ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland hosts dozens of annual festivals that are worth a visit. Everybody can find one they’ll enjoy, whether you’re looking for a taste of cultures from around the world or you want to experience a celebration of America. Baltimore, Southern Maryland and even Ocean City all have a variety of upcoming events focused on a plethora of topics, so here are 10 festivals that you won’t want to miss in 2026!
Maryland Craft Beer Festival
Set in Frederick on May 9, the Maryland Craft Beer Festival is a massive event that brings together local breweries to offer samples of their most popular beverages. Standard entry costs $50 and offers an unlimited number of free samples. The VIP ticket costs $70, but visitors get early entry and a special tasting glass. Whether you love beer or you’re only interested in the food vendors, there’s something that everyone will love at the Maryland Craft Beer Festival!
Address: 44 South Market St., Frederick, MD 21701
Artscape 2026
Artscape 2026 is being held in Baltimore between May 23 and 24. The festivities will be available on both days between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. A festival with 40 years of history, Artscape brings together a variety of art and cultural experiences. The Roots and Stephanie Mills are performing at Artscape in 2026, and guests will find various options for food and drink available throughout the festival. Artscape is set to be one of the biggest art events this year, so don’t miss out on your chance to explore this free festival in downtown Baltimore!
Address: 100 Holliday St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Balticon
Balticon is one of the biggest sci-fi and fantasy conventions in the state of Maryland, and it’s happening again this year between May 22 and 25. Children 12 and under enter for free, while younger folks ages 13 to 24 can pay $45 for entry, and older adult tickets cost $89. Video games, tabletop experiences, an artist alley and even a cosplay contest all offer something to look forward to during Balticon!
Address: 202 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Silver Spring World Heritage Festival
Silver Spring is one of the most diverse cities in America, and it’s showing its strength on May 31 between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. when the World Heritage Festival kicks off. Entry to the event is free, and it will feature crafts, jewelry and other types of art to showcase a variety of distinct cultures from around the globe.
Address: 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Taste of Wheaton
Taste of Wheaton is a sprawling food festival taking place on June 7 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Local chefs and various restaurants will be in attendance, so visitors will be able to enjoy low-cost samples of many tasty dishes. Taste of Wheaton is free to attend, plus it will feature live performers, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of good food and music!
Address: 2424 Reedie Dr., Wheaton, MD 20902
Maryland German Festival
If you’re looking to attend an event with beer and pretzels, then turn your attention to the Maryland German Festival. Between July 11 and 12, visitors can enjoy an immersive German event complete with food, music and art at the Timonium Fairgrounds. According to the MD Germans website, rock wall climbing and pony rides will be available at the Maryland German Festival in 2026, so it’s sure to be an exciting event.
Address: 2200 York Rd., Timonium, MD 21093
Maryland Renaissance Festival
The Maryland Renaissance Festival will be back in action in 2026, with dates ranging from Aug. 29 to Oct. 25. Vendors selling art, swords and other trinkets will be set up all throughout the festival grounds, while jousting shows and other performances provide an exciting window into entertainment from the medieval time period. For a day of fun in Annapolis this autumn, visit the Maryland Renaissance Festival in 2026!
Address: 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401
Maryland Folk Festival
The Maryland Folk Festival begins on Sept. 18 and ends on Sept. 20. This Salisbury event is a celebration of American culture, and it offers vendors, art and even music for guests to enjoy. The Maryland Folk Festival is free to enter, and it’s an outdoor event, so it will be the perfect way to end the summer.
Address: Maryland Folk Festival website
Oceans Calling
Oceans Calling is a giant music festival being held in Ocean City, Md., between Sept. 25 and 27. In 2026, the lineup includes performances by Twenty One Pilots, All Time Low, My Morning Jacket, Shaggy and many more popular artists. Ocean City is one of the best vacation spots in Maryland, and Oceans Calling is set to be the biggest musical event in the state in 2026, so it’s sure to be a blast!
Address: 809 South Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842
U.S. Oyster Festival
The U.S. Oyster Festival is a celebration of seafood that takes place in Southern Maryland every year. Artisan merchants, live performers and the Oyster Shucking Championship all provide a touch of entertainment for a fun day in the sun, and the seafood itself is just the cherry on top. Youth tickets are $5 for a single day, while adults can get tickets for $15 each. The U.S. Oyster Festival occurs on both Oct. 17 and 18, so be sure to mark down the dates in your calendar if you plan to attend.
Address: 42455 Fairgrounds Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650
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