Maryland Day

Oh Crab!🦀

We know you’re itching to dive into the fun, but this event has either passed or the date hasn’t been announced just yet. Stay tuned, details will be shared as soon as they’re available.

What is Maryland Day?

Maryland Day commemorates the anniversary of March 25, 1634, when the first European settlers from the Ark and the Dove landed on Maryland soil. Marylanders have marked Maryland Day since 1903, when it was set aside for learning about our state’s history; in 1916 it officially became a state holiday. Annapolis and Anne Arundel County sit at the heart of that story. This moment isn’t just about 1634, when Europeans first arrived on Piscataway lands—it’s an invitation to explore the full arc of our past. Here, you can discover, reflect, and celebrate a true crossroads of culture, while honoring our region’s pivotal role in shaping social change and the ongoing pursuit of equality and freedom.

 

What to Expect for Maryland Day Celebration 2026?

While Maryland's birthday is officially March 25, Anne Arundel County and Annapolis have so much to offer, we had to extend the celebration to an entire week!  

Get ready to dive into a week of history, culture, and good-vibes exploration with more than 100 events on tap at more than 50 sites across the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area!  Maryland Day Celebration 2026 features a curated lineup of partner-hosted events that range from guided walking tours and hands-on colonial-era experiences to waterfront festivities, docent-guided museum stops, art walks, and social gatherings that spotlight everything from Indigenous history to Chesapeake heritage. 

With kid-friendly programs, outdoor adventures, lectures, and even themed social events on the calendar, you can mix and match experiences to build your own perfect itinerary—whether you’re into architecture, maritime life, natural history, or just a chill day of discovery with friends and family. Browse the calendar, pick your faves, and stroll through the crossroads of Maryland’s story. 

Maryland Day is sponsored by the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area with support from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, and marketed by Beacon Media Studio.