Maryland Seafood Festival

faqs

• What are the festival hours?
  Friday, September 11, 2026 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2026 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• What is the price of admission?
  Special Early Bird General Admission – SOLD OUT Saturday: Early Bird General Admission – $20 General Admission – $25 General Admission Week Of – $30 Kids – 12 & Under FREE Kids- 12 to 20 are offered discounted pricing. General Admission Plus Saturday: GA+ Early Bird $50 GA+ Regular $60 GA+ Week of $70 Saturday VIP Early Bird VIP Tickets – $115 Regular VIP Tickets- $125 Week Of VIP Tickets- $135 Sunday Pricing: Sunday tickets are discounted between $5 and $10 based on ticket level. Admission includes access to the festival grounds. Food and drinks are not included other than VIP. Once on the festival grounds you will be able to enjoy live music, local artisan vendors, contests, hands on activities and more. GA+ includes a private area under a large tent, private tables, separate bar, and luxury bathrooms. VIP includes everything VIP includes with the addition of food and complimentary beer, wine, and canned drinks.
• Where can I park?
  Parking is available at Sandy Point State Park ($12 in advance, $20 at the gate) and at Anne Arundel Community College Arnold Campus for $5 with free shuttle to the festival (Saturday). Please note that parking is expected to sell out.
• Can I make a change to my ticket after I have made a purchase?
  You can access your ticket on our ticketing site online and make any changes to it prior to checking in at the event. This includes changing dates, ticket types and add-ons. Please note that additional charges may be incurred when adding options.
• Does General Admission include all-you-can-eat food / drinks?
  General Admission does not include food or drink. Food & Drink inside the festival is purchased via cash/credit card.
• Can I bring my dog to the festival?
  "No Pets Allowed Policy: For the safety and comfort of all guests, pets are strictly prohibited inside the Maryland Seafood Festival grounds at Sandy Point State Park. Only legitimate service animals (dogs and miniature horses) as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted. Service animals must be individually trained to perform a specific task to assist an individual with a disability. Please note that Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), comfort animals, and therapy pets do not qualify as service animals under federal or Maryland law and will not be admitted. All service animals must remain under the handler's control and on a leash or harness at all times.
• What is there to do besides taste seafood?
  There is so much to do both days of the festival. For the 2nd time in 35 years, Skipjacks return to Sandy Point! Fewer than 20 skipjacks remain on the Bay in working condition. Learn about them and life on the Bay from our watermen and enjoy family hands-on activities at the Champions of the Chesapeake Pavilion and at the Park Marina. Also enjoy live music, local artisans, contests, kids activities and more! Check out our schedule of events above. What is a Skipjack? A Chesapeake skipjack is a traditional, shallow-draft wooden sailing vessel—typically with a large mainsail and used primarily for oyster dredging—that became an iconic workboat of the Chesapeake Bay of the late 1800s through mid 1900s.
• What does the festival offer for kids?
  There’s lots to do for the kids! Inflatables Hands-on activities Mermaid & Pirate Parade World's Largest Rubber Duck and more!
• What does the VIP package include?
  VIP includes up front parking, VIP bathrooms, unlimited beer, wine, soda & water, special pavilion and seating with a great view of the Chesapeake Bay.
• Can I bring coolers or outside food/beverages to the festival?
  Coolers and outside food/beverages are not permitted at the festival. The purchase of food and beverages inside the festival helps support local organizations and charities. The Festival offers a wide variety of food and beverages.
• Should I bring a chair to the festival?
  The festival offers numerous areas to sit and enjoy your purchased food or just relax and listen to music. Seating is also provided at the main stage. You are more than welcome to bring your own chairs if you would like, but keep in mind that space is limited.
• How do I watch the Skipjack Race?
  You can watch the skipjack race from the beach within the Festival. You can also purchase tickets to watch on the water from the Mildred Belle.
• Is there a dress code or prohibited attire?
  Profanity or obscene gestures/references on any part of visible clothing/jackets/hats etc is not allowed. Attendee will be asked to remove items and/or refused admittance. Refunds will not be given.
• Is there a map of the event?
  Yes. The festival map will be updated and posted prior to the festival.
• Is the festival handicap accessible?
  Yes, the festival is handicap accessible.
• Can I bring a pop-up tent or beach umbrella?
  Pop-up tents and beach umbrellas are not allowed at the festival.
• Can you make any hotel recommendations?
  Yes! There are discount rooms available for our customers at our partner hotel, the Crown Plaza in Annapolis. Simply click here to be directed to the site with the discount. Dates can be adjusted for your length of stay.
• Can I camp or park my RV at the festival overnight?
  There is no RV parking at the Maryland Seafood Festival. You can find information on local RV parking at The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau website.
• What is the festival's cancellation policy?
  Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. The festival is open rain or shine. The event is held in an open-air setting, however there are large pavilions located on the festival grounds. Hurricanes and other strong forces of nature may force us to cancel/re-schedule.
• Am I able to volunteer my time for the festival?
  We have multiple volunteer opportunities this year. Please fill out our volunteer form here.
• I would like to schedule a bus group to attend the festival. How can I do that?
  Please read the information and complete our online bus reservation form if you would like to bring a bus group to the Maryland Seafood Festival.