Maryland Day

March 19, 2026 - March 25, 2026

Maryland Day commemorates the anniversary of March 25, 1634, when the first European settlers from the Ark and the Dove landed on Maryland soil. 

What is Maryland Day?

Marylanders have marked Maryland Day since 1903, when it was set aside for learning about our state’s history, and 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?

Get ready to dive into a week of history, culture, and good-vibes exploration across Annapolis and Anne Arundel County! Maryland Day Celebration features a curated lineup of partner-hosted events that range from guided walking tours and hands-on colonial-era experiences to waterfront festivities, doc-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's birthday is officially on March 25, a state holiday commemorating the formal founding of the colony of Maryland, when settlers from England celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on St. Clement’s Island in what is now St. Mary’s County, Maryland.

Maryland Day is funded and managed by the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area and marketed by Evans Management LLC.