Deep Creek holiday events offer something for everyone. There is a little bit of magic in our mountains during this festive time of year. It’s easy to catch the spirit of the season whether you’re taking the kids to see Santa or shopping locally for last minute gifts.
Joy of Christmas Celebration
November 29-January 1, 5-10pm nightly
Holiday light show synced to music. More info.
The Autumn Glory Festival is one of the most popular events in the Deep Creek Lake area. It draws thousands of visitors to the area each year. In fact, it was named MSN’s number one fall festival in the world!
The 2024 festival dates are October 9-13. Click here for a complete schedule of activities.
So, what is all of the fuss about? Aside from admiring beautiful leaves, there are tons of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Before it was known as “Autumn Glory”, it was actually a turkey festival. Local turkey growers started an annual event to promote turkey dinners. In the 1960s, folks started to think about turning it into a larger festival. It eventually evolved into the extravaganza that we know today. Of course, turkey dinners are still part of the tradition! Check out restaurants that are participating in the “turkey trail”.
The festival kicks-off on Wednesday and continues through Sunday. I put together a few of my favorite “must-dos” for the festival.
-The Autumn Glory Kick-Off Dinner & Reception is Wednesday night at Wisp Resort. You can mingle with the festival king and queen while you dance the night away.
Continue reading Autumn Glory Festival Garrett CountyThe Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine, and Spirits Festival is celebrating its twentieth year! It is a favorite Garrett County event and a great way to say good-bye to summer and hello to fall. It is being held September 6-7, 2024 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds.
New for 2024, the festival now includes spirits! In addition to wine, there will be craft bourbon, whiskey, and tequila.
The Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine, and Spirits Festival kick-off is a fun Friday night event. From 5-8PM on the 6th, you can attend a premium wine and private label bourbon tasting.
Friday night is also highlighted by wine pairing dinners at local restaurants. You can enjoy carefully crafted, prixe fix menus. Wines are specifically paired to enhance each course. Details are usually announced on social media closer to the event.
On Saturday, the main event takes place from noon-6PM. National and regional wineries offer a variety of 200+ wines for tasting along with craft spirits. If you find one you like, they are available for purchase in the wine/spirits shop.
Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine, and Spirits FestivalDeep Creek Lake July events include a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors with your family. Plus, many of these activities are FREE!
Little Yough Summer Music Festival
June 28-August 20, 7PM, Fridays Throughout Summer
Stage Wisp Free Summer Concert Series
July 3-August 28, 6:30PM, Wednesdays Throughout Summer
Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display
July 4 at about 9:30
Fireworks are launched over McHenry Cove from Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park. The rain date is July 5.
Victorian Chatauqua
July 6 and 7
Celebrate the history of Mountain Lake Park. This is a free, family-friendly event with historical performances, live music, vendors and artisans, food, trolley bus tours, and more.
Lions Club Boat Parade
July 6 at 7PM
The Parade starts from at the Silver Tree Marina docks in McHenry Cove and proceeds past a number of judging stations along the route. Spectators at the judging stations vote for their favorite boats, At the end of the judged parade, lighted boats go back to McHenry Cove at dusk.
Art in the Park
July 13-14, 10AM-5PM and July 9, 10AM-4PM
Browse artwork from more than 50 vendors at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Deep Creek Lake Easter events and activities offer something for every member of the family. For those celebrating the holiday, there is no shortage of fun! Keep in mind that all of the info below is for 2024.
Easter Egg Hunt – Broadford Park
Registration begins at 11AM and the hunt starts at noon.
More Info
Eggstreme Easter Egg Hunt – New Germany State Park
8:30AM-2PM
More Info
Easter Egg Hunt – Grantsville Park
3:30PM
More Info
Deep Creek Dunk weekend is fast approaching! I’ll give you all the info you need to thoroughly enjoy this favorite winter event. The 2024 date for the dunk is Saturday, February 24. This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Deep Creek Dunk!
For the first time, a “community dunk” is being held. It is Thursday, February 22 at 4PM. It gives local dunkers a chance to take the plunge for Special Olympics Maryland.
The MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk started in 1998. Dunkers plunge into Deep Creek Lake’s frigid water to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD). Individuals and teams raise money to benefit this worthy cause. Prizes are awarded for the most money raised as well as for the wild costumes that help to make the event so much fun!
The 2024 Deep Creek Dunk festivities kick-off Friday, February 23 at the Honi-Honi Bar. This wine tasting is held in the heated tent on the deck. A $20 donation benefits Maryland Special Olympics. Continue reading Deep Creek Dunk Quick Guide
A popular Garrett County event is the Festival of Trees Garrett County. It is held every year on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Fairground Exhibit Hall in McHenry, MD. If you’ve never been to it make this the year you treat yourself!
All proceeds benefit the Dove Center – a local facility that offers services for victims of domestic violence.
The event is held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes a vast array of activities for the whole family. On Saturday, the kids activities end at 4 p.m. to prepare for the live auction that starts at 5p.m.
Designer decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces are on exhibit, and will be auctioned off Saturday. Beginning at 5 p.m., registered bidders can enjoy refreshments and a cash bar provided by Dutch’s at Silver Tree. At 6 p.m., the auction begins.
Continue reading Festival of Trees Garrett County Event Guide
The 2023 Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival is happening Saturday, September 9. It will be held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds.
This favorite event benefits both HART for Animals and the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival.
Continue reading 2023 Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival
The Garrett County Fair is one of the best-loved summertime activities! There is no shortage of fun for the entire family. The 2023 Garrett County Fair dates are July 29-August 5.
Growing up in Garrett County the fair was not to be missed. Every kid wants to spend as much time there as possible. Rides, games, food and farm animals are just a few reasons to visit the fair at least once during the week.
The schedule for the 2023 Garrett County Fair was recently released. Here is the full schedule for the entire week:
Continue reading Garrett County Fair Quick GuideMid summer events offer something to please every member of your family. There are tons of fun outdoor activities in the Deep Creek Lake area. Also, special events are happening weekly.
In addition to the events listed below, Firewater Kitchen & Bar, MoonShadow, and the Honi Honi have great live acts lined up.
Little Yough Summer Music Festival
Fridays through September 2nd, 7PM
Held at the Mountain Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland, this longtime favorite brings a wide variety of musicians to the stage. Grab a drink at Sipside Lounge before hand or ice cream at Devler’s while you enjoy the tunes.
Mountain Fresh Farmers Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays through November 2nd
Also held in Oakland’s pavilion, the farmers market has a great selection of local produce, meat, and baked goods along with lots of handmade items.
Garrett County Agricultural Fair
July 30-August 6
Head to the fairgrounds in McHenry for one of the favorite mid summer events! The fair is always a good time. You can check out the livestock exhibitions, ride the rides, play games, eat yummy food, or enjoy live entertainment.
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