Worcester County, Maryland, is not just a place to visit. It is a place to belong. Here, Ocean City’s shoreline meets open farmland, bald eagles soar above the Pocomoke River, and wild ponies wander the dunes of Assateague Island.
For travelers seeking a getaway rich in nature, tradition, and community spirit, there’s no better way to experience it than through the events, workshops, and local gatherings that unfold throughout the year. Whether it’s paddling at sunrise, foraging for mushrooms in the fall, or birdwatching by boat, these are the moments that bring Maryland’s Coast to life.
Wildlife, Water and Wonder: Nature Experiences
Delmarva Birding Weekends
When do they happen? Each spring and fall.
During these weekends, Worcester County, MD, becomes a migration hotspot for hundreds of bird species. Expert guides lead boat trips, hikes, and paddles through marshes, forests, and coastlines. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious, it’s one of the best ways to experience the region’s wild side.
OC Bay Hopper Nature Cruises
See Ocean City from the water with OC Bay Hopper’s eco-focused cruises. These trips highlight the wildlife and habitats of Maryland’s Coastal Bays, from osprey soaring above to the famous wild ponies of Assateague. Departures are available from Downtown Ocean City, 118th Street, and West Ocean City.
- Sunset Seabird Safaris: Two-hour evening cruises with opportunities to spot terns, pelicans, plovers, and more.
- Assateague Island Tours: Cruises along beaches and marshes where ponies and migratory birds are often seen.
- Maryland Coastal Bays Education Trips: Hands-on, family-friendly tours led by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.
- Other Options: Sunset cruises and casual sightseeing rides, often with dolphins in view.
Assateague Island Photography Workshops
Assateague Island offers seasonal workshops that capture the park’s most striking scenes, from the Milky Way rising over the surf to fog settling over the dunes at sunrise.
- Night Sky Photography with Jeff Berkes: A workshop (next scheduled for 2026) that teaches participants to capture star trails and dark-sky landscapes.
- Nature Photography with Assateague Island Alliance: A fall program focused on wildlife, landscapes, and seasonal beauty.
These experiences showcase Assateague’s rare mix of wilderness and shoreline while giving participants the chance to learn from expert photographers..
From Farm to Festival: Maryland Agritourism Adventures
BayBees Honey Beekeeping Experiences
Located in Worcester County, Maryland, BayBees Honey invites visitors to step into the world of bees. Beyond selling local honey, they offer a hands-on beekeeping experience where guests suit up and learn how their thriving apiary works. From understanding hive life to seeing pollinators in action, it’s an immersive way to appreciate both the craft of beekeeping and the sweet rewards it produces.
Worcester County, MD Farmers Markets
Fresh produce, artisan goods, and community pride fill the stalls of farmers markets across the county. Each has its own character, and together they create a seasonal trail worth exploring.
- Berlin Farmers Market: Sundays, May–October. Main Street fills with vendors, live music, and local art.
- Snow Hill Farmers and Artisans Market: Thursdays, May–October. A riverside setting with produce and handmade goods.
- Pocomoke City Farmers Market: Fridays, seasonal. A showcase of southern Worcester’s farming traditions.
- Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market: Saturdays, year-round. The county’s largest market, featuring seafood, meats, produce, and crafts.
- Ocean City Farmers Market: Saturdays and Sundays, May–October, plus Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August. Located at 115th Street and popular with beachgoers.
Fall Festivals on the Farm
Celebrate the harvest with hayrides, corn mazes, and outdoor fun. Local farms host events that make a crisp autumn afternoon unforgettable.
Get on the Water: Maryland’s Coast Tours, Rentals & Guided Paddles
Worcester County’s waterways are some of the most scenic on the East Coast. From calm coastal bays to winding cypress forests, paddling here is part adventure and part meditation. These outfitters make it easy to rent a kayak, join a guided trip, or simply set out at your own pace.
- OC Kayak: Guided tours through hidden coves and bays, with insights into the area’s ecology, history, and wildlife.
- Pocomoke River Canoe Company: Rentals and guided trips on the ancient cypress-lined Pocomoke River, one of the most unique ecosystems on the East Coast.
- Assateague Outfitters: Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals at the entrance to Assateague Island, with guided tours through back bays rich in birdlife and wild ponies.
Outdoor Lifestyle Events in Worcester County, MD That Inspire
Worcester County’s calendar is filled with events that celebrate the outdoors, from life on the water to the county’s deep agricultural roots. Whether you’re drawn by boats, RVs, peaches, or paddles, these gatherings highlight the many ways this place comes alive.
- OC Seaside Boat Show: February, Ocean City. Pontoons, fishing boats, and everything in between for those who love life on the water.
- Berlin Peach Festival: August, Berlin. Orchards showcase ripe peaches while visitors enjoy homemade desserts, live music, and small-town charm.
- Blessing of the Combines: August, Snow Hill. Combines and tractors line Main Street in a heartfelt tribute to farming heritage.
- Worcester County Fair: Late summer, Snow Hill. Agriculture, equestrian events, arts and crafts, and plenty of family fun at Byrd Park.
- Pocomoke River Canoe and Kayak Race: A long-standing tradition where paddlers test their speed along the scenic river as locals cheer from the banks.
- OC RV and Van Lifestyle Show: October, Ocean City. A celebration of RVs, vans, overlanding gear, and the freedom of the open road.
Volunteer and Learn on Maryland’s Coast: Community Connections
- OC Beach Heroes: Join a cleanup and help protect Worcester’s shoreline. Many events take place in the off-season.
- Go Green OC Composting Tours: Learn how local restaurants are cutting food waste through composting.
- Family Programs at Bayside and Sunset Park: Storybook Walks, birding programs, and other kid-friendly activities designed to inspire curiosity about the outdoors.
Plan Your MD’s Eastern Shore Visit by Season
- Spring: Delmarva Birding Weekend, farmers markets open, paddling season begins.
- Summer: Beach cleanups, Bay Hopper eco-cruises, and family programs.
- Fall: Foraging workshops, farm festivals, and the OC RV and Van Lifestyle Show.
- Winter: OC Seaside Boat Show, holiday markets, and quiet wildlife viewing.
Want a preview before you arrive? Watch Maryland’s Coast Adventures, a YouTube series that highlights local events and outdoor activities, sponsored by Maryland’s Coast. It’s a great way to start planning your trip.
Attending these events is more than entertainment. It supports conservation, education, and community-led tourism. It is a way to connect with the people who live here, love here, and protect the beauty of this place.
Worcester County is more than a destination. It is an invitation to experience nature, culture, and community in motion.
Ready to plan your trip?
Visit MarylandsCoast.org/events for the latest calendar.
Follow @MarylandsCoast on Facebook and Instagram.
Share your adventure with #MarylandsCoast
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