Southern Maryland Heritage Festival

Experience the Second Annual Southern Maryland Heritage Festival

The Southern Maryland Heritage Festival returns for its second year, celebrating Southern Maryland cuisine, history and culture. In this living landscape, stories and places of the past are preserved and shared and cultural traditions thrive.

WHEN: Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Plantation Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636

WHAT: Festival attendees can discover local heritage by sampling food, shopping for artisanal goods, visiting historical exhibits, and enjoying diverse musical performances. The festival includes many family-friendly activities such as a dedicated kids' area, wagon rides and heritage demonstrations.

·        Heritage Demos & Exhibits: Explore demonstrations and exhibits from Southern Maryland businesses and organizations, including blacksmithing, jousting, quilting, antique tractor pulls, and more!

·        Food and Artisan Vendors: Discover unique hand-crafted goods made by local artisans and savor delicious food from local favorites!

·        Music and Entertainment: Music is an essential part of our heritage! Enjoy live performances on our outdoor stage.

·        Beer and Wine: Brews on tap and wine will be available at two locations on-site. (Bring your ID!)

·        Kids’ Corner: Your little ones can enjoy games and a variety of family-friendly activities in our designated kids' area.

·        Wagon Rides: Enjoy a scenic journey through Historic Sotterley on a tractor-pulled wagon.

·        Open House Tours: Discover our Manor House and gain insights into its history from our knowledgeable docents.

·        Boondocking: For the first time, the Southern Maryland Heritage Festival will allow two nights of on-site RV camping (May 16 & 17)! Guests will be able to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Sotterley and the festival experience. Camping Registration costs $100 and includes two adult two-day tickets to the festival. To reserve your spot, please reach out to Sotterleyfest@gmail.com

COST:  Two-Day Entrance (Adults): $18 in advance, $25 at the gate; One-Day Entrance (Adults): $10 in advance, $15 at the gate; Children (12 & under): FREE

Learn more about vendors, exhibitors, musicians and sponsors here: https://sotterley.org/somd-heritage/

About Historic Sotterley

Historic Sotterley, a 300-year-old National Historic Landmark and UNESCO Site of Memory, features over 20 authentic structures on 94 acres along the Patuxent River in Southern Maryland. Founded in 1703, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit preserves historic structures and the natural environment while sharing the complex stories of its inhabitants, from plantation owners to the enslaved. Their work also supports the local community by addressing food insecurity and facilitating critical discussions about history and healing, empowering individuals to create a brighter future. Learn more at https://sotterley.org/.