Deep Creek Lake Family Acivities – Deep Creek Lake Blog

Autumn Glory Festival Garrett County

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.

History of Autumn Glory

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”.

Favorite Autumn Glory Activities

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.

Deep Creek Lake July Events

Deep 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 & Activities

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.

Saturday, March 30

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

Mid Summer Events at Deep Creek Lake

Mid 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.

Mid Summer Events

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.

Deep Creek Early Summer Events

Deep Creek early summer events are kicking off everyone’s favorite season with plenty of fun! There are tons of ways to enjoy the beautiful weather with family and friends. Many are old favorites, but there are some new options too!

Deep Creek Early Summer Events

Deep Creek Farmers Market – NEW
Fridays through September 2, 3-7PM
The area’s newest farmers market takes place at Garrett College every Friday. In addition to local produce, you can also find honey, pottery, and baked goods.

Accident 4th of July Parade
Monday, July 4, 11AM
Bring the family to Accident for some small town Independence Day fun!

Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display
Monday, July 4, About 9PM, McHenry
Fireworks launched from the top of the tubing hill at the Mountain Park at Wisp Resort out toward the waters of Deep Creek Lake. Viewing spots include the scenic overlook on Rt. 219, McHenry Cove on Deep Creek Lake and businesses in McHenry.

Spruce Forest Artisan Village – A Garrett County Treasure

Spruce Forest Artisan Village is a unique Garrett County treasure that has been enjoyed for decades. It suffered extensive damage in April 2020. They are now in the process of returning this local landmark to its former glory.

About Spruce Forest Artisan Village

Located in Grantsville, the Artisan Village offers the chance to step back in time. It was established thirty-five years ago. The village is a sister property to Penn Alps, a favorite Garrett County restaurant that dates back to 1818.

Artists in residence demonstrate and sell their crafts. Classes are also offered to the public. All of this takes place in historic buildings situated throughout the beautiful grounds. There are thirteen log and frame structures. Two of them go back to the Revolutionary War Period. Most of these are used as studio space.

Resident artists are highly skilled and produce items that include: bird carvings, pottery, hand-forged iron, natural soaps, and more.

Spruce Forest Artisan Village is along the historic National Road that played a big part in the development of the our area. It is adjacent to the historic Casselman Bridge State Park.

Deep Creek Lake Kayaking

Deep Creek Lake kayaking opportunities are abundant! Garrett County is home to numerous lakes and rivers that are perfect for paddling. You can experience peaceful flatwater or raging rapids.

Deep Creek Lake Kayaking

When you arrive at Deep Creek Lake the popularity of kayaking will immediately strike you: it is possible to rent kayaks, schedule kayaking lessons and enjoy guided tours. Easy and affordable, it’s not hard to understand why kayaking was among the top five sports with the most first-time participants.

Flatwater Kayaking

Flatwater kayaking is ideal for family outings and there are seven lakes to choose from once you have your gear. High Mountain Sports and Wisp Outdoors both offer recreational kayak rentals that come complete with paddles, Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and a little instruction to get you started. As an added convenience, they also both offer a delivery and pick up service that makes everything that much easier. If you’re renting a home on the lake, a kayak is a great additional amenity to keep your group entertained. Herrington Manor, Broadford and New Germany lakes offer quieter areas where no major wakes from motorized crafts will rock your boat.

Fall Events at Deep Creek Lake

Fall events celebrate this colorful season at Deep Creek Lake! Throughout the month of October, there are fun happenings throughout Garrett County and the surrounding area. Additionally, you can enjoy vibrant foliage as you travel from one festival to the next!

Along with the events listed below, MoonShadow and the Honi-Honi bar have live music every weekend.

Fall Events 2019

Cove Run Farm Corn Maze
Friday – 4-9, Saturday 12-9 and Sunday 2-6 (other days/times by appointment), 596 Griffith Rd., Accident, MD
Bring the kids and find your way through the corn maze! Hay rides and a petting zoo are available too!

Springs Folk Festival
October 4-5, 9AM-5PM, Springs, PA
Experience this celebration of the arts, skills and labors of our forefathers. There is live music, hayrides for the kids and over 100 artisans selling and demonstrating their crafts.

52nd Annual Autumn Glory Festival
October 9-13, Activities throughout Garrett County
This favorite festival is five days of fun! Parades, craft shows, live music and antique shows are just a few of the highlights.

Deep Creek Lake Late Summer Events

Deep Creek Lake late summer events will keep you entertained! I call this the “secret season” as it is one of my favorite times of year in Garrett County. Warm days are perfect for boating and kayaking. Plus, you feel like you have the lake all to yourself. Crisp nights have a hint of the fall season that arrives in late September. My boys love making s’mores and hanging out around the fire pit. Also, vacation rental rates offer you a great value.

Deep Creek Lake Late Summer Events

Deep Creek Lake Art, Wine & Beer Festival
September 7, Noon-6PM
Over 200 wineries will be on hand along with numerous craft beers, local and regional artisans, live music, activities for the kids and more.

2019 AYCE Crab and Shrimp Feast
September 7, 3-9PM
Only 450 tickets are available for this fun event that benefits the Deep Creek Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

Deep Creek Events Coming Up for Summer 2019

Deep Creek events for summer promise fun for the entire family! There are tons of things to see and do throughout July. I put together some “must-dos” if you are in the Deep Creek Lake area. Many of these events are FREE as well, so they are easy on your wallet!

Deep Creek Events

Free Summer Concerts at Wisp Resort
Wednesdays, July 3-August 28, 6:30PM

Wisp brings some great local and regional acts to their outdoor stage for FREE summer concerts. Food and drinks are available for purchase, plus they have added vendors selling farm fresh veggies and art.

Pocket Park Movies
Thursdays, June 13-August 15, Starts at Dusk

Head to the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market Pavilion in Oakland’s historic downtown for FREE movies. Bring chairs and a blanket for this fun, family event.

Category: Deep Creek Lake Family Acivities

Autumn Glory Festival Garrett County

History of Autumn Glory

Favorite Autumn Glory Activities

Deep Creek Lake July Events

Deep Creek Lake Easter Events & Activities

Saturday, March 30

Mid Summer Events at Deep Creek Lake

Mid Summer Events

Deep Creek Early Summer Events

Deep Creek Early Summer Events

Spruce Forest Artisan Village – A Garrett County Treasure

About Spruce Forest Artisan Village

Deep Creek Lake Kayaking

Deep Creek Lake Kayaking

Flatwater Kayaking

Fall Events at Deep Creek Lake

Fall Events 2019

Deep Creek Lake Late Summer Events

Deep Creek Lake Late Summer Events

Deep Creek Events Coming Up for Summer 2019

Deep Creek Events

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Deep Creek Media

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