The Bay’s favorite bivalve takes the spotlight at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s OysterFest on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10am-4pm.

At OysterFest, you’re invited to enjoy oysters served a variety of ways, along with other local fare, craft beer, and spirits, plus fun for the whole family with live music on two stages, an oyster stew competition, a full schedule of demonstrations and presentations, children’s activities, and more.

Tickets are on sale now for this rain-or-shine event at cbmm.org/OysterFest, with discounted pricing for CBMM members.

Whether you prefer to sip, savor, or slurp Chesapeake Bay oysters, this annual celebration is for you. The delicious menu features oysters from the Talbot Watermen Association and several local oyster farms, with both raw and cooked options available.

Guests can also purchase a variety of Chesapeake delicacies and other food offerings via local vendors on campus, plus a beverage selection that includes specialty cocktails and an array of local craft beer options. All food and drinks are an additional charge.

Don’t miss your chance to buy an OysterFest mug and join the judging for the always-popular oyster stew competition. You’ll sample offerings from area restaurants and then vote for your favorite to decide which chefs claim the coveted title and local bragging rights.

The friendly competition continues with our annual oyster slurp-off contest. Interested participants can sign up on the day of the event.

All the oyster-themed fun will come with an upbeat soundtrack thanks to live music on both sides of campus all day long. Swamp Donkey Newgrass returns to play the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, and there will be a stage on Fogg’s Landing, as well, to add to the festive atmosphere.

Throughout the day, the Van Lennep Auditorium will host a variety of guest speakers sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center through the Maryland Traditions Program of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Just a few of the highlights: Food historian Joyce White will discuss historical influences on Maryland’s cuisine and her recent book “Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine,” and historian Eric Cheezum will share the incredible true story of the mysterious sea creature who captured the hearts and imaginations of the Bay region told in his book, “Chessie: A Cultural History of the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster.”

The American Chesapeake Club will be on hand to share demonstrations highlighting the retrieving abilities of its Chesapeake Bay retrievers, while Eric Jackson of Bay Fibers Studio will offer guests a free opportunity to create their own t-shirt designs.

Children can explore life on the Bay through a range of themed, hands-on activities, including lawn games, model boat building, and more. The Phillips Wharf Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on site, too.

To close out the day, cruise boat PATRIOT is offering a special OysterFest cruise on the Miles River as part of its final weekend of the 2024 season. Starting at 3:30pm, this 75-minute cruise features appetizers provided by Garden and Garnish, including oysters on the half shell. The cost is $62, with a $4 discount for CBMM members. Learn more and buy tickets at patriotcruises.com.

OysterFest guests can get in the festive spirit by purchasing commemorative gear in the Museum Store, showcasing this year’s featured historic oyster tin from CBMM’s collection. The one-gallon tin, packed by Mears & Powell in Wachapreague, Va., and marketed as Wachapreague Oysters, is emblazoned on shirts and hats, as well as the mugs used for the oyster stew competition.

This year, OysterFest is generously sponsored by The Easton Group at Morgan Stanley, PNC Bank, RAUCH inc., and SafeTime by MAGI.

OysterFest tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to OysterFest and other annual festivals celebrating the best of the Bay throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. CBMM members at the Family & Friends level and above can also receive the $10 discounted admission for two additional adult guests.

CBMM members become a part of the Chesapeake story, joining CBMM’s mission as stewards of the region’s rich cultural heritage. To discover all the terrific benefits of membership and join today, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including OysterFest. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited.

 In partnership with the Universal Sailing Club, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is proud to host the 11th annual Souls at Sea ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 24, starting at 1pm.

Drawing on African traditions, this is an on-water remembrance and libation ceremony honoring the millions of captive Africans who perished during the transatlantic crossing known as the Middle Passage. CBMM general admission guests are invited to join the land-based portion of the ceremony, which will be held on the Fogg’s Landing side of CBMM’s campus next to the Welcome Center.

Founded by Universal Sailing Club member Regina Hartfield in 2013 and presented annually by the Baltimore-based club, Souls at Sea honors the ancestors and ensures their lives are not forgotten. After stops around the Bay region, the powerful event came to CBMM and the Miles River for the first time last year to celebrate its 10^th anniversary, and now it is returning to begin its second decade.

Find more information about this edition of Souls at Sea at cbmm.org/SoulsatSea2024. It is generously sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center.

“The Universal Sailing Club and I are so excited to return to CBMM to share this moving and memorable event with guests,” said Hartfield, an Eastern Shore resident. “As an on-water remembrance ceremony, Souls at Sea honors the ancestors and enables us all to remember and honor those we have lost in our own families. We acknowledge the history it represents, while spiritually, charting a course for a brighter future.”

Souls at Sea begins on land with a ceremony featuring a blessing of the captains and boats as well as a drum, dance, and song performance from the African Legacy Cultural Arts Association. The festivities will be led by Iya Ogunfunmilola and her assistant Iya Oyaronti.

At last year’s event, the National African American Quilt Guild presented a special quilt, crafted by quilters across the country, commemorating the event’s 10th anniversary. This year, the quilt, featuring 14 ships that transported captive Africans as part of the slave trade, will be loaned to CBMM and showcased in its upcoming special exhibition Sailing to Freedom: The Maritime Dimensions of the Underground Railroad that opens Sept. 27.

Afterward, CBMM’s guests will send off the Universal Sailing Club’s boats as they depart for the on-water ceremony. The club members will then raft up their vessels on the Miles River to continue their remembrance with a traditional libation ceremony, which is a ritual pouring of water as an offering to the lost souls.

For all involved, this is a meaningful day to highlight a dark period in history and remember the estimated two million-plus enslaved Africans who died making the voyage to the Americas over the roughly 350 years of the transatlantic human trade.

“We are honored to partner with Universal Sailing Club again for this special event,” CBMM’s Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris said. “The club’s commitment to preserving the stories of their ancestors and honoring them with this incredible ceremony is inspiring, and we appreciate the opportunity to help share their important work.”

Get a great deal while supporting a terrific cause by purchasing your next vessel at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s annual Charity Boat Auction on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Dozens of boats and watercraft, ranging in size and performance, will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. New this year, there will be reserves on several top-quality vessels, while the rest will be offered with no minimum.

The doors open at 8am, providing an opportunity to browse the inventory before the auction begins at 11am. For the official rules, auction details, absentee bidding protocols, and inventory updates, visit cbmm.org/CharityBoatAuction.

A Labor Day weekend staple for more than two decades, the Charity Boat Auction is the flagship event of CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program, which accepts and sells gently used boats year-round. Every sale directly supports CBMM’s mission to explore and preserve the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region and make this resource available to all.

This year’s featured vessels include a Century 27 with like-new twin Yamaha engines, a Carolina Skiff 19 well-equipped for Bay adventures, a turnkey O’Day 31 sailboat, a Jarvis Newman 46 with liveaboard potential, and a 2014 Sea-Doo personal watercraft with less than 40 hours of runtime.

Beginning at 8:30am, guests can also shop a flea market-style tag sale that features a variety of used boating gear, including ground tackle, electrical equipment, hardware, rope, chain, oars, life jackets, motors, and more. Adding to the festive atmosphere, there will be a variety of local food trucks on hand and beer available for purchase.

Prospective buyers have several different ways to check out the inventory, starting with a preview exclusively for CBMM members on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5–7pm. To get your Member Night invitation and become a part of the Chesapeake story, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

The auction boats will be listed online and available for public view at CBMM on Friday, Aug. 30, from 10am–6pm. Regular admission rates will apply until 3pm that day, and gates will open for free from 3–6pm.

All registration for in-person bidding is handled on the day of the event. Registered bidders pay a $5 paddle fee and receive free admission.

CBMM members receive free admission into the Charity Boat Auction. Otherwise, general admission rates apply.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs are prohibited during CBMM festivals and special events, including the Charity Boat Auction.

If you have additional questions about the auction or available inventory, please contact CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation team at [email protected] or 410-310-5103.

Get ready to experience the vibrant spirit of the Eastern Shore at Watermen’s Appreciation Day, hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 10am-4pm.

A partnership between CBMM and the Talbot Watermen Association (TWA), this annual celebration honors the hardworking men and women who define our coastal heritage.

With a thrilling boat docking contest, steamed crabs straight from the Bay, live music, family activities, and more, Watermen’s Appreciation Day promises unforgettable fun for all. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/watermensday.

“Watermen’s Appreciation Day is a time-honored celebration of our Chesapeake Bay heritage, showcasing the skill and dedication of those who work the waters every day,” TWA President Jeff Harrison said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and support our local watermen.”

A must-see Eastern Shore tradition, the watermen’s rodeo is an always-spirited boat docking contest along the Miles River near CBMM’s 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, beginning at noon. Guests are invited to grab a seat in the bleachers and cheer on these “Chesapeake Cowboys.”

Starting at 11 a.m., TWA members will serve steamed crabs at $40 per dozen, plus an ear of corn. Hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and more will also be available for purchase.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy live music from Bird Dog and the Road Kings at the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand and peruse local arts and crafts vendors spread across campus. Don’t miss the silent auction in the Small Boat Shed in support of the TWA.

Children can join in the fun with a variety of junior watermen activities. The Phillips Wharf Fishmobile traveling aquarium will be on site, too.

In addition to the special festivities, guests are encouraged to explore all the exhibitions and historic structures across CBMM’s 18-acre campus, including Waterman’s Wharf highlighting the life and work of a Chesapeake waterman and the working Shipyard that is currently home to several projects spotlighting the care of traditional Chesapeake Bay workboats.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. Admission is set at $22 for adults, $19 for seniors (65+) and students (17+), $10 for active and retired military members, and $9 for children ages 6-to-17, with all children 5-and-younger admitted free.

CBMM members receive discounted pricing to Watermen’s Appreciation Day and other annual festivals throughout the year. Adult member tickets are $10, and all children of members (17-and-younger) receive free admission. To support CBMM’s mission as a member and discover all the terrific benefits of membership, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

This year, all licensed watermen and their immediate families receive free admission to the festival by showing an active license at the door.

All food and beverages are an additional charge for all guests.

During the festival, additional free event parking will be available at St. Michaels Middle/High School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from CBMM.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs must be kept home during CBMM festivals, including Watermen’s Appreciation Day. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is also prohibited. Spectator boats wishing to view the competition from the water must remain outside the buoyed channel.

For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will mark Independence Day by hosting Big Band Night on Saturday, July 6. CBMM’s Welcome Center opens at 6pm for this annual celebration that invites the community to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River.

CBMM welcomes back the Shades of Blue Orchestra for a performance at the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, beginning at 7pm. At dusk, guests can enjoy the St. Michaels fireworks from CBMM’s waterfront. The rain date for the concert and fireworks is July 7.

Food, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the event, which is generously sponsored by Eastern Shore Tents & Events.

Based out of Baltimore, the Shades of Blue Orchestra has been entertaining audiences across the region since 1976. The 18-piece Big Band combines brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments to present music from the 1930s to present representing an eclectic variety of genres.

Tickets are available now at cbmm.org/BigBandNight and can also be purchased at the door. Admission is $7 for CBMM members with member children 17-and-under admitted free. The cost for non-members is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (65+) and college students with ID, $6 for children 6–17, and free for children 5-and-younger. All active and retired military members receive free admission to this event.

To access discounted pricing for Big Band Night, plus other special events throughout the year, and join the community shaping the Chesapeake, become a CBMM member today by visiting cbmm.org/memberships or contacting Membership Services Coordinator Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM special events, including Big Band Night.

With the support of its community partners, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is pleased to announce its inaugural First Responders & Frontline Workers Appreciation Week coming May 13–17.

CBMM is inviting all first responders, frontline workers, and their families to enjoy free admission that week in recognition of all they do to make a difference every day in our community. There are special activities, demonstrations, and programming planned throughout the Monday–Friday celebration.

This is an opportunity for CBMM to say thank you to these community heroes, including law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical personnel, healthcare professionals, and all others who provide essential services around the region.

There is no need to RSVP. First responders and frontline workers can simply check in at CBMM’s Welcome Center and enjoy their visit during regular hours (10am–5pm) throughout the week.

Learn more about CBMM’s First Responders & Frontline Workers Appreciation Week and register for email updates at cbmm.org/AppreciationWeek2024. This Your Museum, Your Community recognition initiative is made possible by the generous support of Easton Velocity, Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems, PNC Bank, and Shore United Bank.

“We’re thrilled to be able to recognize all the people who work so hard to keep our community safe, healthy, and thriving,” CBMM’s Chief Advancement Officer Liz LaCorte said. “Rather than picking one day, we decided to make it a weeklong celebration in the hope that more first responders and frontline workers can find time to join the fun with their families. We’re excited to share our campus with everyone!”

During First Responders & Frontline Workers Appreciation Week, the honored guests are invited to explore CBMM’s 18-acre waterfront campus and enjoy special programming, led by CBMM’s staff, scheduled daily.

This includes hands-on presentations from the Education Team to introduce the critters who call the oyster reef along the Living Shoreline home and a range of Shipyard activities, including nameboard carving (Wednesday), model building (Thursday), and a metal forging demonstration (Friday).

On Wednesday from 10am-2pm, there will be complimentary sweet treats from local favorite Hoots Shaved Ice.

The celebration culminates with a Friday afternoon party, featuring live music and food and drinks for purchase.

In addition, first responders and frontline workers receive a 10% discount at the Museum Store and on CBMM memberships throughout the week.

For any questions about programming or to get your organization involved in the fun, contact Advancement Manager Katie Blaha at [email protected].

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit educational organization that preserves and explores the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region and makes this resource available to all.

Every aspect of fulfilling this mission is driven by CBMM’s values of relevance, authenticity, and stewardship, along with a commitment to providing engaging guest experiences and transformative educational programming, all while serving as a vital community partner. For more information, visit cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916

Make plans now to join the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for exploration, relaxation, and family fun on the Miles River in the coming months through Patriot Cruises, log canoe racing charters, and more.

Providing on-the-water experiences is central to CBMM’s mission, and the addition of the cruise boat PATRIOT to the fleet last summer has expanded the offerings available for guests this year.

A St. Michaels tradition dating back to 1969, PATRIOT is a 65-foot, two-level vessel modeled to resemble a Chesapeake Bay steamboat with a capacity to provide tours for up to 149 passengers.

Patriot Cruises begins its season on the weekend of April 20-21 in conjunction with the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival at CBMM and continues through the end of October.

Narrated Historical Cruises share the beauty and history of the region through stories highlighting the historic homes and wildlife along the route, while weekend Island Music Cocktail Cruises are more laidback with groovy tunes providing the soundtrack for the trip.

Guests can make reservations now and save at patriotcruises.com on cruises throughout the season. Combo tickets, good for a Narrated Historical Cruise and CBMM general admission, are also now available through the Patriot Cruises website and will be sold at the ticket booth during the season.

CBMM members save $4 on cruises booked with an online promo code or at the ticket booth. For opening weekend cruises, everyone can get an online-only deal and use promo code SEAGLASS2024 to save $10 off adult and senior tickets.

In addition, a limited number of season passes are available now for $80, offering access to all regularly scheduled Narrated Historical Cruises and Island Music Cocktail Cruises this year. These passes, which can be purchased at bit.ly/PATRIOTSeasonPass24, are valid for one guest and not transferrable.

On select weekends this summer, CBMM is also offering private river cruises aboard its historic floating fleet vessels to watch log canoe races on the Miles River.

These two-hour charters, scheduled for June 29 and 30, July 27 and 28, and Sept. 7, 8, 14, and 15, offer a chance for up to six passengers to get an up-close view at a unique Eastern Shore tradition. The cost is $375 per charter, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.

Registration for these cruises is open now at bit.ly/LogCanoeCruises2024, with a three-week sign-up period exclusively for CBMM members before open registration begins April 1. There are a limited number of charters available, and all cruises are dependent on marine conditions.

To become a CBMM member and access early registration as well as the charter discount, PATRIOT discount, and all the other exclusive programming and benefits of membership, visit cbmm.org/memberships or contact Membership Services Coordinator, Debbie Ruzicka at 410-745-4991 or [email protected].

Races featuring Chesapeake Bay sailing log canoes are staples of the region with competitions held along the Chester, Miles, Choptank, and Tred Avon rivers. Featuring an iconic design featuring long masts and large sails, the log canoes keep upright as they reach speeds of 10 knots or more, thanks to crew members climbing to the ends of 15-foot boards that hang off the side.

Photographers, sailing aficionados, and wooden boat enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy on these action-packed charters led by an experienced captain and crew aboard a traditional Bay vessel in CBMM’s floating fleet.

New for this year, Patriot Cruises will be offering morning log canoe spectator cruises on days there is racing in the Miles River, as well.

Stay tuned to cbmm.org/cruises for the latest information on these offerings and more expected to be added in the coming weeks.