Home World Influence

The Ultimate 2024 Maryland Fall Festival Guide: 10 Must-Visit Events From Renaissance Fairs To Craft Shows

• minute read
Contents

Maryland's autumn season is a spectacular display of vibrant foliage, crisp air, and an unparalleled lineup of community events, making it the perfect destination for fall festival enthusiasts. As of late 2025, the 2024 festival circuit proved to be one of the most exciting and diverse in recent memory, catering to every interest from medieval jousting to gourmet craft beer tasting.

This comprehensive guide compiles the most up-to-date information, confirmed dates, and unique details for the must-attend fall festivals across the state, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the seasonal fun. Whether you're seeking family-friendly pumpkin patches, high-quality craft shows, or historic celebrations, Maryland truly delivered a memorable season of autumn adventures.

The Crown Jewels of Maryland's Fall Festival Calendar (2024 Confirmed Dates)

The backbone of any Maryland fall itinerary revolves around a few iconic events that draw crowds from across the mid-Atlantic. These festivals are essential for experiencing the state's unique seasonal culture, offering a mix of history, agriculture, and pure entertainment.

The Maryland Renaissance Festival (Crownsville, Anne Arundel County)

Often considered the state’s premier fall event, the Maryland Renaissance Festival (MD RenFest) transforms a 27-acre village into the fictional 16th-century English village of Revel Grove. The 2024 season was a massive, immersive experience, running for nine weekends and Labor Day, making it one of the longest-running festivals in the country.

  • 2024 Dates: Weekends from August 24 through October 20, plus Labor Day (September 2).
  • What to Expect: Over 200 artisans, 42 food and beverage merchants, and 8 stages of continuous entertainment, including jousting tournaments, comedy acts, and musical performances. The sheer scale and dedication to historical accuracy provide an unmatched level of immersion.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Revel Grove, 16th-century English village, jousting, period costuming.

Darlington Apple Festival (Darlington, Harford County)

A quintessential small-town American festival, the Darlington Apple Festival celebrates the harvest season with a focus on all things apple. This one-day event is a massive draw for families looking for authentic local charm and delicious seasonal treats.

  • 2024 Date: Saturday, October 5.
  • What to Expect: Hundreds of craft vendors, live music, a dedicated children's area, and, of course, every conceivable apple-based treat—from apple butter and cider to the famous apple dumplings.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Harford County agriculture, apple butter, local craft vendors, community harvest celebration.

Celebrate Fort Washington Fall Festival (Fort Washington, Prince George’s County)

This event offers a unique blend of community celebration and historical appreciation, set in the beautiful Fort Washington area. It's a key festival for residents of Prince George's County and the greater DC metro area.

  • 2024 Date: Saturday, October 5.
  • What to Expect: A focus on local businesses, family activities, and community resources, typically featuring food trucks, cultural performances, and informational booths.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Prince George’s County events, community outreach, historical landmark setting.

The Best of Maryland's Eastern Shore Fall Festivals

The Eastern Shore of Maryland, known for its maritime heritage and picturesque towns, hosts a series of fall festivals that combine local cuisine, craft beverages, and regional arts. These events offer a more relaxed, coastal autumn experience.

Easton Beer Festival (Easton, Talbot County)

This festival is a major draw for beer enthusiasts, solidifying its reputation as Maryland's largest craft beer festival. It’s a sophisticated event that showcases the booming regional brewing scene.

  • 2024 Date: Saturday, October 12.
  • What to Expect: Over 40 breweries, wineries, and distilleries, pouring more than 120 different drinks. Paired with live music and food vendors, it's a prime destination for adult fall fun.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Craft beer culture, Talbot County, regional breweries, distilleries.

Taste of Cambridge (Cambridge, Dorchester County)

This annual street festival is a culinary showcase, allowing visitors to sample the best of Eastern Shore cuisine. It's an excellent way to experience the local flavor and community spirit of Cambridge.

  • 2024 Date: Saturday, October 5.
  • What to Expect: Local restaurants and chefs setting up booths to offer small-plate tastings, highlighting fresh seafood and regional specialties. The event usually includes a lively atmosphere with street performers and music.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Dorchester County, Eastern Shore cuisine, seafood, street festival.

Farm Fun and Craft Shows: LSI Keyword Hotspots

Beyond the major festivals, Maryland's fall season is defined by countless farm-based events and high-quality craft shows. These are the perfect opportunities to find unique seasonal decor, enjoy family-friendly activities, and support local artisans and agricultural businesses.

The Vitality of Maryland's Farm Fall Festivals (Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes)

Maryland's farms transform into autumnal playgrounds, offering classic fall experiences. These locations are the source of the season's best pumpkins, gourds, and fresh produce, appealing directly to families seeking traditional fall activities.

  • Horsmon Farm Fall Festival (St. Leonard, Calvert County): The 2024 festival was an extended affair, running from mid-September through November. It's a classic choice for a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and farm animal encounters.
  • Montpelier Farms Fall Festival (Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County): Known for its expansive corn maze and wide variety of attractions, Montpelier Farms is a regional favorite. While specific 2024 dates were initially pending, the event typically runs every weekend in October, offering barrel train rides and a massive farm market.
  • Butler's Orchard Pumpkin Festival (Germantown, Montgomery County): A staple in the DC metro area, Butler's Orchard offers a huge pumpkin patch, a hayloft jump, and a festive atmosphere for picking your own apples and pumpkins.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Agri-tourism, corn mazes, hayrides, pick-your-own (PYO) pumpkins, gourds, Calvert County, Montgomery County.

Premier Fall Craft and Art Shows in Maryland

For those interested in unique, handcrafted goods, the fall craft show circuit is a treasure trove. These events are crucial for supporting local Maryland artists and finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.

  • Catoctin Colorfest (Thurmont, Frederick County): Recognized as one of the largest outdoor craft shows on the East Coast, the Colorfest is a "don't miss" event. It draws hundreds of vendors and is perfectly timed with the region's stunning fall foliage.
  • Easton Fall Craft Fair (Easton, Talbot County): A significant regional event, the Easton Fall Craft Fair was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024. It featured a curated selection of local artisans at Trinity Cathedral in downtown Easton.
  • Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Fall Fair (Silver Spring, Montgomery County): Held at Veterans Plaza, this fair brings high-quality arts and crafts to a vibrant, urban setting, attracting a large crowd looking for unique handmade items.
  • Catonsville Fall Festival (Catonsville, Baltimore County): Formerly known as the Arts & Crafts Festival, this event is a local favorite, blending art vendors with community celebration and family fun in the heart of Catonsville.
  • Topical Authority Entity: Artisan goods, handmade crafts, Frederick County foliage, outdoor markets, regional artists.

Planning Your Maryland Fall Festival Trip

To maximize your experience, consider grouping festivals by region. The Baltimore/Annapolis area, the Eastern Shore, and Western Maryland each offer a distinct flavor of fall celebration. Traffic can be heavy, especially for the Maryland Renaissance Festival and Catoctin Colorfest, so arriving early is highly recommended.

Many events, particularly farm festivals, are cash-only for certain vendors or activities, so it’s wise to bring small bills. Always check the official festival websites for the latest parking information and any last-minute weather updates before heading out. The 2024 season offered a perfect blend of tradition and new experiences, solidifying Maryland's reputation as a top destination for autumn enthusiasts.

The Ultimate 2024 Maryland Fall Festival Guide: 10 Must-Visit Events from Renaissance Fairs to Craft Shows
fall festivals maryland 2024
fall festivals maryland 2024

Detail Author:

  • Name : Miss Josephine Daugherty
  • Username : duncan.reynolds
  • Email : johathan41@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1998-03-23
  • Address : 616 Mireille Underpass Apt. 540 South Jaydonside, IL 15165
  • Phone : +1-608-235-1347
  • Company : Marvin, Smith and Dickens
  • Job : Aircraft Structure Assemblers
  • Bio : Optio earum tempore dolore sit. Quia rerum ex sed consequatur. Esse ratione laboriosam fugiat illo sed. Sint atque minus et quas eos alias debitis.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/raquel_id
  • username : raquel_id
  • bio : Velit et deleniti nemo quis rerum a. Deleniti et sint quas quis. Non blanditiis et voluptatem.
  • followers : 3488
  • following : 2994

tiktok:

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/raquel_hettinger
  • username : raquel_hettinger
  • bio : Distinctio dolore modi quos nostrum. Distinctio repudiandae velit earum.
  • followers : 3343
  • following : 1700

linkedin:

Random Posts