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 spring activities offer something for every interest. There are lots of indoor and outdoor options for visitors and residents too.
It is an in-between season when the weather can be a bit unpredictable. You might not always be able to do every item on this list, but you can try! Also, be sure to check days/hours of operation – especially mid-week.
Deep Creek Fun Zone – You can choose your own adventure and get something great to eat. They have an arcade and lazer tag. When the weather warms up in late spring, they usually open outdoor activities that include mini golf, go carts, and bumper boats. More info.
Fishing – Garrett County’s lakes and rivers offer tons of fishing opportunities. Get your Maryland fishing license and head out to one of our lakes or rivers. Deep Creek Lake State Park and Herrington Manor State Park are kid friendly spots. The Casselman and Savage Rivers are popular for fly fishing. Check out our fishing guide for more details.
Continue reading Deep Creek Spring ActivitiesDeep 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
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.
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.
Big Run State Park is made up of 300 acres in Savage River State Forest. Available activities include rustic camping, canoeing, fishing and miles of trails for cross country skiing and hiking.
It is well-known by fisherman for its smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch, brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. The popular hiking trail, Monroe Run, has its trailhead in the park as well. A variety of activities are available year-round. The changing scenery is both beautiful and rugged.
Fisherman find a wide variety of both warmwater and coldwater species at Big Run State Park. It has access to Savage River Reservoir where fishing opportunities for species such as bluegill, black crappie, walleye, yellow perch, brown trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are abundant. Two tributaries, Monroe Run and Savage Run, are also good spots for fishing. Anglers may catch brown, brook or rainbow trout in Savage Run. Shoreline fishing is popular along the state forest roads where families can find easy access. Each spring the Maryland Department of Natural Resources stocks trout in both Savage Run and Savage River Reservoir.
Savage River Reservoir provides paddling opportunities. Offering two boat launches (located at Dry Run and near the Reservoir dam), only boats with electric motors are permitted on the reservoir. When exploring 350 acres reservoir, you might see grouse, ducks, great blue herons, king fishers and minks.
Continue reading Big Run State Park Quick GuidePotomac State Forest encompasses 11,535 acres. It is easy to lose your cares amid its hemlock and laurel. It is situated between the towns of Oakland and Westernport and partially borders the headwaters of the Potomac River. This rugged mountain forest is known for abundant wildlife, excellent trout fishing, and miles of multi-use trails.
Made up of mountain forests, streams and valleys, Potomac State Forest’s diverse habitat supports an abundance of wildlife, including wild turkey, white-tailed deer, black bears, fox and songbirds. The tree species typically found are that of an eastern hardwood forest. Plantations of white pine, red pine and spruce were also planted between 1950 and 1970. A spring walk through the woods will reveal flowering plants such as saxifrage, rue and wood anemone, spring beauty, May apple, blue violet and other violet species. Summer brings milkweed, spiderwort, mint, butterfly weed and dogbane to the roadsides and meadows. Ironweed, aster and goldenrod varieties brighten the fields in the fall.
The forest drains into the Potomac River Basin. It also features the highest point in Maryland – Backbone Mountain, elevation 3,220 feet. Another high point in the forest is the rock outcropping near the intersection of Maryland Route 135 and Walnut Bottom Road. It offers a scenic view of Potomac State Forest, Savage River State Forest and Crabtree Creek.
In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy the miles of scenic trails that are open for hiking, mountain biking, ORV use, horseback riding and winter sports. Bring your camera when you visit this untamed environment and capture the breathtaking views no matter what the season.
Famous for its trout fishing, anglers can test their skills on a generally fast running Potomac. The premier fish of this section of the river is the rainbow trout. Early spring through fall stocking provides incredible fishing opportunities. Other designated areas, including Lostland Run and Laurel Run also offer excellent fishing spots. Additional fish found in the Potomac and the creeks surrounding it include rock bass, sunfish and smallmouth bass. Because of fast running water and the primitive environment, fisherman should be prepared to negotiate strong currents, large boulders and fallen trees in the water.
Potomac State Forest is a natural area that presents certain hazards, such as poison ivy, rocky and slippery trails, venomous snakes and biting insects. Be sure to dress appropriately. All trails and roads are open to hikers and mountain bikers. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit. Some of the more popular trails include:
Directions: Follow Rt. 219 south to Oakland. Turn left onto Rt. 135 east. Travel to the intersection of MD Rt. 560. At the traffic light, turn right onto Rt. 560 south and travel 3 miles to Bethlehem Road. Turn left on Bethlehem Road and travel 2 miles to the intersection of Bethlehem Road and Eagle Rock Road. Turn right, staying on Bethlehem Road for 1.4 miles. Turn left on Combination Road and travel 1/2 mile. Turn left on Potomac Camp Road and travel 1/2 mile to the Forest Resource Center, which will be on the left.
For more information visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/publiclands/western_potomacgarrettforest.aspx or call (301) 334-2038.
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