Calendar of Events, July – September
Calendar of Events
This is a calendar of events taking place on and around the Chesapeake Bay for the months of July, August, and September. The calendar includes a wide variety of events including festivals, boat races, boat shows, fishing tournaments, exhibitions, seminars and workshops.
Return to the Calendar index page to select different months.
July – September 2023
August 4, 2023 – Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast – The 78th annual all-you-can-eat crab feast featuring crabs, corn, BBQ, and hot dogs, plus beer from the keg and sodas & water. Friday, August 4th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
August 5 & 6, 2023 – First Annual Crab Slam – Boat docking contest, kkiff races, oyster eating contest, and live music at The Shanty, Cape Charles, Virginia.
August 19 & 20, 2023 – Maryland Seafood Festival – The Seafood Festival moves to a new location for 2023! This year’s event will be held at Susan Campbell Park (located at City Dock in Annapolis). This year’s event will include a variety of food vendors, including local restaurants and chefs, plus beer and oyster tasting, kids’ activities, and live music.
August 19, 2023 – Fifth Annual Crab Crackin’ – All-you-can-eat feast with steamed crabs; steamed clams; sweet corn; barbecue; coleslaw; beer and wine (limited quantity of beer and wine included, with additional available for purchase) held on the lawn of Ker Place historic house museum in downtown Onancock. Buy your tickets in advance. Onancock, Virginia
August 26, 2023 – Chesapeake City Lions 12th Annual Club Car Show – 8:00am to 3:00pm at Pell Gardens in Chesapeake City, Maryland.
September 1 – 3, 2023 – 76th National Hard Crab Derby – A full weekend of events including the famous Crab Derby races, crab picking contests, boat docking contests, live entertainment, and more. Held at Crisfield’s Somers Cove Marina. Crisfield, Maryland.
September 2, 2023 – Crabtown Seafood Festival – Held along the downtown waterfront from Mill Point Park to the downtown docks, this festival features seafood vendors, fishing boats, and educational exhibits about the Chesapeake Bay. 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Hampton, VA.
September 8, 2023 – Waterfront Festival Lighted Boat Parade – Lighted Boats will parade along the shoreline from the Amtrak Bridge to the Concord Point Lighthouse. A special aerial high-wire thrill show, the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, will perform before and after the Lighted Boat Parade. Steel drum music, food trucks, vendors and a beer garden in Concord Point Park. Havre de Grace, MD
September 9, 2023 – Waterfront Festival – Live bands, food trucks, vendors, entertainers, artisans, games and contests at Concord Point Park in Havre de Grace, MD. A special aerial high-wire thrill show, the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, will perform throughout the event in the beer garden. Learn the history and see artifacts of Garrett Island, the Concord Point Lighthouse and Lightkeeper House. See environmental conservation efforts and traditional boat building techniques from the Maritime Museum. Visit boats from the US Coast Guard, Susquehanna Hose Company fireboat and Harford County Sheriff’s Department. End the evening watching the spectacular fireworks from the Havre de Grace shoreline. 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Concord Point Park, Havre de Grace, MD.
September 9, 2023 – ESVA Chamber Fest – Tailgating event featuring live music by Jefferson Starship and Sawyer Brown. 20282 Fairgrounds Road, Onancock, Virginia.
September 9, 2023 – Taste the Beaches – Enjoy local food and drink from Chesapeake Beach and North Beach restaurants. Local vendors and artisans will also be on hand with items for sale. This year’s location is Abner’s Crab House in Chesapeake Beach. Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.
September 14 – 17, 2023 – 2nd Annual Annapolis Songwriters Festival – Headliners this year are Blondie and Leann Rimes. Many, many more performers are scheduled to appear including Patty Griffin, Marty Stuart, Amanda Shires, and James McMurtry. Held at multiple venues throughout downtown Annapolis.
September 22 – 23, 2023 – Artscape – Baltimore’s Artscape event returns in 2023 following a three year break. This 100% free event features visual art exhibitions, main stage music performances, culinary delights, community gathering spaces, immersive family & youth experiences, an artist marketplace, and more. The Main Stage is at Mount Royal Station. Visit the Artscape website for the full schedule and list of stage locations. Baltimore, Maryland.
September 23, 2023 – Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival – This all day festival with live music, dance performances, activities for children and vendors of African art, jewelry, and handmade goods celebrates the perseverance, education, and cultural heritage of Africans, African Americans, and Caribbean people of African descent. Held at Susan Campbell Part at Annapolis City Dock.
September 23 & 24, 2023 – Hampton Cup Regatta – North America’s oldest continuously-run hydroplane boat race is back in Hampton for its 97th year! This event features high-speed hydroplane boat racing, food & beer vendors, and a car show. Spectating areas are on the Mercury Blvd Bridge that leads to Fort Monroe and the grassy area on Stilwell Drive. Hampton, VA.
September 27, 2023 – J Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake – All-You-Can-Eat seafood festival with steamed blue crabs, steamed clams, steamed corn, clam raw bar, fried clam strips, fried fish, sweet potato fries, french fries, onion rings, & watermelon. 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at Somers Cove Marina. Crisfield, Maryland.
September 30, 2023 – 2nd Annual Crisfield Heritage Festival – Activities, entertainment, food, arts and craft vendors, and live demonstrations; all showcasing the Chesapeake Bay culture of Crisfield. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm behind the JM Tawes Historical Museum and Somers Cove Marina. Crisfield, Maryland.
September 30, 2023 – 60th Annual Havre de Grace Art Show – Outdoor juried art and craft show held in two adjacent parks. The event also features live entertainment, food & beverages, and children’s art activities. Held at Concord Point Park and Tydings Memorial Park in Havre de Grace, MD. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Havre de Grace, MD.
September 30 – October 1, 2023 – Chesapeake Film Festival – Events are held at the Avalon Theater, Academy Art Museum, and Ebenezer Theater in Easton, MD.