbside pickup. For more information, visit: Museum Store | Calvert Marine Museum, MD – Official Website
Thursdays, May 21 & 28 – Little Minnows | 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
This month’s theme is Garden. For preschoolers ages 3–5, with an adult. This program focuses on one of the museum’s three themes. Join us for story time and craft, available while supplies last. Sessions are 25 – 40 minutes. Sign up at the Admissions Desk when you arrive. Included with museum admission. For more information, visit: Little Minnows | Calvert Marine Museum, MD – Official Website
Explore how the prehistoric past, natural environments, and maritime heritage come to life and tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors, military, and veterans with valid ID, AAA and AARP members, $6 for children ages 5 – 12, children under 5 and museum members are admitted free. Proud participant in Museums for ALL. For more information about the museum, upcoming events, or membership, visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.