Maryland Day Celebration Returns March 19-25

Maryland Day Celebration 2026 will run from March 19-25, giving residents and visitors an entire week to explore the rich history and heritage of the Chesapeake region, where Maryland began. Now in its 18th year, the expanded celebration has become the unofficial launch of the spring heritage tourism season.

The week-long format allows more families, tourists and history enthusiasts to participate on their own schedules. Presented by Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area, the celebration will feature more than 50 partner organizations hosting special events, programs, and activities throughout Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

The celebration showcases local museums, historic buildings, heritage sites, art galleries, natural resources, archaeological sites, parks, trails and historic communities. Many Maryland Day events are offered for free or for just $1, making history accessible to everyone. The diverse programming allows visitors to build their own itinerary, exploring everything from maritime heritage to colonial architecture, from artistic expressions to natural landscapes.

Maryland Day commemorates the anniversary of March 25, 1634, when the first European settlers from the ships Ark and Dove landed on Maryland soil. Marylanders began observing Maryland Day in 1903 when the State Board of Education designated it as a day devoted to the study of Maryland history. In 1916, the General Assembly authorized the celebration of Maryland Day as a legal state holiday.

As the nation prepares to commemorate its founding and 250th anniversary, Maryland Day 2026 offers a timely opportunity to discover, reflect on, and celebrate the Chesapeake region’s central role in American history.

Visitors can plan their Maryland Day experience using an interactive map available at www.marylandday.org, where they can filter events by location, date and type to build a personalized itinerary.

Maryland Day Celebration 2026 is presented by Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area Inc. with the generous support of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, the City of Annapolis, and Anne Arundel County, in collaboration with Maryland Two Fifty and Annapolis 250.

For more information, event listings, and to plan your visit, visit www.marylandday.org or follow @marylanddaycelebration on Instagram and Maryland Day on Facebook.