Spring means different things to different people, but we boaters mark the season by removing tarps and shrinkwrap, scrubbing topsides, commissioning vessels, and burning socks. In the natural world daffodils begin to grow in earnest, and birds that migrated to warmer climes return to the Bay. Osprey usually arrive here during the middle of March.
Across Chesapeake Country spring is a popular time for festivals. Here are seven, from Havre de Grace up north to Yorktown at the Bay’s southern tip. Which one will you attend?
Maryland Day, March 19-25: More than 50 partners will host special events, programs, and activities throughout the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area. A special maritime gathering is planned for Monday, March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Crownsville, MD, to include the world premiere screening of the short documentary film “Voices of the Skipjack.” Representatives from more than a dozen leading maritime organizations will be on hand (including SpinSheet) to share how you can experience the Bay and celebrate its maritime heritage.
Virginia Osprey Festival, April 11. This family-friendly festival is packed with nature, education, local flavor, and fun for all ages—set against the beautiful backdrop of the Potomac River. in Colonial Beach, VA.
Osprey Festival, April 18: If you love birds, wildlife, and nature, or even if you’re just curious about them, discover this festival, which welcomes families and people of all ages. See a live raptor up close, take part in a lecture series, enjoy vendors on the boardwalk, meet Oscar the Osprey (and get a selfie), and move through the child-focused nature activity stations. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Town of North Beach, MD. $10 per person; $20 per family.
Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival, April 18-19: Held at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, MD, this event welcomes the whole family. Throughout the weekend, sea glass expert Mary McCarthy will be available to share her knowledge, including shard identification. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, with all tickets valid for admission on both days. In addition, attendees are invited to explore the exhibitions and historic structures spread across CBMM’s 18-acre campus. Tickets prices are discounted when purchased online.
DelMarVa Birding Weekend, April 23-26: This year will be the 30th Spring DelMarVa Birding Weekend, a four-day event that combines boat trips, paddling treks, and expeditions on foot when migrating birds are arriving and passing through the peninsula for nesting. This is a true celebration of spring birdwatching.
Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend, April 25-26: Embrace your inner pirate and visit the pirate encampment in Yorktown, VA, where your family can watch blacksmith and cannon demonstrations, sing along to sea shanties, join the hunt for buried loot, and listen to a fife and drum performance. The event hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Solomons Maritime Festival, May 2: This fun, annual event includes the Antique Boat and Marine Engine Show with exhibits from collectors of antique and classic boats and vintage marine outboard and inboard engines. Watch seafood-cooking demonstrations. Enjoy local music. See Chesapeake Bay retrievers in action. Check out model boats in the boat basin and talk with traditional craftspeople as they demonstrate their skills. Free 30-minute cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison. Toy boat building and more for kids. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a free event.
Havre de Grace Decoy and Wildlife Festival, May 2-3: This premier decoy and wildlife art show will unfold in the Decoy Capital of the World, Havre de Grace, MD. Come see outstanding decoys and wildlife art and meet master carvers and artists. Carving competitions on Saturday. This family-friendly event has been drawing fans for more than 40 years, and the tradition continues at the STAR Centre on Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.