The Holiday Edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival is this Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10am-4pm. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Nov. 20, 2025 – Join the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum this Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10am-4pm for the Holiday Edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival.

Held rain or shine, this festive celebration features a fantastic lineup of more than 60 exhibiting artisans, a tasty menu of food and drinks, live music on two stages, and more fun for the whole family on our waterfront campus.

There is still time to buy your tickets, including the new VIP option, here. Everyone who purchases their tickets in advance will have a special opportunity to enter the festival 30 minutes early at 9:30am. Ticket sales at the door begin at 10am.

Whether you’re a festival regular or this is your first time joining the fun, we wanted to share some FAQs about this edition to help you to get the most out of your time on campus.

Check out the event program here. You can find more information about the festival on our event page as well as seaglassfestival.com. Please reach out to havefun@cbmm.org with any additional questions.

This edition of the popular festival will feature more than 60 exhibiting artisans. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

Where should I park?

Parking is available at CBMM. Please note that CBMM’s parking lot will reach capacity during large events. Overflow parking is located at St. Michaels Middle/High School on Seymour Avenue.

Shuttles will run on a loop from 10am-4:30pm and drop guests off in CBMM’s parking lot. Additional public parking lots and street parking are available throughout the town. Find more things to know about visiting CBMM festivals here.

Where do I enter CBMM?

CBMM has access points on both sides of campus. Guests can enter the Fogg’s Landing side of campus through the Welcome Center or start on Navy Point by utilizing the South Entrance, which is home to the Shipyard Store and Marina Guest Center. Both buildings also serve as exit points.

Buy VIP tickets for the ultimate festival experience! (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

How do I become a VIP?

After debuting at the spring festival, VIP tickets are back to offer the ultimate festival experience! This limited-availability offering includes festival admission with early entrance, a commemorative festival cup and cocktail bar discounts, a swag bag that includes discounts with select exhibitors, and access to the VIP Hospitality Lounge in the Van Lennep Auditorium with a complimentary beer and wine bar. The cost to be a festival VIP is $50 for CBMM members and $80 for non-members. Buy yours now to celebrate sea glass in style as a VIP!

What vendors will be at the festival?

This edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival will showcase dozens of talented artisans and craftspeople, with an emphasis on festive arts and crafts to fit the holiday season. Guests are invited to shop an array of unique coastal and sea glass goods, including jewelry, home décor, art, and more.

There will be more than 60 artisans spread CBMM’s Navy Point, Small Boat Shed, Boardwalk, and Fogg’s Landing. A full listing of vendors and more information can be found here.

Most vendors accept both cash and credit. There is an ATM available at CBMM’s Museum Store. Stop by festival headquarters at The O tent across from the Hooper Strait Lighthouse to purchase official festival gear, clothing, jewelry, posters, and more.

Food and beverages from a variety of regional vendors will be available for purchase, including craft beer and specialty cocktails. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

What’s on the menu?

A variety of local food trucks serving festive fare will be spread across campus, including vendors specializing in lobster rolls, tacos, pizza, oysters, gourmet sandwiches, bacon, funnel cakes, and coffee.

The Cocktails by the Bay Beverage Cart (Fogg’s Landing) and Rosie’s Tavern (Navy Point) will serve up a delicious menu of cocktails featuring Dark N’ Stormys, Bloody Marys, Warm Bourbon Cider, and Mimosas.

There will also be a beer wagon across from the Hooper Strait Lighthouse serving local craft and domestic brews. Plus, our friends at Windon Distilling (Lyon rum) and Simpatico, Italy’s Finest (wine) will be offering free samples and bottles to go.

All food and drinks are an additional charge.

Dave Hawkins will play the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand from 1-4pm. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

Will there be live music?

Yes! Live music on both sides of campus will add to the celebration, with performances from Emily Guemple (10am-1pm) and Dave Hawkins (1:30-4pm) at the Tolchester Beach Bandstand and Faith McCarthy (10am-1pm) and Jayme D (1:30-4pm) on the Fogg’s Landing Stage.

How does molten glass become art?

Artist Eli Cecil of Glass Half Full Arts will show you! Join Cecil throughout the day for a series of live glassblowing demonstrations as he transforms molten glass into one-of-a-kind art at temperatures reaching 2,100°F. Guests may also have the opportunity to participate in a guided glassblowing experience, depending on availability.

This program is supported by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

What was the Maryland Glass Corporation?

Sea glass expert Mary McCarthy will explore the history of the famed Baltimore bottle and glassware manufacturer during a presentation at 11am.

Please note that McCarthy will be set up at a different location than previous years. You can find her on the Navy Point side of campus in the white building connected to the CBMM Theater and next to the Bay History building (No. 7 on the campus map).

You’re also invited to bring your favorite finds to be identified by McCarthy throughout the day and explore her Maryland Glass Corporation exhibit in the CBMM Theater!

What if I’m feeling crafty?

Make sure to stop by Colorful Encounters on Fogg’s Landing to make your own tumbled glass ornament. Guests can select from a variety of holiday-themed design kits (ranging from $13-$16) and craft their ornament on site, adding fun embellishments to complete a one-of-a-kind treasure that makes a wonderful gift or keepsake for your own tree.

Immerse yourself in the unique artistic style of the region at the Holiday Edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

What else is going on at CBMM?

For the first time, we’re excited to share a free 360 video booth experience under the Hooper Strait Lighthouse. As you and your group stand on the platform, the rotating camera will capture you in a 360-degree video that we’ll share instantly to your phone, a fun way to remember your day at the Holiday Edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival.

While enjoying all the festival vendors and offerings, guests are encouraged to explore the exhibitions and historic structures spread across CBMM’s campus, including our special exhibition Sailing to Freedom: Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad in the Changing Exhibitions Gallery and the new CBMM Theater. Make sure to stop by the Museum Store to explore an exciting selection of one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Join today to access exclusive experiences and discover all the terrific benefits of membership, including reduced pricing for all of our annual festivals celebrating the best of the Bay on campus throughout the year. Annual Household memberships start at $100. Choose the membership level and benefits that are right for you!

What else is going on in town?

We’re thrilled to welcome you to St. Michaels, which has been named the best small town in Maryland by Southern Living. Be sure to take a stroll around our quaint historic Eastern Shore town and get a sense of all that it has to offer. Many local businesses are our partners offering discounts to CBMM members through our MemberPerks program. Visit StMichaelsMD.com to learn more and plan out the rest of your stay here.

What else should I know?

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival. Carry-on alcohol, from dock or land, is prohibited.

Mark your calendar!?!

Make plans now to join us next year! The festival will be back in the spring on the weekend of April 18-19, 2026.