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Maryland Renaissance Festival
September: 5-7, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
Crownsville, Anne Arundel County

Leonardtown Wharf Waterfront Celebration
Sept. 12
St. Mary’s County

Boonesborough Days
Sept. 12
Washington County



Maryland Lighthouse Challenge

Sept. 19-20
Various locations in state



Maryland Wine Festival

Sept. 19-20
Carroll County


Sunfest
Sept. 24-27
Ocean City
Worcester County

Maryland Microbrewery Festival
Sept. 26
Union Mills
Carroll County

Rock Hall FallFest
Sept. 26
Rock Hall, Kent County




The Maryland Welcome! Passport is your ticket to up to $3,500 in savings at 250 participating attractions, restaurants, retailers and accommodations throughout the Free State. Order your guide today!




Win a $50 American Express Card
Take a survey about the Maryland Tourism Office’s web site – visitmaryland.org – and you’ll have a chance to win one of four $50 American Express gift cards.


Come to Maryland for authentic and enriching experiences. Plan your own educa-tour. Maryland has an abundance of places that offer fresh insights into history, industry, science and culture: from the state’s Colonial roots to its War of 1812 heritage; from Chesapeake Bay lighthouses to the C&O Canal Towpath; from wine trails to Civil War Trails; from rail museums to aviation and space attractions; from Babe Ruth to Edgar Allan Poe. So much to see and explore in Maryland. And, it’s all Pretty. Close. (Large image courtesy of National Aquarium in Baltimore.)

Literary Life – Book festival at Mount Vernon
Immerse yourself in literary pursuits at the 14th annual Baltimore Book Festival, Sept. 25-27 at historic Mount Vernon Place, adjacent to the Walters Art Museum. Free event features non-stop readings on eight stages, demos by celebrity chefs, panel discussions, walking tours, street theater, live music and variety of food and beverage vendors. Buzz Aldrin, Gwen Ifill, Ralph Nader, Chris Gardner (pictured), Maureen McCormick among participating authors.
Uniquely Maryland – Crab races, decoy artists
Celebrate two state traditions: crabs and decoys. Visit Crisfield on the Lower Eastern Shore, Sept. 4-6, for the 62nd annual National Hard Crab Derby and Fair. Crab races, crab cooking and picking contests, skiff races, swim meet, Miss Crustacean contest, and plenty of fresh seafood. On Sept. 12, head to Havre de Grace Decoy Museum – on the edge of the Susquehanna River at the top of the Chesapeake Bay – for 22nd annual Duck Fair. Free-admission event presents 40 wildlife artists and carvers, auction, retriever demos, decoy painting, food.
History & Heritage – War of 1812 comes to life
Maryland’s War of 1812 bicentennial commeration is just a few years away. Get a feel for the upcoming events at these September occasions. Defenders Day at North Point, Sept. 6 at Fort Howard Park, is an opportunity to learn about the American troops who withstood a British assault in the 1814 Battle of Baltimore. Star-Spangled Banner Weekend at Fort McHenry, Sept. 12-13, presents re-enactors, demos, concert and fireworks. Then, head to Jefferson Patterson Park in Calvert County for a War of 1812 Re-enactment and Tavern Night, Sept. 19.
Arts & Entertainment – Celebrations of culture
Stroll through Chestertown, a Colonial riverfront town on the Eastern Shore. On Sept. 12, the town hosts Art in the Park, an annual exposition of regional artwork at Fountain Park (image by Holly Geddes). Discover Appalachian heritage at Frostburg State University’s third annual Appalachian Festival, Sept. 19-20. Performers, craftspeople, workshops, demos and concerts provide a rich tapestry of mountain culture. On Sept. 26, downtown Silver Spring showcases the arts, local history and world cultures at ninth annual Magical Montgomery Festival.
Sporting Life – Boats, bikes and horses
Experience life on the Chesapeake at the Skipjack Race and Land Festival, Sept. 6-7, in Deal Island Harbor. Six miles long and three miles wide, Deal Island is an oasis of fishing, boating and bird-watching. Event has parade, concerts, dance, docking contest and kayak races. On Sept. 12, the island hosts its Skipjack Bike Tour. Later in month, watch world-class equestrians compete in 22nd annual Columbia Classic Grand Prix, Sept. 20, at new location in Clarksville. Pony rides, family fun and raffle for prizes – including 2010 Mercedes.

Win a $100 VISA gift card
Provide your opinions about exhibits at a new state park on the Eastern Shore that honors the life of Harriet Tubman.

Share Maryland memories in photo contest
Submit photos of your Maryland Treasures to the MD Travel photostream on Flickr by Sept. 8 (day after Labor Day) and be eligible to win a Maryland getaway.

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VisitMaryland.org   |  Things to Do  |  Places to Stay  |  Events  |  Itineraries


Martin O'Malley, Governor

Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor