If you’re looking for a music festival to attend this summer, Maryland has no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking for country, rock, EDM or something in between, you’ll find it here. Here are our picks for the best music festivals in Maryland:
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1. Moonrise Festival
Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore
When: August (two days)
Moonrise is a hugely popular Electronic Dance Music festival that takes place in Maryland each year. If you’re looking to get your electronic music fix, look no further than Maryland’s largest and best festival that happens annually. You’ll be able dance alongside some of the genre’s most celebrated artists.
Internationally renowned DJs like Zedd and Alan Walker, as well as local favorites are typically featured at this massive event.
2. Delfest Music Festival
Allegany County Fairgrounds, Cumberland
When: May (four days)
The McCoury Music Experience is perfect for those looking to create lasting family memories. It provides a fun and musical environment that the whole family can enjoy.
You will not only experience traditional stage sets by world-class artists at the festival, but also a lot of tributes to Del McCoury and the legacy he left.
Here, you will find various Bluegrass and Americana acts. From traditional bluegrass to progressive and folk styles, you will find something for everyone.
3. M3 Rock Music Festival
Merriweather Post Pavilion
When: May (three days)
The M3 Music Festival is one of Maryland’s most prestigious music festivals, where only the best and brightest in the industry come to perform. Some of the world’s best rock artists from the 80s perform at this festival.
If you’re looking for classic rock, you will enjoy this festival. Iconic bands will perform alongside up-and-coming rock stars. M3 is the perfect place to experience live music and have an incredible time with like-minded people.
4. Charm City Bluegrass Festival
Druid Hillpark
When: April (two days)
Bluegrass music is alive and well in Maryland, and the Charm City Bluegrass Festival celebrates all of the music that makes this genre so special. You will be able to hear some of the best bluegrass musicians around while you enjoy a great outdoor atmosphere.
The festival also features local vendors, artisans and craftspeople. The Charm City Bluegrass Festival is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and listen to some of the best bluegrass music around.
5. Maryland DeathFest
Baltimore, Maryland
May (four days)
Deathfests are all about bringing the best underground extreme metal bands to fans around the world. They aim to highlight the potential of extreme music, both contemporary and classic – regardless of popularity or genre.
The festival prides themselves on being inclusive of all metal genres, including death metal, doom, thrash, hardcore, experimental, etc. They believe that this variety is what makes their events some of the best in the world.
6. Hot August Music Festival
Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville
When: August (one day)
The Hot August Music Festival boasts an impressive lineup of musicians that will have you grooving all day and into the night. Popular festivals like this one in Maryland draw in thousands of locals and internationals who appreciate live music.
International musicians and bands take turns performing on the stage, playing a variety of sounds. Here, you can savor top-notch cuisine while also taking advantage of parking services (although spaces are limited).
7. Dreamscape Music Festival
Camp Ramblewood, Darlington
When: May (three days)
Dreamscape Music Festival is an unparalleled event compared to others like it held in Maryland. It provides an all-encompassing experience of imaginary décor as well as numerous stages of music that will display various dubstep, drum & bass, house music, and a lot more.
For nature-lovers, this three-day camping experience is the best way to surround yourself with outdoor locations. If you’re looking for a fun festival that caters to multiple tastes, then Dreamscape is the perfect place.
8. Reggae Rise Up Festival
Baltimore Peninsula
When: June (three days)
One of the most prestigious reggae festivals in the state, Reggae Rise Up is a great way to experience reggae music. The festival also has an array of Jamaican food stands that offer tasty dishes and authentic Caribbean recipes.
Days and nights of reggae music will keep attendees entertained. If you love live music, don’t miss out on this incredible festival in Maryland.
9. DC101 Kerfuffle Music Festival
Merriweather Post Pavilion
When: May
A rock music festival, the DC101 Kerfuffle brings rock fans together for a memorable day of music. Popular alternative bands will be performing throughout the event and local food stands will also be on site.
If you’re a die-hard rock fan, then this is the festival for you. Guests can watch their favorite artists take the stage and rejoice in an atmosphere of live music and good vibes.
10. Chesapeake Bay Blues Music Festival
Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
When: May (two days)
If you’re looking for a great music festival in Maryland that offers delicious food, one-of-a-kind craft vendors, and live entertainment, this is the event for you!
The venue is situated on the gorgeous western shore of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis at Sandy Point State Park. The outdoor festival is enjoyed by people of all ages.
The blues music will take you back in time and fill your ears with the sounds of legendary artists. Enjoy an array of old-style blues, R&B, jazz, soul and so much more within a beautiful setting. This is an ideal event for the whole family to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the top ten music festivals in Maryland. While they may all offer different music genres and vibes, they are all sure to provide a memorable experience for any music lover!
Whether you’re hankering for live rock or reggae beats, there is no shortage of options when it comes to attending a festival in Maryland.
Charm City Bluegrass Festival Featured Image by: Newbysdead, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
