Maryland is set to host an exciting lineup of events and festivals in 2025, celebrating its vibrant culture, music, arts, and traditions. From live music festivals to food and craft fairs, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of extreme music, high-fashion, craft beer, or local arts, Maryland’s event calendar promises a year filled with engaging experiences. Here is a guide to the top upcoming events and festivals in Maryland in 2025.
1. Maryland Deathfest
- Dates: May 22–25, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Deathfest is one of the most recognized extreme music festivals in the U.S., attracting fans from over 40 states and 25 countries. Known for its diverse lineup of heavy metal subgenres, this festival has hosted over 800 bands from more than 40 nations since its inception in 2003. Metal enthusiasts can expect an electrifying experience featuring international and underground acts.
Why Attend?
✔️ One of the biggest extreme metal festivals in the world
✔️ Features top-tier metal bands from different subgenres
✔️ Attracts a global audience, creating an unparalleled festival atmosphere
2. Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
- Dates: First full weekend in May 2025
- Location: Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, Maryland
For those who appreciate artisan craftsmanship and agriculture, the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival is a must-visit. As one of the largest festivals dedicated to domestic sheep and wool, this event showcases vendors selling high-quality wool yarn, demonstrations of over 30 sheep breeds, and other fiber-producing livestock such as llamas and alpacas.
Why Attend?
✔️ A paradise for knitting and wool enthusiasts
✔️ Experience live sheep-shearing and fiber arts workshops
✔️ Explore a variety of handmade wool products and crafts
3. Baltimore Fashion Week
- Dates: August 2025 (Exact dates to be announced)
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore Fashion Week, founded in 2006, continues to be a platform for emerging and established designers. The 17th edition of this fashion event will feature runway shows, networking opportunities, and virtual discussions on the evolving trends in fashion.
Why Attend?
✔️ Showcases cutting-edge designs from local and international talent
✔️ A prime networking opportunity for fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals
✔️ Engaging virtual and in-person events exploring modern fashion trends
4. Catoctin Colorfest
- Dates: October 11–12, 2025
- Location: Thurmont, Maryland
One of the largest arts and crafts festivals on the East Coast, the Catoctin Colorfest draws around 125,000 visitors each year. With over 250 vendors showcasing handcrafted goods, this festival is the perfect destination for art lovers and collectors.
Why Attend?
✔️ An extensive selection of handmade crafts and artisan products
✔️ Family-friendly environment with scenic fall foliage as a backdrop
✔️ Free admission with fee-based parking options
5. Ocean’s Calling Festival
- Dates: September 26–28, 2025
- Location: Ocean City Inlet, Ocean City, Maryland
This three-day music festival features an impressive lineup, including Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Vampire Weekend, Lenny Kravitz, and Good Charlotte. Curated by the band O.A.R., the event brings together over 40 acts, making it one of the biggest music festivals on the East Coast.
Why Attend?
✔️ A star-studded lineup of top music artists
✔️ Set in the stunning coastal scenery of Ocean City
✔️ A mix of classic and modern rock, pop, and indie performances
6. Ledisi’s Love You Too Tour
- Date: May 28, 2025
- Location: Lyric Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
R&B fans can enjoy a special evening at Ledisi’s Love You Too Tour, where she will perform songs from her twelfth studio album, The Crown. With supporting acts like Marsha Ambrosius, Rahsaan Patterson, and Kindred the Family Soul, this tour promises a soulful and unforgettable experience.
Why Attend?
✔️ Experience one of the leading voices in R&B live on stage
✔️ A diverse lineup of supporting acts adds to the musical richness
✔️ Intimate venue setting for a captivating performance
7. MAGFest (Music and Gaming Festival)
- Dates: January 23–26, 2025
- Location: Gaylord National Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland
For gamers and music lovers, MAGFest is the ultimate four-day festival dedicated to video games, art, and music. Attendees can enjoy live performances from chiptune artists, explore free-to-play arcade cabinets, participate in panel discussions, and take part in charity speedruns.
Why Attend?
✔️ A fusion of gaming culture and live music performances
✔️ Features a massive LAN party and arcade gaming zones
✔️ Interactive exhibits, including retro and indie gaming showcases
8. Maryland Craft Beer Festival
- Date: May 2025 (Exact date to be announced)
- Location: Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick, Maryland
Beer enthusiasts can experience over 30 Maryland breweries pouring 200+ craft beers, featuring selections from Flying Dog Brewery, Evolution Craft Brewing, and Heavy Seas Beer. The festival also offers local food trucks, live entertainment, and exclusive beer-tasting opportunities.
Why Attend?
✔️ A diverse selection of locally crafted beers
✔️ Live music, food trucks, and a vibrant festival atmosphere
✔️ An opportunity to meet and interact with craft brewers
9. Frederick Plant & Seed Swap
- Dates: First Sunday of every month from March 1 to December 1, 2025
- Location: Rockwell Brewery Riverside, Frederick, Maryland
The Frederick Plant & Seed Swap is a recurring event where gardening enthusiasts can trade plants, seeds, and gardening tips. This monthly gathering helps foster a strong community of horticulturists and sustainable growers.
Why Attend?
✔️ Ideal for plant lovers and home gardeners
✔️ A chance to exchange rare and unique plant varieties
✔️ A social and educational experience for sustainable gardening
10. The Lion King Musical
- Dates: March 1–2, 2025
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Fans of Broadway can witness The Lion King Musical live in Baltimore, bringing the magic of Disney’s classic story to the stage with stunning visuals, music, and theatrical artistry.
Why Attend?
✔️ One of the most acclaimed Broadway productions of all time
✔️ Immersive storytelling with breathtaking set designs
✔️ A must-see for theater lovers and Disney fans alike
Conclusion
Maryland’s event calendar for 2025 is filled with music festivals, cultural celebrations, craft fairs, and theatrical performances. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping live music, creative artisan showcases, or interactive gaming conventions, Maryland has something for everyone. Plan ahead and mark your calendars for these must-attend events.
For more updates on upcoming events, visit CarVata.