Annual Festivals - Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

CBMM hosts one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft at Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival XXXX on Oct. 6-8. (Photo by George Sass)

CBMM hosts one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft at Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival XL on Oct. 6-8. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Sept. 14, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum hosts Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival XL on Friday-Sunday, Oct. 6-8, welcoming one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft back to its waterfront campus.

Hundreds of amateur and professional boatbuilders and enthusiasts will come from all over the region to display their one-of-a-kind kayaks, canoes, and other traditional small craft at the 40th edition of the annual festival, which runs 10am–5pm all three days.

Public entrance to the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival is included with CBMM’s general admission, which is good for two consecutive days and free for CBMM members.

Head to cbmm.org/MASCF to learn more about the three-day event. Anyone looking to register as a participant and gain access to the full slate of events can get more info at cbmm.org/MASCFparticipants.

A family-friendly fall staple, MASCF invites guests to marvel at the craftsmanship and innovation used in traditional and contemporary small craft, showcased both on land and in the water, while enjoying all that CBMM has to offer across its 18-acre campus. Throughout the weekend, boat owners are encouraged to share their knowledge and boating experiences with guests.

Now in its 40th year, MASCF invites guests to marvel at the craftsmanship and innovation used in traditional and contemporary small craft. (Photo by George Sass)

Saturday offers a full slate of MASCF activities. CBMM Shipyard staff and Chesapeake Wooden Boat Builders School instructors will offer boatbuilding and maritime demonstrations that day, and Chesapeake Light Craft will be on site with a selection of vessels from its fleet for guests to demo.

That afternoon, there will be a spirited small craft race on the Miles River. Guests are encouraged to watch all the action from CBMM’s waterfront and docks.

Also on Saturday, guests are invited to a special presentation in CBMM’s Shipyard at 10am. A weeklong workshop on traditional Japanese boatbuilding, led by author, boatbuilder, and educator Douglas Brooks, concludes with a traditional Shinto launching ceremony to celebrate the completion of a 21-foot Japanese river boat. That evening, Brooks will be the keynote speaker at the dinner for MASCF participants.

Everyone on campus for MASCF will be able to vote for their favorite boat, with the People’s Choice award and others announced among participants on Saturday evening. Limited offerings will be available for the public to see on Sunday.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival.

On Sunday, Watermen’s Appreciation Day guests will once again gather on Navy Point to watch the watermen’s rodeo. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Aug. 9, 2023 – Watermen’s Appreciation Day is back at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Sunday, bringing a full day of fun to CBMM’s waterfront campus in celebration of the men and women who make their living on the Bay.

Running 10am-5pm, this annual fundraising event, organized by CBMM in partnership with the Talbot Watermen Association, features a boat docking contest, steamed crabs by the dozen, live music, family activities, and more. Don’t miss the silent auction benefitting TWA going on until 3pm in the Small Boat Shed.

Whether you’re a returning guest or this is your first Watermen’s Appreciation Day, these FAQs about the festivities will help you to get the most out of your visit.

Buy your tickets here now or purchase them at the door. The event program is available here. You can find more information here and reach out to havefun@cbmm.org with any additional questions.

CBMM and the Talbot Watermen Association partner to present Watermen’s Appreciation Day. (Photo by George Sass)

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-5pm 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.

Starting at 11am, crabs will be sold by the dozen and come along with two ears of corn. (Photo by George Sass)

How much are crabs?

Starting at 11am, steamed crabs, served by TWA members, will be available for purchase at $35 per dozen and come with two ears of corn. There will also be two beer trucks on site and a variety of vendors on serving up different cuisine, including tacos, BBQ, bacon, ice cream, funnel cakes, and more.

There will be 12 competitors in this year’s watermen’s rodeo. (Photo by George Sass)

What is a watermen’s rodeo?

The always-spirited watermen’s rodeo is a boat docking contest featuring the Chesapeake Cowboys along the Miles River, starting at noon. This edition includes 12 competitors who will showcase their extreme docking expertise. Bleacher seating will be provided on Navy Point for spectators to enjoy all the action.

Bird Dog and the Road Kings will be rocking the Tolchester Beach Bandstand throughout the afternoon. (Photo by George Sass)

Will there be live music?

Yes, Eastern Shore favorites Bird Dog and the Road Kings will start at noon and have the Tolchester Beach Bandstand rocking throughout the afternoon.

The Phillips Wharf Environmental Center will also be on campus with its Fishmobile traveling aquarium. (Photo by George Sass)

The Phillips Wharf Environmental Center Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on campus Sunday. (Photo by George Sass)

What is there for children to do?

There are kid-friendly activities planned throughout the day. The junior watermen contests will be held on Navy Point, starting at 10:30, and feature the buoy toss, large and small anchor toss, and jigger throw. Stick around for the awards ceremony at 3pm following the watermen’s rodeo.

The area next to the Bay History building will be busy with lawn games as well as a children’s build-a-boat station with kits available for $3 apiece. The Phillips Wharf Environmental Center will also be on campus with its Fishmobile traveling aquarium.

What is the One Hundred Shores project?

The mission of the One Hundred Shores project is to use Chesapeake water from 100 different locations across the Chesapeake estuary in a dyeing process to create shirts which illustrate a map of the watershed itself. At Watermen’s Appreciation Day, guests are invited to visit the organization’s booth near the Shipyard to make their own shirts using water from the Miles River. Register here to join in the fun.

At Watermen’s Appreciation Day, guests can meet locals who work the water, while enjoying the day’s catch of crabs as well as beer and other regional food and beverages. (Photo by George Sass)

What else should I see on campus?

Amid the special festivities, Watermen’s Appreciation Day guests are encouraged to explore all the exhibitions and historic structures on CBMM’s 18-acre campus. Notably, the working Shipyard is currently home to several projects spotlighting the construction, care, and preservation of traditional Bay workboats, and guests can stop by Watermen’s Wharf to experience seafood harvesting as practiced by a Bay waterman in a recreated crab shack.

Reminder: For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to 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 competition from the water must remain outside the buoyed channel.

Watermen’s Appreciation Day returns to CBMM on Sunday, Aug. 13, highlighted by a boat docking contest, steamed crabs by the dozen, live music, and family activities. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., July 12, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host Watermen’s Appreciation Day on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 10am-5pm on its waterfront campus.

This annual celebration of the men and women who make their living on the Chesapeake Bay and their heritage features a boat docking contest, steamed crabs by the dozen, live music, family activities, and more. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/watermensday.

At Watermen’s Appreciation Day, guests can meet locals who work the water, while enjoying the day’s catch of crabs as well as beer and other regional food and beverages. There will also be a silent auction in the Small Boat Shed, in support of the Talbot Watermen Association (TWA).

This is a fundraising event organized by CBMM in partnership with TWA, with proceeds benefiting both organizations.

“Watermen’s Appreciation Day is our way of giving thanks to all the hard-working watermen and women,” TWA President Jeff Harrison said. “It is an honor to provide Maryland’s Best seafood to all the seafood lovers in Maryland and beyond. Thank you to CBMM for partnering with us these last 12 years.”

Served by local watermen, steamed crabs will be sold at $35 per dozen and come with two ears of corn. (Photo by George Sass)

Served by members of the Talbot Watermen Association, steamed crabs will be sold at $35 per dozen and come with two ears of corn. (Photo by George Sass)

The always-spirited watermen’s rodeo is a boat docking contest along the Miles River near CBMM’s 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse. Bleacher seating will be provided for spectators to enjoy all the action, which begins at noon.

Starting at 11am, steamed crabs, served by TWA members, will be available for purchase, in addition to hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and more. Crabs will be sold at $35 per dozen and come with two ears of corn.

The Tolchester Beach Bandstand will showcase the music of Bird Dog and the Road Kings. The Eastern Shore favorites start playing at noon and will provide the soundtrack for the fun throughout the afternoon.

There will be a variety of children’s activities offered throughout the day, including a junior watermen crab race, baiting contest, jigger throw, lawn games, and more. The Phillips Wharf Environmental Center will also be on site with its Fishmobile traveling aquarium.

In addition to the special festivities, guests are encouraged to explore all the exhibitions and historic structures across CBMM’s 18-acre campus, including its working Shipyard that is currently home to several projects spotlighting the construction, care, and preservation of traditional Chesapeake Bay workboats.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $19 for adults ages 18 to 64, $16 for seniors (65+), college students (with ID), and retired military members; $10 for active military members, and $8 for children 6 to 17, with all children 5 years of age and under admitted free.

CBMM members, along with licensed watermen and their immediate families, get discounted admission at $10 per adult and $6 per child ages 6 to 17. All food and beverages are an additional charge.

Free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service to and from CBMM running throughout the day.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to 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 competition from the water must remain outside the buoyed channel.

For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

The 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair will be held at CBMM on Friday-Sunday. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., June 14, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum welcomes a Father’s Day weekend tradition back to its waterfront campus, presenting the 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair on Friday-Sunday.

The festival celebrating the past, present, and future of antique and classic boating 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.

Hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, this is one of the largest classic boat shows in the Mid-Atlantic region and much more. This year’s festival highlights the theme of “Show Us Your First Love,” inviting boat owners to display their boats and share stories about what first launched them on their love of classic and antique boats.

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.

Each year, the Antique & Classic Boat Festival brings a sense of nostalgia to CBMM’s waterfront campus and docks. (Photo by George Sass)

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.

What are all these boats?

Throughout the weekend, CBMM’s campus and docks will be filled with 100+ antique and classic boats representing a multitude of makers and eras, inviting guests to take a nostalgic step back in time and appreciate these venerable vessels. (The Golden Cup, a DJ who spins classic tunes from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s will provide a fitting sound track!)

Builders represented at the festival typically include Chris-Craft, Lyman, Gar Wood, Elco, Thompson, Trumpy, Owens, Egg Harbor, and other great classic marques.

Owners of boats in all phases of restoration are expected to participate, as part of a varied collection featuring historic (up to 1918), antique (1919-1942), classic (1943-1975), late classic (1976-1997), and contemporary (any wooden boat built within the last 25 years) examples.

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

The juried Coastal Arts Fair showcases artisans from up and down the East Coast. (Photo by George Sass)

What is the Coastal Arts Fair?

One of the festival’s highlights is a juried Coastal Arts Fair. In the courtyard surrounding the Tolchester Beach Bandstand, guests can browse vendors hailing from as far away as Canada and Florida showcasing products, services, and art represent in the boats, the water, and coastal life. There will be additional vendors set up in the Small Boat Shed.

There will also be a nautical flea market and a Field of Dreams for those looking to buy a classic boat set up near the Mill Street Gate along CBMM’s Living Shoreline. Also, be sure to stop by the Antique & Classic Boat Society’s Ship Store to learn more about the organization and buy your festival merchandise.

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.

On Saturday and Sunday, members of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will be taking guests out on the water for free boat rides. (Photo by George Sass)

What’s going on in the Van Lennep Auditorium?

Driven by the Antique & Classic Boat Society’s mission of continuing the legacy of these boats through preservation, restoration and education, the festival will feature a lineup of 10 seminars on Friday and Saturday highlighting experts, historians, and authors. These talks run from 10am-3pm both days and are free for festival guests and participants. The full schedule is available here.

What activities are there for kids?

There’s fun for the whole family at the festival. Check out the kids’ boat building station set up between CBMM’s Bay History building on Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 1-3 pm. There’s also a family-friendly scavenger hunt offering an interactive exploration of the festival that can be picked up in the CBMM Welcome Center or ACBS Ship Store.

What else is on the schedule?

On Saturday and Sunday, the day starts with a flag raising ceremony on Navy Point led by a local chapter of the Sea Scouts.

Of course, festival guests are encouraged to explore all the exhibitions and historic structures on CBMM’s 18-acre campus as well as its working Shipyard and historic floating fleet. Your Chesapeake adventure begins here.

The Antique & Classic Boat Festival will showcase 100+ antique and classic boats with examples on land and in the water. (Photo by George Sass)

What is there to eat and drink?

There will be a handful of regional vendors selling food and beverages, as well as a bar offering a variety of selections of beer and cocktails adjacent to the Shipyard.

Can I bring my dog to the festival?

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Antique & Classic Boat Festival.

What else is going on in town?

We’re thrilled to welcome you to St. Michaels, which has been named one of USA Today‘s Top 10 best small coastal towns.

Be sure to take a stroll around our quaint historic Eastern Shore town and get a sense of all that it has to offer. Visit StMichaelsMD.org to learn more and plan out the rest of your stay here.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host Big Band Night on July 1, inviting guests to enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., June 1, 2023 – In celebration of Independence Day, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host Big Band Night on July 1, inviting guests to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River.

The Shades of Blue Orchestra brings its signature sound starting at 7pm, and CBMM’s waterfront campus offers a great vantage point to enjoy the St. Michaels fireworks, which begin at dusk that evening. The rain date for the concert and fireworks is July 2.

Food, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the event, which is generously sponsored by Eastern Shore Tents & Events.

The Shades of Blue Orchestra brings its signature sound to the Tolchester Beach Bandstand on Big Band Night at CBMM.

Mixing popular standards, a variety of musical styles, and dance-able rhythms, the Shades of Blue Orchestra combines brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments to present music from the 1930s to present representing an eclectic variety of genres. This 18-piece Big Band based out of Baltimore has been entertaining guests across the region since 1976.

CBMM’s Welcome Center will open at 6pm for guests to enter campus for Big Band Night. Admission to this event is $6 for CBMM members and $10 for non-members, with children ages 5 and under, plus active and retired military, free. Advance tickets are available here.

Wooden and fiberglass classics, vintage racers, and other antique boats return to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum from June 16-18 for the 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., May 16, 2023 – Wooden and fiberglass classics, vintage racers, and other antique boats return to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum from June 16-18 for the 35th Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair.

Hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, this Father’s Day weekend tradition is one of the largest classic boat shows in the Mid-Atlantic region and annually brings a sense of nostalgia to the Miles River and CBMM’s waterfront campus.

The festival runs from 10am-5pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday. For advance tickets and more information, visit cbmm.org/antiqueandclassic.

In addition to the wide range of vessels on display representing a multitude of makers and eras, the Antique & Classic Boat Festival is accompanied by a juried Coastal Arts Fair showcasing vendors whose products, services, and art represent boats, the water, and coastal life.

Driven by the Antique & Classic Boat Society – Chesapeake Bay Chapter’s mission of continuing the legacy of these venerable vessels through preservation, restoration and education, the festival will feature a lineup of 10 seminars on Friday and Saturday highlighting experts, historians, and authors. (Find the full schedule here.) Other festival highlights include a Field of Dreams for those looking to buy, boat rides, a nautical flea market, and a children’s scavenger hunt, as well as a DJ spinning classic tunes.

This year’s festival highlights the theme of “Show Us Your First Love,” inviting boat owners to display their boats and share stories about what first launched them on their lifelong love of classic and antique boats. (Photo by George Sass)

This three-day celebration of the past, present, and future of antique and classic boating invites guests to take a step back in time.

Builders represented at the festival typically include Chris-Craft, Lyman, Gar Wood, Elco, Thompson, Trumpy, Owens, Egg Harbor, and other great classic marques. Owners of boats in all phases of restoration in the following classes are expected to participate, as part of a varied collection featuring historic (up to 1918), antique (1919-1942), classic (1943-1975), late classic (1976-1997), and contemporary (any wooden boat built within the last 25 years) examples.

Two-day admission to the Antique & Classic Boat Festival is $19 for adults; $16 for seniors (65+), college students with ID, and retired military with ID; $7 for active military with ID, CBMM members, and children 6–17; and free for children 5 and younger.

In addition to advanced sales online for Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday, tickets will be available at CBMM throughout the festival. No single-day tickets will be sold to this rain or shine event.

Additional free event parking for Saturday’s festivities will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Antique & Classic Boat Festival and Coastal Arts Fair. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is prohibited.

SEMINAR SCHEDULE

There are expected to be more than 85 exhibiting vendors at this edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival. (Photo by George Sass)

ST. MICHAELS, Md., April 20, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is set to celebrate all things sea glass this weekend at the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival.

The popular festival kicks off CBMM’s slate of annual events, running 10am–5pm Saturday and 10am–4pm Sunday. You can buy tickets now, and they will also be available at the door. Remember, your ticket is good for admission to both days of the festival.

CBMM’s waterfront campus will be filled with artisans and craftspeople exhibiting and selling a wide array of coastal and sea-glass related items. There are expected to be more than 85 exhibiting vendors in all, as well as a wide range of food and beverages available for purchase, including beer and cocktails, and live music throughout both days.

Whether you’re a returning guest or this is your first time joining the fun, 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 Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival at seaglassfestival.com and cbmm.org and reach out to havefun@cbmm.org with any additional questions.

CBMM is set to welcome the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival back to its waterfront campus this weekend. (Photo by George Sass)

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-5:30pm on Saturday and 10am-4:30pm on Sunday 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.

What vendors will be at the festival?

Now held twice annually, the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival showcases artisans from around the country featuring coastal and sea-glass related jewelry, home décor, art, and much more. This edition features more than 85 artisans spread between CBMM’s Navy Point, Tolchester Bandstand, and Boardwalk. The full vendor list can be found here.

Most vendors accept both cash and credit. There is an ATM available at CBMM’s store. Stop by the Ophiuroidea tent to check out official festival gear, clothing, jewelry, posters, and more.

Local musician Jayme Dingler will be performing on Saturday afternoon. (Photo by George Sass)

Who will be playing the Tolchester Beach Bandstand?

This festival will feature live music from start to finish with four local acts spread out over the two days.

Chris Sacks Band (10am–1pm) and Jayme Dingler (1:30-5pm) will take the stage on Saturday, while Anna Burgess (10am–1pm) and Dave Hawkins (1:30–4pm) form Sunday’s lineup.

What is this sea glass shard?

Mary McCarthy can help. The executive director of The Beachcombing Center and sea glass expert will be available for shard identification both days next to Festival Headquarters across from the lighthouse. Stop by the chat about all things sea glass!

On Saturday, CBMM shipwrights will hold a series of metal forging demonstrations.

CBMM shipwrights will hold a series of metal forging demos on Saturday.

What else is going on at CBMM?

In partnership with CBMM’s Rising Tide after-school program, guests are invited to contribute to a community art project. This Community Woodsaic is a large mosaic of a CBMM scene made out of wood. Construction will be taking place 10am-noon and 1-3pm both days.

On Saturday, CBMM shipwrights will hold a series of metal forging demonstrations. Stop by to watch the process of forging bottle openers and decorative hooks out of metal with a hammer and anvil. The demos will take place from 10am-noon and 1-3:30pm.

Can I bring my dog to the festival?

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival.

How can I get out on the water?

Docked adjacent to CBMM, Patriot Cruises will offer discounts both days for narrated historical cruises departing St. Michaels Harbor at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Guests can use code seaglass during checkout on patriotcruises.com to receive 1/2 off their tickets.

CBMM’s park-like waterfront setting includes numerous indoor and outdoor exhibitions, a working Shipyard, Museum Store, a floating fleet of historic vessels, member’s marina, and is easily reached by car or boat.

What else is going on in town?

We’re thrilled to welcome you to St. Michaels, which has been named one of USA Today‘s Top 10 best small coastal towns. Be sure to take a stroll around our quaint historic Eastern Shore town and get a sense of all that it has to offer. Visit StMichaelsMD.org to learn more and plan out the rest of your stay here.

Mark your calendar!?!

Save the date for the holiday edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, which will be held at CBMM on Nov. 18, 2023. The spring festival is back on April 20-21, 2024.

The Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival returns to CBMM on April 22-23.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Feb. 27, 2023 – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is set to welcome the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival back to its waterfront campus on April 22-23.

The popular festival kicks off CBMM’s slate of annual events, running 10am–5pm Saturday and 10am–4pm Sunday, with all tickets valid for admission on both days. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/seaglassfestival.

“I’m really excited about this year’s festival!” Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival Founder and Organizer Kim Hannon said. “We have amazing new artisans from all over the country, plus so many of our returning artisans who always bring beautiful art, jewelry and so much more. We hope our guests have a great time hunting for unique treasures during the two-day event while making some great memories and new friends along the way!”

This edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival will highlight more than 90 artisans and craftspeople from around the country exhibiting and selling coastal and sea-glass related jewelry, home décor, art, and more. A full listing of vendors and more information can be found at seaglassfestival.com.

Each two-day festival ticket includes entrance to the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, live music, and all the exhibitions and historic structures on the CBMM campus. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase, including beer, wine, and cocktails. 

This edition of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival will highlight more than 90 artisans and craftspeople from around the country.

CBMM’s Tolchester Beach Bandstand will host a full schedule of live music from local acts over the two days. Chris Sacks Band (10am–1pm) and Jayme Dingler (1:30-5pm) are set to take the stage on Saturday, while Anna Burgess (10am–1pm) and Dave Hawkins (1:30–4pm) form Sunday’s lineup.

Executive Director of The Beachcombing Center and sea glass expert, Mary McCarthy, will be available for shard ID throughout the weekend, and Patriot Cruises will offer cruise discounts both days at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Guests can use code seaglass during checkout on patriotcruises.com to receive 1/2 off their tickets.

The two-day festival ticket is $7 for CBMM member adults and active members of the military (with ID); $19 for non-member adults; $16 for seniors (age 65 and up), college students and retired military (both with ID); $7 for non-member children ages 6–17; and free for member children 6–17, and all children 5-and-under. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive the $7 discounted admission for two adult guests.

In addition to advanced sales online, tickets will be available at CBMM the day of the event. No single-day tickets will be sold to this rain or shine event.

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

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.

Bistro St. Michaels emerged as the winner of this year’s oyster stew competition after polling of 500 OysterFest guests.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., Nov. 4, 2022 – The culinary team from Bistro St. Michaels, led by Chef Doug Stewart, landed atop the podium at this year’s Oyster Stew Competition as part of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s annual OysterFest last Saturday.

After a tally of votes following a blind polling of 500 festival guests who sampled five different stews, Bistro St. Michaels’ “Stew A” emerged victorious. Theo’s Steakhouse of St. Michaels, led by Chef Aura Delgado, was runner-up with “Stew D,” and Ruse at the Wildset and Chef Michael Correll took third place in the voting with “Stew B.”

In total, more than 3,000 guests were on hand to celebrate the Bay’s favorite bivalve at the event, which returned to CBMM’s waterfront campus for the first time since 2019. More information about OysterFest can be found at cbmm.org.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will once again host its Charity Boat Auction on Aug. 27.

ST. MICHAELS, Md., July 23, 2022 – On Saturday, Aug. 27, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will once again host its Charity Boat Auction, where donated boats and watercraft—ranging in size and performance from cruising boats to dinghies—are auctioned off annually to the highest bidders.

“This is an absolute auction, meaning all boats will be sold the day of the event, with no minimums or reserves, and CBMM staff and volunteers will be on hand at an onsite title office for ease of transfer and title work,” said CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program Director Wes Williams. The rain-or-shine event also includes a flea market-style tag sale starting at 9am, where guests can purchase a variety of used boating gear, including ground tackle, electrical equipment, hardware, rope, chain, oars, life jackets, fishing tackle, motors, and more. “These donated boats are sold year-round, and will be sold up until a few days prior to the auction.”

In addition to being listed online, auction boats will be available for preview at CBMM on Friday, Aug. 26, from 10am–6pm. Regular admission rates will apply until 3pm, and gates will open for free from 3¬–6pm. Guests can also preview the boats on auction grounds beginning at 8am the day of the event, with bidding beginning at 11am. Food and beverages will be available for purchase starting at 10:30am.

“We work with donors all year-round, many caring for a boat they are no longer using, or having inherited a boat that won’t be used,” said Williams. “And these gifts are deductible to the full extent allowed by law.”

On Aug. 27, CBMM’s gates open at 8am, with free event entrance for CBMM members and children ages 5 and under. Otherwise, general admission is $5 per person until 11am, with a $5 paddle fee for registered bidders. After 11am, regular two-day admission rates apply. For safety reasons, non-service dogs are prohibited during CBMM festivals and special events, including the Charity Boat Auction. This year’s Charity Boat Auction is generously sponsored by SpinSheet & PropTalk magazines. For the official rules, auction details, and inventory updates, visit cbmm.org/AuctionDetails, or contact boatdonation@cbmm.org or 410-745-4992.

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