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Things to Know

Some helpful tips as you plan your visit to one of CBMM’s exciting festivals.

Tickets

Tickets are available for purchase online in advance or at our Welcome Center and Museum Store the day of the event.

Pets

Pets are not permitted during special events and festivals, with the exception of certified service animals. 

Alcohol

Carry-on alcohol on our campus and docks is strictly prohibited unless otherwise noted.

Money

Cash and cards are accepted at the door for admission and by many festival vendors. There is an ATM located in CBMM’s Museum Store. 

Photos & Videos

CBMM welcomes your personal photos and videos – be sure to tag us on social media! Commercial content and drone usage is prohibited without prior approval.

Weather

Most of CBMM’s festivals are held rain or shine. In the case of extreme weather, updates can be found on our social media channels.

Upcoming Festivals and Events

CBMM hosts festivals and special events throughout the year. Check out the 2026 schedule below to learn more!

CBMM’s waterfront campus will be filled this weekend with artisans and craftspeople exhibiting and selling an array of coastal and sea-glass related items. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)
Festivals
Sat, Apr 18, 10:00 AM – Sun, Apr 19, 4:00 PM Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts FestivalCBMM

The Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival brings artisans who will exhibit and sell coastal and sea glass related jewelry, art, and more.

The 36th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair will be held at CBMM on Friday-Sunday. (Photo by George Sass)
Festivals
Fri, Jun 19, 10:00 AM – Sun, Jun 21, 3:00 PM Antique & Classic Boat Festival & Coastal Arts FairCBMM

The 38th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair is coming to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on June 19-21, inviting guests to take a step back in time in celebration of the history and artistry of these venerable vessels.

Guests watch fireworks during Big Band Night at CBMM. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)
Festivals
Sun, Jul 05, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Big Band NightCBMM

In celebration of Independence Day, CBMM will host Big Band Night, inviting guests to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music.

A scene from Watermen's Appreciation Day at CBMM
Festivals
Sun, Aug 09, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Watermen’s Appreciation DayCBMM

Watermen’s Appreciation Day is CBMM’s annual celebration of the men and women who make their living on the Chesapeake Bay and their heritage.

CBMM's Charity Boat Auction
Festivals
Sat, Sep 05, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Charity Boat AuctionCBMM

The live auction begins at 11am along CBMM’s waterfront campus, where boats will be auctioned off to the highest bidders.

A scene from the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)
Festivals
Fri, Oct 02, 10:00 AM – Sun, Oct 04, 3:00 PM Mid-Atlantic Small Craft FestivalCBMM

CBMM will host the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival XLIII on Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4, welcoming one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft back to its waterfront campus.

CBMM hosts OysterFest on Saturday, Oct. 26, with a full slate of festive activities to celebrate the Bay’s favorite bivalve. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)
Festivals
Sat, Nov 07, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM OysterFestCBMM

Get ready to sip, slurp, and savor at the Chesapeake Bay’s favorite fall festival!  The event features live music, retriever demonstrations, oysters, and more.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum invites guests to get in the festive spirit at the Holiday Edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival on Saturday, Nov. 22. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)
Festivals
Sat, Nov 21, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival: Holiday EditionCBMM

CBMM gets in the festive spirit, hosting the Holiday Edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival on Saturday, Nov. 21.

CBMM's Winter on the Chesapeake celebration. (Photo by George Sass)
Festivals
Sat, Dec 12, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM Winter on the ChesapeakeCBMM

You’re invited to experience Winter on the Chesapeake at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Saturday, Dec. 12.