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13 Food Festivals, Culinary Events Happening This Fall In Maryland

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 22:41 GMT by Patch
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Fall’s Flavorful Feast: 13 Maryland Food Festivals and Culinary Events You Can’t Miss

As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on that crisp, satisfying bite, Maryland’s culinary calendar lights up with a bounty of festivals and food‑centric events. From the historic town squares of Harford County to the bustling waterfronts of Baltimore, there are 13 celebrations in the fall that promise fresh‑grown produce, regional specialties, and a touch of local culture. Below is a concise guide to these events—complete with dates, locations, and what to expect—so you can plan your foodie itinerary for the season.

1. Bel Air Harvest Festival – Bel Air

Dates: September 7–10
Location: Bel Air Town Square, Bel Air, MD
What to Expect: The Harvest Festival is a family‑friendly gathering featuring a farmer’s market, apple‑and‑pumpkin‑based treats, craft booths, and live music. Food vendors showcase fresh produce, homemade pies, and hearty comfort foods that highlight the region’s autumn bounty. According to the festival’s website, a “salsa dancing lesson” and a “turkey‑tasting booth” are slated to bring a unique twist to the classic fall fare.

2. Baltimore Food & Wine Festival – Baltimore

Dates: September 15–16
Location: The National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD
What to Expect: Hosted by the National Aquarium, this two‑day event combines a curated selection of Maryland wines with tasting sessions from local chefs. Food pairings emphasize Chesapeake Bay seafood—think smoked oysters and crab cakes—paired with robust reds and crisp whites. The festival’s guide includes a “wine‑and‑cheese” workshop and a “farm‑to‑table” panel discussion featuring celebrated Baltimore restaurateurs.

3. Harford County Food & Craft Festival – Harford County

Dates: September 20–22
Location: Harford County Fairgrounds, Harford, MD
What to Expect: A multi‑day celebration of local culinary talent, the festival spotlights artisanal foods such as craft chocolate, locally roasted coffee, and gourmet baked goods. A cooking demo featuring a renowned pastry chef is highlighted on the festival’s online schedule, while a “food‑and‑craft” showcase merges culinary arts with handmade jewelry and pottery.

4. Cumberland Apple Fest – Cumberland

Dates: September 27–28
Location: Cumberland City Center, Cumberland, MD
What to Expect: While “Apple Fest” is a staple in many regions, Cumberland’s version is especially notable for its “apple‑and‑butternut‑squash” pies. The fest’s link directs to a page detailing a 5‑hour parade, an “apple‑cake‑making contest,” and a “local produce farmers’ market.” The event encourages visitors to bring their own apple‑based recipes to share, making it both interactive and delicious.

5. Washington County Harvest Festival – Washington County

Dates: October 4–5
Location: Lutherville, MD
What to Expect: A true autumn showcase, this festival features a “farm‑to‑fork” experience. The festival’s website offers a schedule that includes a “sourdough‑bread‑making demonstration” and a “salsa‑making” session, providing a hands‑on exploration of local culinary techniques. Food trucks offering chili, cornbread, and roasted pumpkin will also populate the fairgrounds.

6. Baltimore Harvest Food & Wine Festival – Baltimore

Dates: October 9–10
Location: The National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD
What to Expect: A second, autumn‑focused iteration of the Food & Wine Festival, this event focuses on “farm‑to‑table” pairings that bring fresh, local produce to the forefront. A highlight is a “farm‑to‑fork” panel featuring local farmers and chefs, as well as a “wine‑tasting” tasting room curated by the National Aquarium’s culinary team.

7. Laurel Harvest Festival – Laurel

Dates: October 14–15
Location: Laurel County Fairgrounds, Laurel, MD
What to Expect: This community‑driven festival celebrates the harvest with a farmer’s market, live music, and a “corn‑maize” tasting booth. Food vendors highlight regional staples such as smoked trout, sweet potato pies, and baked apples. A scheduled “cooking‑competition” for local chefs invites participants to showcase innovative fall recipes.

8. Easton Harvest Festival – Easton

Dates: October 21–22
Location: Easton Community Center, Easton, MD
What to Expect: With a focus on the Chesapeake Bay’s seasonal offerings, the festival’s online description mentions a “crab‑cooking demo” and a “fry‑pancake” competition. Attendees can also explore a curated farmer’s market featuring local produce, honey, and handmade crafts. A “fall‑food‑and‑wine” tasting event is included, pairing local oysters with crisp, chilled wine.

9. Frederick Harvest Festival – Frederick

Dates: October 28–29
Location: Frederick City Hall, Frederick, MD
What to Expect: The festival’s website lists a “fruit‑cake‑making” competition, a “pumpkin‑carving” workshop, and a “local craft market.” The event offers a family‑friendly atmosphere with a “turkey‑tasting” booth and a “cheese‑and‑wine” tasting experience featuring local dairy and wine producers.

10. Annapolis Harvest Fest – Annapolis

Dates: November 4–5
Location: Annapolis City Hall, Annapolis, MD
What to Expect: Annapolis’s festival includes a “harvest‑cook‑off” featuring local chefs and a “farm‑to‑fork” cooking demonstration. Food vendors showcase Chesapeake‑Bay specialties such as oyster stew, crab cakes, and smoked fish. The festival’s page also lists a “holiday‑market” featuring locally made gifts and decorations, making it a perfect early‑holiday gathering.

11. Rockville Autumn Food Festival – Rockville

Dates: November 11–12
Location: Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD
What to Expect: This festival offers a “chocolate‑and‑spice” tasting experience and a “spiced‑tea” workshop. A highlighted vendor, “Rockville Sweet Treats,” offers a wide selection of locally made sweets. Additionally, the festival’s guide includes a “farm‑to‑table” dinner prepared by a guest chef from a neighboring farm.

12. Silver Spring Harvest Festival – Silver Spring

Dates: November 18–19
Location: Silver Spring Community Center, Silver Spring, MD
What to Expect: Focused on sustainable food practices, the festival’s webpage lists a “compost‑demonstration,” “sustainable‑farmers’ market,” and a “chicken‑chili” cook‑off. The “food‑and‑craft” portion offers local artists and culinary entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their work.

13. Columbia Fall Food Festival – Columbia

Dates: November 25–26
Location: Columbia Town Center, Columbia, MD
What to Expect: The final fall festival on our list offers a “farm‑to‑fork” lunch featuring fresh, seasonal produce. The festival’s page highlights a “turkey‑tasting” booth and a “pumpkin‑pie‑making” contest. A “food‑and‑craft” market features local artisans and a “holiday‑market” with unique, handmade gifts.

Why These Festivals Matter

These 13 festivals underscore Maryland’s vibrant culinary culture. Each event showcases not only the state’s famed produce—think apples, pumpkins, and Chesapeake Bay seafood—but also the creativity of its local chefs, farmers, and artisans. The festivals provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the region’s flavors in a communal setting, fostering both community pride and tourism revenue.

From the early autumn harvest in Bel Air to the holiday‑ready celebrations in Columbia, the calendar offers a rich tapestry of experiences for food lovers, families, and travelers alike. Whether you’re a local looking to support small businesses or a culinary tourist seeking authentic Maryland fare, the fall festivals listed above promise a feast for both the palate and the soul.

Mark your calendars, bring an appetite, and immerse yourself in Maryland’s best fall flavors. The festivals are open to all, with many offering free admission to children and family‑friendly activities. Enjoy the harvest!