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Summer in Maryland: Outdoor Events, Festivals & Family Fun
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items From waterfront activities and historic festivals to free concerts under the stars, Maryland comes alive in the summer. Whether you’re looking for family outings, cultural celebrations, or relaxing days on the water, this list highlights must-visit e...
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Outdoor Concerts & Performances
Festivals & Cultural Celebrations
Water & Beach Activities
Outdoor Concerts & Performances
Soak up live music and performances in scenic outdoor venues across Maryland. These summer series offer free or low-cost entertainment perfect for warm evenings under the stars.
One of Maryland’s top outdoor venues offering a diverse summer lineup of concerts and events under the stars.
Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia
Free concerts, movies, and community performances set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Kittamaqundi.
Columbia Lakefront Summer Festival
Festivals & Cultural Celebrations
Experience the vibrant energy of Maryland through its rich variety of festivals. From local street fairs to large-scale cultural events, this section highlights where music, food, history, and community come together. Perfect for families, creatives,...
The nation’s largest free outdoor arts festival showcasing music, food, visual art, installations, and hands-on activities.
Artscape
A powerful celebration of African American heritage through live music, fashion shows, cultural cuisine, and family-friendly activities.
Afram Inc
Travel back in time with medieval games, jousting, artisan booths, and themed weekends in a wooded village setting.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Small-town charm meets festival fun with games, food vendors, live entertainment, and downtown shopping.
Easton Carnival & Independence Day Celebration
A showcase of global and local independent films, highlighting innovative storytelling from emerging and established filmmakers.
SNF Parkway Theatre
A must-do Maryland tradition—celebrate the season with fresh steamed crabs, local vendors, live music, and community vibes.
Only-In-Maryland Seafood Festivals
Water & Beach Activities
Cool off and unwind with some of Maryland’s best aquatic escapes and outdoor adventures.
Iconic boardwalk, golden sand, family attractions, and lively beach events—this is Maryland’s go-to summer destination.
Ocean City Maryland
Paddleboard, kayak, or enjoy a riverside stroll with shopping and dining just steps from the water.
National Harbor
A serene mix of shaded river trails, tubing spots, and kayak routes—perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat.
GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK
A thrilling annual beachfront airshow featuring world-class military and civilian aerial performers. Watch the skies come alive above the Ocean City boardwalk with breathtaking stunts, jets, and skydiving teams—all with your toes in the sand.
Air Dot Show – Ocean City
A scenic spot on the Chesapeake Bay perfect for beach days, picnics, swimming, fishing, and boating. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge while relaxing on the sand or exploring the trails.
Sandy Point State Park – Annapolis
Known for its wild horses and untouched beaches, Assateague Island offers a peaceful escape with opportunities for camping, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and nature watching along the Atlantic coast.
Assateague Island National Seashore – Berlin
A charming bayfront destination with a sandy beach, fishing pier, shaded picnic areas, and seasonal camping. Ideal for a full day of sun, relaxation, and water fun.
Breezy Point Beach & Campground – Chesapeake Beach
Nestled in the Catoctin Mountains, this scenic park features Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, a freshwater lake for swimming and boating, and wooded trails for hiking and picnicking.
Cunningham Falls State Park - Thurmont