The 37th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair arrives at CBMM this weekend. (Photo by Sharon Thorpe)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., June 12, 2025 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is excited to host the 37th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair this weekend, bringing one of the largest classic boat shows in the Mid-Atlantic region and much more to our waterfront campus.

Organized by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, this Father’s Day weekend tradition runs from 10am-5pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday. You can buy tickets now, and they will also be available at the door. Remember, admission is good for two days.

Highlighting this year’s theme of “Boats in Movies and Television,” a variety of sport boats that have memorably been featured on screen will be on display throughout the weekend.

Whether you’re a returning guest or this is your first time, these FAQs about the festivities are designed to help you to get the most out of your time on campus.

You can find more information about the Antique & Classic Boat Festival at cbmm.org/ACBF and reach out to havefun@cbmm.org with any additional questions. The festival map is available here.

Where should I park?

Parking is available at CBMM. Please note that CBMM’s parking lot will reach capacity during large events.

On Saturday, overflow parking is located at St. Michaels Middle/High School on Seymour Avenue with shuttles running on a loop to and from CBMM from 10am-5:30pm.

Additional public parking lots and street parking are available throughout the town. Find more things to know about visiting CBMM festivals here.

More than 100 vessels will be displayed on land and in the water at the 37th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair. (Photo by George Sass)

What are all these boats?

The three-day festival is a celebration of the history and artistry of timeless vessels and the people who care for them. Boat enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy exploring more than 100 cruisers, runabouts and racers representing a wide range of makers and eras spread across our 18-acre campus and docks.

This year’s highlights include a collection of sport boats made famous by Hollywood, with Glastron Scimitar (“Moonraker”), Chris Craft (“On Golden Pond”), Thunderbird (“Flipper”), and Hacker (“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”) among the notable examples.

You’ll find a unique collection of wood, fiberglass, and metal vessels in all phases of restoration representing the historic (up to 1918), antique (1919-1942), classic (1943-1975), late classic (1976-1997), and contemporary (any wooden boat built since 1997) classes.

After exploring this year’s entries, you’re invited to use a QR code in the festival program to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.

A reminder that boarding boats is at the discretion of the owner.

What is the Coastal Arts Fair?

The juried Coastal Arts Fair brings vendors from across the region and beyond to showcase products, services, and art representing boats, the water, and coastal life. This year, the artisans will be located under the tent on Navy Point.

There will also be a Nautical Flea Market on Navy Point and a Field of Dreams for those looking to buy a classic boat set up on Fogg’s Landing.

Make sure to stop by the Antique & Classic Boat Society’s Ship Store to learn more about the organization and buy your festival merchandise.

Hear from experts, historians, and authors throughout the weekend in the Van Lennep Auditorium. (Photo by George Sass)

How can I learn more about antique and classic boats?

Throughout the festival in the Van Lennep Auditorium, the local chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will present a series of boating history talks highlighting experts, historians, and authors sharing their knowledge on a range of topics. Many of them will explore this year’s festival theme of vessels featured in movies and TV shows.

The lineup includes a presentation from CBMM’s Chief Historian Pete Lesher titled “Coastal Contraband: Prohibition and Rum Running Off Chesapeake Bay” on Friday at noon and a special talk and tasting with Tilghman Island Seafood’s Nick Hargrove on Sunday at 1pm.

On Sunday from 11am to 3pm on Fogg’s Landing, there will be a special exhibit, “Before and After Boats: Side-By-Side,” featuring unrestored boats next to finished classics of the same type. Restorers will offer advice on how to turn a daunting boat project into a cherished classic. The full schedule is available here.

What is there to eat and drink?

A variety of local food vendors will be spread across campus throughout the weekend, including tacos, BBQ, seafood, gourmet sandwiches, shaved ice, kettle corn, and coffee.

There will also be a beer truck stationed across from the Small Boat Shed offering craft and domestic selections as well as canned cocktails.

Can I take a boat ride?

Yes, members of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will be taking guests out on the water from 1-3pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Sign up for free to experience a classic vessel in action at the deck adjacent to the Van Lennep Auditorium. Rides may be limited or not available depending on boat availability and weather conditions.

Children can build and paint their own boat next to the Bay History building on Saturday and Sunday. (Photo by George Sass)

What other activities are planned?

Children will find plenty do at the festival, highlighted by a boat building station on Saturday (1-4pm) and Sunday (1-3pm) located next to the Bay History building.

Don’t miss the family-friendly scavenger hunt, offering an interactive exploration of campus. Instruction sheets can be picked up in CBMM’s Welcome Center or ACBS Ship Store.

On Saturday at 10am, a local chapter of the Sea Scouts will present a flag raising ceremony on Fogg’s Landing.

Be sure to check out the classic cars displayed on Fogg’s Landing on Saturday and Sunday. The Classic Motor Museum of St. Michaels will share a display of member vehicles throughout the day on Sunday. Stop by to learn more about the museum and its offerings, including the progress on its new property at 906 South Talbot Street.

The Water Lines exhibition highlights CBMM’s small craft collection by sharing the stories of the people who designed, built, and used them. (Photo by George Sass)

What else should I see at CBMM?

While enjoying all the festival vendors and offerings, guests are encouraged to explore the exhibitions and historic structures spread across CBMM’s campus, including the working Shipyard. Make sure to stop by the Sailing to Freedom special exhibition, exploring the maritime dimensions of the Underground Railroad, in the Changing Exhibitions Gallery and Water Lines exhibition, featuring more than two dozen vessels from CBMM’s small craft collection, in CBMM’s Welcome Center.

Become part of the Chesapeake story as a CBMM member and access exclusive experiences, programs, and discounts, including reduced pricing for all the 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 was recently 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. Head to 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 Antique & Classic Boat Festival. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is prohibited.