Maryland Eastern Shore Fall Festivities
As the temperature drops, fall festivities ramp up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. And while many travel far and wide to take part in beloved autumn events, Maryland residents don’t have to look far to find fall foliage, farmers markets and much more. Looking for things to do this fall season? Be sure to check out some of these local favorites.
Berlin Ghost Walks: Berlin Ghost Walks begin at town hall and traverse through the Victorian-era town as participants learn about the many spirits of Berlin. Tales of the Lady in White, “Odd Fellows” and the child spirits of the Atlantic Hotel highlight the walk, which also includes a stroll through an old graveyard.
Berlin Oktoberfest: Billed as an authentic Oktoberfest event, this annual festival features music from The Edelweiss Band and The Dunehounds and German fare, including brats, knockwurst, pretzels and beer. Also bring the children for a Scales n’ Tales Reptile Show and kids crafts or browse through items at the annual fall sidewalk sale.
Farmers Markets: Farmers markets, including the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market and Adkins Farm Market, are great places to purchase fall produce and florals. Many will even offer corn mazes and pumpkin patches for families to enjoy.
Furnace Town Renaissance Faire: Launched in 2021, the annual Renaissance Faire at Furnace Town celebrates the spirit of the Renaissance period with costumes, music, crafts and more. The festival also features kid and adult games, face painting, local artisans, food, drinks and live demonstrations in the ancient arts of blacksmithing, broom making, woodworking and more. The Ocean City Pipe and Drum marching band also makes an appearance.
Halloween in the Forest: Halloween in the Forest is a family friendly event featuring games, music, entertainment and trick-or-treating. Set in the Furnace Town Historic Site, the surrounding forest adds to the spooktacular festivities.
Harbor Day at the Docks: Located along Sunset Avenue, at the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor, Harbor Day at the Docks is an annual celebration of the area’s maritime heritage, as well as its sportfishing and commercial fishing industries. The free event includes seafood cooking demonstrations, crab-picking contests, fish cleaning demos, local fisherman displays, educational exhibits and more.
Homecoming Harvest: In celebration of Worcester County History Month, the Berlin Heritage Foundation hosts its annual Homecoming Harvest, a family event held on the lawn of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. In addition to music, kids’ activities, crafts, art and food vendors, attendees can also learn about the area’s history. The event free to attend.
Leaf Peeping: Beginning in October, the Eastern Shore sees its first signs of fall foliage, making it the opportune time to take a trip to the coastal communities. Drive the Cape to Cape scenic byway, or meander along numerous trail systems to get the best views of the changing colors.
Ocean City Ghost Walks: Starting at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, the Ocean City Ghost Walk takes participants on a tour of the town’s historic district, where they will hear a storyteller recount more than a dozen ghost stories of purported spirits lingering in the old buildings and downtown hotels. Learn about the child spirit at the life-saving station, the young man at the Tarry-A-While and the crazy lady at Dolle’s Candyland.
O.C.toberfest: O.C.toberfest is the Town of Ocean City’s annual fall celebration. Activities include a Halloween beach maze, a Howl-O-Ween pet parade, a Drive in Disguise truck-or-treat and the Great Pumpkin race.
Shore Craft Beer Fest: Shore Craft Beer Fest has partnered with the Town of Ocean City and the Ocean City Development Corporation to celebrate O.C.toberfest at the longest running local craft beer festival in downtown Ocean City. With the purchase of an admission ticket, attendees receive unlimited samples of local craft beer and access to live music, food trucks, vendors, games and more. The event is held at scenic Sunset Park, overlooking the bay.
Shore Gives More: Every year, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore assists local nonprofits in their fundraising efforts by providing technical and marketing support through a day of online giving. The Shore Gives More campaign coincides with Giving Tuesday, celebrated each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.
Snow Hill Seafood Festival: Riding off the success of its annual Oyster Roast, the Town of Snow Hill’s Seafood Festival features fan-favorite oyster dishes and seafood delicacies, live music, bottomless beer, prizes and more.
Sunfest: Sunfest has been an annual tradition for nearly five decades. In addition to arts and crafts vendors, the festival features food, beer, wine and free live entertainment. As one of the largest outdoor festivals in the region, Sunfest attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Ocean City each year for four days of fun.
Track or Treat: Located at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill, Track or Treat offers a safe trick-or-treating experience for families. The free event is open to kids ages 12 and under and features local vendors handing out goodies. Children are encouraged to don their Halloween costumes and bring a bag to collect their treats.
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