Don’t miss the Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival

The Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival is such a fun summer event, they hold it twice! Once in early summer at Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Md., and again in late summer at the Waterfront on the Potomac River in National Harbor, Md. No matter which date you choose to attend, you’re sure to get your fill of delicious crab, a variety of beers to sample, as well as live music, craft vendors and more.

When and where is the Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival?

The first Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival is held each June at Rash Field at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste extravaganza complete with more 30,000 crabs, a lot of beer, arts and crafts, live music, family fun and much more. Two four-hour sessions are held during the June event. You can choose to attend the 11-3 p.m. tasting or the 5-9 p.m. tasting.

A second Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival is held at the National Harbor in Baltimore in August. All of the same great food and beverages will be available. Two four-hour sessions are held at the August, event as well.

Both events typically feature an all-you-care-to-taste menu of crabs (seasoned with Old Bay Seafood Seasoning), corn on the cob, cole slaw, potato chips and watermelon. Additional food items can be purchased from vendors.

Both events will also feature an array of more than 50 beers to taste. Ticket holders will receive a tasting glass in which you can taste more than 50 beers, wines and a few spirits.

Event tickets are sold in advance, as well as on-site (cash only). When you purchase a ticket, not only will you be enjoying a fun day of great food, good music and fun, you’ll also be supporting a local cause. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to Spirit Hope Children’s Foundation.

How to make the most of the event

First-come, first-serve tables are set up for the crowds to enjoy cracking and eating crabs. However, to make the most of the event, attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to set up to enjoy the live music, as well as to have a spot to call your own. It is also recommended that attendees bring cash, a valid ID and your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

While blankets and chairs are encouraged, organizers have prohibited tents and beach umbrellas. Please visit the event website for additional Dos and Don’ts.

Free Area Vacation Guide

If you are planning a visit to the Baltimore – Washington, D.C., area, you should request our free Vacation Guide. The area has so many things to do for a romantic getaway, active travelers, or even a trip for “me time,” and we want to share our suggestions with you! Click here to download our Vacation Guide.

And while you’re visiting, let the Wayside Inn serve as your home base. Relax in one of our six luxurious rooms, and enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning.

Photo Credit: rob_rob2001 / Steamed Crabs / Flickr