Maryland can be a bit kooky. The state is filled with a plethora of unique and creative individuals, and our local festivals are reflective of that fact. Take a look at the 9 most unique festivals in the Old Line State. They’re bizarre, yet oddly endearing.
NOTE: All event dates below are for the 2017 season.
- The National Hard Crab Derby (September 1st - 4th)
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby This annual Labor Day weekend event is located in Crisfield, the unofficial crabby capital of Maryland. Crab picking contests, vendors, and parades commence in honor of blue crabs. The weirdest spectacle of all is the crab race. It’s an event every Marylander should attend at least once.
Visit the website here
- Hon Fest (June 10th - 11th)
Flickr / Doug Miller This quirky event is a Baltimore tradition worth seeing in person. Located in the Hampden neighborhood, the theme beckons back to the Baltimorese lifestyle from decades past. Check out the food and entertainment but most of all, stay for the Best Hon Contest. It’s so much fun.
Visit the website here
- Renaissance Festival (August 26th - October 22nd)
Flickr / Maggie Travel back in time to the 16th-century when attending this unique festival in Crownsville. The rowdy jousting competitions are just the beginning. Catch a witty stage performance, shop the unique novelties, or chow down on the offbeat cuisine. Order an extra large turkey leg for the ultimate (and delicious) experience.
Visit the website here
- Maryland Faerie Festival (June 10th - June 11th)
Facebook / Maryland Faerie Festival Suit up in your best pair of wings and head to this whimsical festival. With activities for both children and adults, this event is both family-friendly and sure to please. It’s the most magical weekend of the year.
Visit the website here
- Sheep and Wool Festival (May 6th - May 7th)
Flickr / Stephanie Echeveste Prepare for wool overload at this fun festival located at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Workshops, competitions, and demonstrations give you an up close look at the entire process of wool, from sheep to yarn. But the best part is getting to make friends with these cuddly creatures all day long.
Visit the website here
- Dreamscape Festival (June 1st - June 4th)
Facebook / Dreamscape Your wildest dreams come to life at this EDM music festival in Darlington. Spend the weekend dancing, dressing in fantastical costumes, and exploring the dream-like grounds. Go ahead and set your inner child free - you’ll be glad you did.
Visit the website here
- Nightmare Festival (2017 Date TBD)
Facebook / Nightmare Festival Dreamscape’s sister festival is non-other than Nightmare Festival. Located at the same spot, this October event is filled with spooky Halloween attractions. When you’re not jamming to music, enter the haunted house and prepare for the costume contest.
Visit the website here
- Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race (May 6th)
Flickr / Ben Mason This fascinating Baltimore event is so much more than just a race. Talented artists create mobile works of art and the details will blow you away. You’ve never seen anything quite like this.
Visit the website here
- Steampunk Frederick (August 11th - 13th)
Facebook / Steampunk Frederick MD Steampunk culture is alive and well, and this Frederick event is proof. Dress up in steampunk attire and attend the bar crawl or participate in one of the unique events, like teacup dueling! Unique is an understatement.
Visit the website here
Have you been to any of these unique festivals in Maryland? If you’re more of a foodie, then check out the state’s most delicious food festivals.
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
This annual Labor Day weekend event is located in Crisfield, the unofficial crabby capital of Maryland. Crab picking contests, vendors, and parades commence in honor of blue crabs. The weirdest spectacle of all is the crab race. It’s an event every Marylander should attend at least once.
Visit the website here
Flickr / Doug Miller
This quirky event is a Baltimore tradition worth seeing in person. Located in the Hampden neighborhood, the theme beckons back to the Baltimorese lifestyle from decades past. Check out the food and entertainment but most of all, stay for the Best Hon Contest. It’s so much fun.
Visit the website here
Flickr / Maggie
Travel back in time to the 16th-century when attending this unique festival in Crownsville. The rowdy jousting competitions are just the beginning. Catch a witty stage performance, shop the unique novelties, or chow down on the offbeat cuisine. Order an extra large turkey leg for the ultimate (and delicious) experience.
Visit the website here
Facebook / Maryland Faerie Festival
Suit up in your best pair of wings and head to this whimsical festival. With activities for both children and adults, this event is both family-friendly and sure to please. It’s the most magical weekend of the year.
Visit the website here
Flickr / Stephanie Echeveste
Prepare for wool overload at this fun festival located at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Workshops, competitions, and demonstrations give you an up close look at the entire process of wool, from sheep to yarn. But the best part is getting to make friends with these cuddly creatures all day long.
Visit the website here
Facebook / Dreamscape
Your wildest dreams come to life at this EDM music festival in Darlington. Spend the weekend dancing, dressing in fantastical costumes, and exploring the dream-like grounds. Go ahead and set your inner child free - you’ll be glad you did.
Visit the website here
Facebook / Nightmare Festival
Dreamscape’s sister festival is non-other than Nightmare Festival. Located at the same spot, this October event is filled with spooky Halloween attractions. When you’re not jamming to music, enter the haunted house and prepare for the costume contest.
Visit the website here
Flickr / Ben Mason
This fascinating Baltimore event is so much more than just a race. Talented artists create mobile works of art and the details will blow you away. You’ve never seen anything quite like this.
Visit the website here
Facebook / Steampunk Frederick MD
Steampunk culture is alive and well, and this Frederick event is proof. Dress up in steampunk attire and attend the bar crawl or participate in one of the unique events, like teacup dueling! Unique is an understatement.
Visit the website here
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