Summer Festivals in Maryland

The oldest Lighthouse on the Potomac River is the Piney Point Lighthouse, and the festival to celebrate that lighthouse is Piney Point Lighthouse Waterfront Festival in Leonardtown, Maryland. The festival takes place on May 12^th and 13^{th this} year. Not only do visitors get food, activities, and other basic festival amenities at the Piney Point Lighthouse Waterfront Festival, but they also get free admission to the lighthouse, including a tour of the Keeper's Quarters, where the keepers of the lighthouse would have lived from 1836. The Lighthouse Lens Museum Store, with special gifts and nautical-themed items, will be open for souvenir shopping. To find out more, visit http://stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums

If you like a little fantasy in your life, find it at the Maryland Fairy Festival in Upper Marlboro, takes place on May 19^th and 20^th this year at the Patuxent 4H Center. This small festival is a big draw for fairy-obsessed little girls and adults alike. The festival promotes love, peace, and respect for all beings through an atmosphere of a mystical world of faeries and folklore. Artists, entertainers, and merchants offer plenty to do and to buy. Find out more about this unique fantasy event at http://marylandfaeriefestival.org/

The Columbia Festival of the Arts is a three week celebration that takes place in Columbia during the dates of June 8^th through the 23^rd. Performers from all across the country, as well as a few from around the world bring their brand of dance, music, theater, and even circus acts to the city for the festival. To find out more about the acts scheduled to appear, or find out how to purchase tickets, go to http://www.columbiafestival.com/

The history of Oldtown, Maryland is remembered and honored at the Oldtown Summer Fest on June 18 - 19, 2007. Located on the site of an abandoned Native American village, Old Town has one of the most intriguing past histories of any town in Maryland. Local entertainment will keep the festival thumping, and encampments and reenactments will keep it enlightening.

The North East Water Festival features water events like kayak races, paddle boats, water ski shows, and even scuba demonstrations. The festival will be held at North East Town Park on July 13^th and 14^th this year in North East, Maryland. If you do not want to hit the water, there is plenty to do on land, including an oyster shucking and slurping contest, the Pretty Baby on the Bay Contest, and arts and crafts show, exhibits, activities for the kids, and live music.

Whatever it is that strikes your fancy, be it oysters or magical fairies, you are sure to find something you enjoy at one of the summer festivals in Maryland.