Fall is the perfect time to enjoy Fairs, Festivals and Carnivals in Maryland. And there are many special events to choose from for low-cost family fun.
This list includes a variety of fairs, festivals and carnivals in September through November. Event locations include Arnold, Bowie, Crofton, Columbia, Ellicott City and Prince Frederick, along with Washington, D.C.
Also check out our Harvest & Fall Festivals and cool Halloween activities. For more haunting happenings, see more Halloween Events and the awesome Haunted House roundup for spooky events in the greater Annapolis-Baltimore area.
As always, we suggest you call ahead to verify times and locations before attending an event. Be sure to check back often for updates as more events are added. Have fun!
Maryland Renaissance Festival
August 26 – October 22, Saturdays and Sundays
25-acre English village with craft and specialty shops. Food and beverage emporiums, games, attractions, jousting and more. Ticket sales online only. Kids under age 7 are free.
1821 Crownsville, Rd, Annapolis
rennfest.com
Maryland State Fair
August 24-27, August 31 – September 4, September 7-10
Food, fun, entertainment, rides, livestock, concerts and more. Free for children 5 and younger. Rides and concerts require fee. Check website for schedule.
Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium.
marylandstatefair.com
National Hard Crab Derby
September 1-3
Crab themed festival featuring crab races, crab cooking and picking contests. Carnival rides, crafts, live entertainment, beauty pageants, parade, fireworks and more. Prices vary by event.
Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield.
nationalhardcrabderby.com
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
September 1-4
Games, live bands, entertainment, food, sports, art and photo contests. Used book sale, and Labor Day parade. Free. Hours vary daily.
Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt.
greenbeltlaborday.com
Zoo Bop
September 3
Children’s outdoor music festival featuring live performances, dancing, food, a bubble show, and animal themed fun.
Maryland Zoo, Baltimore.
marylandzoo.org
Annapolis First Sunday Arts Festival
September 3
Arts and craft show featuring 100 local and regional artists. Live music, dance, street performers, food and more. Free.
Calvert and West Streets, Annapolis.
firstsundayarts.com
Chestertown Jazz Festival
September 7 & 9
Live jazz performances, food, vendors, drinks and more. $40 in advance–$50 day of show.
Wilmer Park, Chestertown.
kentcounty.com
Indigenous Heritage Day at Historic St. Mary’s City
September 9
Learn skills, try crafts, and watch demonstrations to gain a new appreciation for the people that called this land home before Maryland was founded, and the culture that still exists today.
Historic St. Mary’s City
hsmcdigshistory.org
Parkville Carney Festival
September 9
features arts, crafts, local businesses & services, non-profits, schools and more. Great finds and foods, music and kids activities.
Parkville
parkvillecarneyfestival.compar
Catonsville Arts and Crafts Festival
September 10
Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, exhibits by local organizations, food and more. Free.
CCBC, Catonsville.
catonsville.org
Reisterstown Festival
September 9 & 10
Parade on Saturday at 9am followed by live entertainment, a family fun area, car show, vendor area and food. Headliner concert on Saturday and then fireworks at 8:45pm.
reisterstownfest.com
Ukrainian Festival
September 9
Ukrainian music, dance, food, crafts and family activities.
stmichaelukrainiancatholicbaltimore.org
Taste the Beaches Festival
September 9
A festival-themed experience with local food, drinks, artists, vendors, and businesses celebrating the Twin Beaches
Kellam’s Field, Chesapeake Beach
chesapeakebeachmd.gov
Watersedge Fall Festival
September 10
Located at Watersedge Park in Dundalk, this festival will have rides, games, live music, car show and great food and treats.
facebook.com
Anne Arundel County Fair
September 13-17
Food, crafts, contests, games, animals and rides.
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville.
aacountyfair.org
Elkton Fall Fest
September 15-16
Fall fest includes a car show, crafters, contests and a push cart derby.
Elkton Alliance, Elkton.
elktonfallfest.com
The Great Frederick Fair
September 15-23
Competitive exhibits, including livestock, home arts, farm and garden and 4-H/FFA. Rides, games, activities and food.
Frederick Fairgrounds, Frederick
thegreatfrederickfair.com
Wheels and Wings Car Show
September 16
An ideal event for both automotive and aircraft enthusiasts. Featuring local vendors, food trucks, and museum activities for everyone to enjoy.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
paxmuseum.com
Days End Farm Horse Rescue Benefit Concert
September 16
FULL DAY mini music festival featuring 3 bands at one of Maryland’s premier horse farms. With popular food trucks, beer & wine, lawn + kids games, and farm tours to meet our rescue horses – there is something for the whole family
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine. defhr.org
Artsfest
September 16 & 17
Artist booths, live performances, kids’ activities, food and drinks, street performers, shopping and more.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Solomons.
annmariegarden.org
The Bohemian Black Festival
September 16 & 17
Bringing you the best in lifestyle, fashion, hair, styling, family activities, music, and food to you all in one place while celebrating community.
Earleigh Heights Fire Station, 161 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park
https://www.thebohemianblackfestival.com/
Colonial Market & Fair
September 16 & 17. Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mount Vernon. mountvernon.org
The Maryland Wine Festival
September 16
Maryland wine, music, food and crafts.
Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster.
carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org
Annapolis Italian Festival
September 17
Enjoy great Italian food, artisans, music, and more!
Annapolis
annapolissonsofitaly.com
Taste of the Chesapeake
September 21
Unique food, drinks, live raffles, silent auction and more.
Annapolis Maritime Museum, Maryland
allianceforthebay.org
St. Mary’s County Fair
September 21-24
Livestock, home arts, carnival and more.
St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, Leonardtown.
smcfair.somd.com
Goshen Farm Fall Open House
September 23
A free event that is full of fun, family activities, and food. Plus there will be 2 scheduled Tours of the Historic House
Goshen Farm, Annapolis.
goshenfarm.org
The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party®
September 23 & 24
What is The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party®? Food, entertainment, games and activities. $21.99 – $69.99. 12-7 p.m. Power Plant Live! Baltimore. bigdill.com
Saint Demetrios Greek Festival
September 29, 30 & Oct 1
Join the celebration of Greek culture, music and of course delicious food.
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Baltimore, MD
stdemetriosmd.org
Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival
September 23
Live performances, world foods, vendors, children’s tent and more.
Susan Campbell Park, Annapolis.
kuntakinte.org
Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest
September 23
A family-friendly event showcasing the best of Maryland seafood restaurants and food trucks with live music.
Concord Point Lighthouse, Havre de Grace.
susquehannawineandseafoodfest.com
Oktoberfest
September 24
This annual fun street fair features German (and other) food, drinks arts and craft vendors, oompah band, and kid’s activities.
Annapolis and Giddings Streets, in West Annapolis.
annapolis-arts-alliance.com
Frederick’s Oktoberfest
September 29 – 30
Bratwurst, Oktoberfest bier, German wines, dancing, music, children’s events and much more.
Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
frederickoktoberfest.org
A Taste of St. Mary’s
September 30
Children’s activities, car show, entertainment and more. Free.
Leonardtown Square, Leonardtown.
visitstmarysmd.com
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival
September 30 – October 1
Enjoy great Baygrass music with local food, microbrews, wines and fun activities for all ages.
Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
baygrassfestival.com
Calvert County Fair
September 27-October 1
A showcase of the best in the area, including agricultural, 4H, contests and prizes, local entertainment, as well as a carnival.
Prince Frederick
calvertcountyfair.com
Annapolis First Sunday Arts Festival
October 1
Arts and craft show featuring 100 local and regional artists. Live music, dance, street performers, food and more. Free.
Calvert and West Streets, Annapolis.
firstsundayarts.com
United States Powerboat Show
October 5-8
The nation’s oldest and largest in-water powerboat exhibition. Features new boats on display, marine equipment, boating lessons, seminars, demonstrations and vendors.
City Dock, Annapolis.
annapolisboatshows.com
Fell’s Point Fun Festival
October 6 – 8
Experience tasty food, drink and fun shopping at this live music event.
Baltimore
fellspointfest.com
Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival
October 6 – 8
Amateur boatbuilders and model enthusiasts will gather in St. Michaels to race, demonstrate and enjoy their small crafts. Plus live music, boats on display, demonstrations, food and kid’s activities.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels
cbmm.org
Old Bowie Festival!
October 7
Festivalgoers will enjoy a full day of live music and dance performances, street entertainers, children’s activities, international and local foods, arts and crafts vendors, and more!
Chestnut Street & 11th Streets to Maple Avenue at 9th Street, Bowie.
oldbowiecelebrates.us
PRAD (Patuxent River Appreciation Days)
October 7
This annual festival creates awareness, recognition, and promotion of the Patuxent River. The weekend includes boatbuilding activities, live music, canoe rides and demonstrations. Free harbor cruises, an arts and crafts show, food, wine tastings, children’s activities and a parade.
Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons.
calvertmarinemuseum.com
Southern Maryland Heritage Festival
October 7th & 8th
Historic Sotterley is proud to announce the Southern Maryland Festival. $10.00 – $30.00. 12-5 p.m. Historic Sotterley, Hollywood. sotterley.org
Washington DC Water Lantern Festival
October 7th & 8th
Experience the magic of the Water Lantern Festival where you will enjoy tasty food trucks, fun music, and an incredible sight as thousands of floating lanterns reflect unique messages of love, hope, a $25.99 – $55.99. 4-8:30 p.m. National Harbor SouthPointe , Oxon Hill. tickets.waterlanternfestival.com
Maryland STEM Festival
October 13 – November 11
A month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, promising a multitude of captivating, interactive, and educational events for audiences across Maryland. Whether you’re a student, a family member, a friend, a STEM professional, a teacher, or a dedicated volunteer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this statewide extravaganza. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration of STEM – learn more at marylandstemfestival.org.
United States Sailboat Show
October 12-15
Nation’s oldest and largest in-water boat show featuring world’s largest multi-hull sailboat collection, new sailboats and catamarans.
City Dock, Annapolis
annapolisboatshows.com
Good Beer Festival
October 13-14
Tastings of different American craft brews, including a local beer garden featuring Eastern Shore breweries. Also, live music, games and more.
Pemberton Park, Salisbury.
goodbeerfestival.org
Dogfest Walk & Festival
October 14
Dog day extravaganza for pets and pet lovers that benefits the no-kill shelter, Baltimore Humane Society. Pet-centric day full of games, contests, food and fun.
Baltimore Humane Society, Reisterstown
bmorehumane.org
Annual Oyster Festival
October 14
Children’s activities, live music, local vendors and more.
Captain Avery Museum, Shady Side.
captainaverymuseum.org
The Big Build
October 14
Build, discover, play, make, and design alongside architects, hobbyists, artisans, and craftspeople during this free hands-on festival. More information to come soon! Free, drop in. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. National Building Museum, Washington. go.nbm.org
Easton Airport Day
October 14 FREE
Flyovers, plane displays, activities, food and more.
Easton Airport, Easton.
discovereaston.com
Rock Hall Fallfest
October 14
Children’s activities, live music, crafts and a Kids Court.
Main Street, Rock Hall
rockhallfallfest.org
14th Annual American Indian Festival
October 21
Discover the rich and diverse culture of Native American Indians at this year’s in-person festival with music, storytelling, games, food and more
Watkins Regional Park.
pgparks.com
Sunfest
October 19-22
Live music, kids activities, food, artisans and more.
Boardwalk, Ocean City.
ococean.com
OKTOBEARFEST
October 21
Celebrate with unlimited fall-flavored beer sampling featuring 50+ seasonal brews. Plus, enjoy live music, food, and fare from local vendors and artisans.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Baltimore
marylandzoo.org
St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival
October 21-22
Oysters all day, plus plenty of other food, demonstrations, the National Oyster Shucking Championship, and National Oyster Cook-off, carnival rides and more.
St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, Leonardtown.
usoysterfest.com
OysterFest
October 28
Live music, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, and many oysters.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels
cbmm.org
American Indian Heritage Day
November 5
Hands-on activities, storytelling, archery and more.
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard.
jefpat.maryland.gov
Tug-o-War: Slaughter Across the Water
November 4
This giant tug-of-war across Spa Creek pits groups from Eastport against Annapolis in this annual fun feat of strength and festival. There will be live music, a chili cookoff, vendors and children’s activities on both sides of the creek. Free. Noon.
City Dock, Annapolis and Chart House Restaurant, Eastport.
themre.org/tug
Annapolis First Sunday Arts Festival
November 5
Arts and craft show featuring 100 local and regional artists. Live music, dance, street performers, food and more. Free.
Calvert and West Streets, Annapolis.
firstsundayarts.com
Waterfowl Festival
November 10-12
This weekend-long festival includes a Dock Dogs competition, artists, birds of prey demonstrations, carving competitions, and a whole lot more.
Various venues, Easton.
waterfowlfestival.org
Maryland Irish Festival
November 11-12
Irish music, Irish dancers, cultural exhibits, food, drinks and kid’s activities.
Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium.
irishfestival.com
Maryland Alpacas and Fleece Festival
November 11 & 12
Fall festival featuring live animals, yarn, demos and more.
Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship.
marylandalpacas.org
