Watermen’s Appreciation Day

Watermen’s Appreciation Day

Sunday, Aug. 9 | 10am-4pm

CBMM MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

NON-MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Get ready to experience the vibrant spirit of the Eastern Shore at Watermen’s Appreciation Day, hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 10am-4pm.

Held in partnership with the Talbot Watermen Association since 2010, this annual celebration honors the hardworking men and women who bring the Bay’s bounty to our tables. The festivities include a must-see workboat docking competition, live music, a locally harvested crab feast, with plenty of additional options to eat and drink, plus more fun for the whole family.

Tickets are on sale now, with discounted pricing for CBMM members. Save $2 by purchasing your tickets in advance online.

Join the celebration

The high-energy watermen’s rodeo embodies the spirit of the festival. This is your chance to join the crowd along CBMM’s Miles River waterfront to cheer on the Chesapeake Cowboys, who showcase their skill and precision while maneuvering their deadrise workboats into an assigned slip in a thrilling, timed competition.

Steamed crabs will be available by the dozen, served hot and fresh by local watermen, along with a delicious menu of Eastern Shore delicacies from local food trucks as well as beer and cocktails. All food and beverages are an additional charge.

There will also be live music at the Tolchester Beach Bandstand, local arts and crafts vendors spread across campus, and a silent auction in the Small Boat Shed in support of the Talbot Watermen Association.

In addition to these festivities, guests are encouraged to explore all the exhibitions and historic structures across CBMM’s 18-acre campus, including Waterman’s Wharf highlighting the life and work of a Chesapeake waterman and a working Shipyard dedicated to the preservation, construction, and care of traditional Chesapeake vessels.

Buy your tickets now & save

Watermen’s Appreciation Day tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Guests who purchase their tickets in advance will save $2.

For those purchasing online, festival admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free. At the door, the cost is $24 for adults, $21 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $12 for active and retired military members, and $11 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to this annual festival and others throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive discounted admission for two additional adult guests.

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To discover all the terrific benefits of membership and join today, click here or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or druzicka@cbmm.org.

All licensed watermen and their immediate families receive free admission to the festival by showing an active license at the door.

More to know

During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including Watermen’s Appreciation Day. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited. Spectator boats wishing to view the boat docking competition from the water must remain outside the buoyed channel.

Watermen’s Appreciation Day

Date/Time: Sunday, Aug. 9, 10am-4pm
Location: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

CBMM MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

NON-MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS