Events Calendar
Gallery shows and First Friday receptions, events that we are attending and/or sponsoring, plus more!
Artsfest ‘26 - Fine Arts Festival
Enjoy a fabulous weekend of the visual and performing arts with 170 juried artist booths, music, activities for kids, great food, wine & beer, and much more! Unsurpassed beauty and entertainment await you at the 34th Annual Artsfest!
Set amidst the spectacular backdrop of the sculpture garden, Artsfest is truly a unique arts experience! Explore incredible shopping and browsing at the juried artist booths in the Tent Circle and the Arts Building, then wander the shady Wooded Path to find more artists and activities nestled in the beautiful woods at Annmarie.
Discover unique performance spaces scattered around the park with music, dance, theater, and spoken word performers. Kids will love the Discovery Tent and the Zany Zone, and adults can relax and sip a glass of wine or beer in the Beer Garden or the Main Stage seating area. Learn more here.
Find St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Arts Council of Calvert County at our tent on the Wooded Path!
Artsfest ‘26 - Fine Arts Festival
Enjoy a fabulous weekend of the visual and performing arts with 170 juried artist booths, music, activities for kids, great food, wine & beer, and much more! Unsurpassed beauty and entertainment await you at the 34th Annual Artsfest!
Set amidst the spectacular backdrop of the sculpture garden, Artsfest is truly a unique arts experience! Explore incredible shopping and browsing at the juried artist booths in the Tent Circle and the Arts Building, then wander the shady Wooded Path to find more artists and activities nestled in the beautiful woods at Annmarie.
Discover unique performance spaces scattered around the park with music, dance, theater, and spoken word performers. Kids will love the Discovery Tent and the Zany Zone, and adults can relax and sip a glass of wine or beer in the Beer Garden or the Main Stage seating area. Learn more here.
Find St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Arts Council of Calvert County at our tent on the Wooded Path!
RiverFest 2026
At RiverFest the entire community is invited to celebrate, explore, and protect the St. Mary's River. There will also be live animals, kayaking, face painting, balloon animals, music, and more! Click here for full details. Admission is FREE!
(Through grant funding from the Maryland State Council and donations from our other supporters, we are a proud sponsors of this event!)
SMCAC Grant Assistance
Seeking an arts grant? Unsure how to apply for one? Come talk to the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and find out more about the process!
First Friday Opening Reception - A Harvest of Haunts
Join us for the Opening Reception of our new art show on First Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5 - 8 PM at St. Mary’s County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop!
This show features works by our gallery artists in the spooky theme of “A Harvest of Haunts”.
Artwork will be on display for the month of October.
Gallery Address: 22660 Washington St, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Questions? Email: gallery@smcart.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Free Art Activity w/ Tiffany Kildale
Tiffany Kildale will host a pop-up watercolor painting art activity at the St. Mary’s County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop on First Friday, October 2nd, from 5 to 7:30 PM.
All ages are welcome! Prior art experience is not needed. This is a free event. Questions? Email: gallery@smcart.org
St. Mary's College of Maryland - Career & Internship Fair
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is hosting their annual Career & Internship Fair on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Students can find us at our table to meet our staff, learn about St. Mary’s County Arts Council, internship and volunteer opportunities, and more!
Ribbon Cutting - Carver Community Arts Center & Makerspace
The Carver Community Arts Center & Makerspace is well underway with a 5,000-square-foot renovation, slated for completion in fall 2026! This new program is located at the St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Carver Recreation Center building at 47382 Lincoln Avenue in Lexington Park, MD.
Save the date of Tuesday, November 17, 2026 for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2 PM! An Open House will follow until 4 PM.
All are invited to the ceremony to learn more about the new center and tour the facilities. Find additional details here.
Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday
The St. Mary’s County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop is closed Wednesday, November 25th, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday
The St. Mary’s County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop is closed Thursday, November 26th, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
2027 STEAM Day at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
Join us and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum for an exciting day of exploration!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 13th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a day packed with hands-on fun and discovery! This is the perfect opportunity for students and families to explore the fascinating world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM).
Explore a variety of interactive exhibits and activities designed for all ages. Whether you're young or just young at heart, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Children get in FREE during the event with the purchase of adult admission! Click here for details.
Find us at our table to participate in a fun community art project and learn more about St. Mary’s County Arts Council!
(Sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council.)
4th Annual Community, Culture & Cuisine Event
The Lexington Park Business Association hosts entertaining performances from various cultures, an array of activities, interactive crafts, children's games, and more at the Community, Culture & Cuisine event!
Food lovers will enjoy cuisines from around the world including jerk chicken from Jamaica, potatoes from Ireland, and everything in between!
Join us on Saturday, June 26, 2027 from 11 AM to 4 PM to celebrate the breadth of the world's cultures right here in Lexington Park! Learn more here.
(Sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council via grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our sponsors.)
Family Fest on the Potomac
Enjoy a full day of family fun along the Potomac and at the lighthouse with live music, food, vendors, displays and a variety of kids and family activities. ADMISSION IS FREE FOR ALL.
Donations and membership sales from this event support the museum and historic preservation of Piney Point Lighthouse and grounds.
Event Includes:
-FREE admission to museum, lighthouse and historic park
-Children's Activities
-Food Trucks
-Vendors
-Live Music from Billy Breslin and the Swamp Weasels
-Lots More!
MORE INFO:
-Parking & Shuttle: All parking will be FREE off-site at Piney Point Elementary School. FREE shuttles will be provided for transportation to the event. Shuttles will begin running at 9:00 AM and circulate from parking areas to the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum. The last shuttle will leave Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at 4:30 PM. There will be no public parking at the museum except for vehicles displaying appropriate handicap parking permits.
Click here for additional details or call 301-994-1471.
Find St. Mary’s County Arts Council at our table! Meet our staff, learn about the Arts Council, and enjoy a free art activity!
Art Walk Contest Launches!
The 2026 Art Walk contest runs for the month of September, with an official launch on First Friday, September 4th! Stop by St. Mary’s County Arts Council or any other participating host business to pick up your ballot! Find details here.
First Friday Art Activity w/ Elsewise Art
Let’s color a GIANT coloring page! Join St. Mary’s County Arts Council and Jami Faith from Elsewise Art for a FREE art activity!
All ages are welcome to join the fun on First Friday, September 4th from 5 - 7:30 PM. No prior art experience needed! Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
Re:Bloom - Public Art in Lexington Manor Passive Park
Join local artist Eric Clark Jackson of Bay Fibers Studio and participate in our special series of year-long community art-making events at Lexington Manor Arts Park.
The first round of eco-friendly artworks, created at our last session, will be unveiled and installed across the Lexington Manor Art Park in 2026-27.
Learn traditional art forms in St. Mary's County and learn about local environmental non-profits. Our partner for this event is the Southern Maryland Audubon Society. Join us on Saturday, August 29th from 12-4 PM!
Prior art skills are not needed! Participants of all ages are welcome to join us!
This program is sponsored by St. Mary’s County Arts Council via a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
Outdoor Movie Night
Enjoy a magical evening under the stars with a free outdoor movie at the Town Market! Grab your blanket or lawn chair, relax, and watch a family-friendly film (Hoppers). Food and drinks will be available for purchase, so come hungry and make it a fun night out for the whole family. For more information, visit: www.visitleonardtownmd.com/events or call 301-475-9791.
(Through grant funding from the Maryland State Council and donations from our other supporters, we are a proud sponsors of this event!)
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
First Friday Opening Reception - Beneath the Waves
Join us for the Opening Reception of our new art show on First Friday, August 7, 2026, from 5 - 8 PM at St. Mary’s County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop!
This show features works by our gallery artists in the theme of “Beneath the Waves”.
Artwork will be on display for the month of August.
Gallery Address: 22660 Washington St, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Questions? Email: gallery@smcart.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
See less
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
Summerstock Theater: Disney's Frozen
The 44th production of Summerstock returns to Great Mills High School with eight showtimes across two weekends this summer: July 17-19 & July 24-26!
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RP-Summerstock
(This event is sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council, through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our other supporters.)
Summerstock Theater: Disney's Frozen
The 44th production of Summerstock returns to Great Mills High School with eight showtimes across two weekends this summer: July 17-19 & July 24-26!
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RP-Summerstock
(This event is sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council, through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our other supporters.)
Summerstock Theater: Disney's Frozen
The 44th production of Summerstock returns to Great Mills High School with eight showtimes across two weekends this summer: July 17-19 & July 24-26!
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RP-Summerstock
(This event is sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council, through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our other supporters.)
Summerstock Theater: Disney's Frozen
The 44th production of Summerstock returns to Great Mills High School with eight showtimes across two weekends this summer: July 17-19 & July 24-26!
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RP-Summerstock
(This event is sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council, through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our other supporters.)
2026 River Concert Series
The Chesapeake Orchestra and its Music Director Jeffrey Silberschlag, and St. Mary's College of Maryland are proud to announce dates for the 2026 River Concert Series.
A Southern Maryland tradition now in its 27th season, this family-friendly music festival, and winner of two Governor’s Awards for Arts, Tourism, and Community Economic Development, is held on the St. Mary’s College Townhouse Green every Friday evening from 7 to 9 PM (grounds open at 5:30 PM) from June 19 through July 24, 2026.
Concerts are FREE of charge and open to the public!
Click here for full details and for info about the featured performers of the week.
(Through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from supporters, we are a proud sponsor of this event!)
2027 Calendar Photo Contest - Last Day to Submit!
It's back! The Cedar Point Federal Credit Union 2027 Calendar Photo Contest is officially open!
SoMD Photography is excited to announce the return of the 2027 Cedar Point Federal Credit Union Calendar Photo Contest! For the second consecutive year, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, SOMD Photography, Full Frame Foundation, and St. Mary's County Arts Council are proud to partner together to showcase the talent of creatives throughout Southern Maryland.
We are inviting Southern Maryland residents of all ages and skill levels to submit images that celebrate the spirit, landscapes, wildlife, and communities of St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles counties throughout the seasons. From the first blooms of spring, the warmth of a summer sunset, vibrant colors of fall, or the peaceful beauty of winter, show us what makes Southern Maryland special to you.
How to Enter:
Email: contests@somdphotography.org
Complete required registration form.
Submit up to five images.
Submission deadline: July 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Entry Requirements:
Open to all residents of Southern Maryland.
Photos must be captured within Southern Maryland.
Images should be submitted in JPEG format.
Minimum image size: 1200 x 1800 for printing.
Maximum: 5 photo submissions per participant.
Images should be a 4:3 ratio (landscape orientation).
Other ratios may be subject to cropping.
Winning Prizes & Recognition:
$200 cash prize awarded to cover image.
Displayed in all six CPFCU branch locations.
Displayed at St. Mary’s County Arts Council Gallery.
Calendars distributed throughout Southern MD.
Work seen by thousands of community members.
Photos professionally printed and mounted.
Promoted via social media platforms.
Need help preparing or submitting your images? No problem! Our team is happy to assist with sizing, resolution, or any other questions you may have. Simply email contests@somdphotography.org.
This continued partnership represents a shared commitment to supporting the arts, recognizing local talent, and creating meaningful opportunities for photographers throughout Southern Maryland. Together, we're not just creating a calendar, we're celebrating the people, places, and stories that make our region so special! We can't wait to see what you capture this year.
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
Summerstock Theater: Disney's Frozen
The 44th production of Summerstock returns to Great Mills High School with eight showtimes across two weekends this summer: July 17-19 & July 24-26!
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RP-Summerstock
(This event is sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council, through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our other supporters.)
Summerstock Theater: Disney's Frozen
The 44th production of Summerstock returns to Great Mills High School with eight showtimes across two weekends this summer: July 17-19 & July 24-26!
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RP-Summerstock
(This event is sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council, through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our other supporters.)
Summerstock Theater: Disney's Frozen
The 44th production of Summerstock returns to Great Mills High School with eight showtimes across two weekends this summer: July 17-19 & July 24-26!
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RP-Summerstock
(This event is sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council, through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our other supporters.)
Family Day at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
Visit the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum for a fun-filled Family Day! Enjoy hands-on activities, explore exciting exhibits, and make memories with the whole family.
Children age 12 and under get in FREE during the event! Regular admission fees apply for other attendees.
Perfect for all ages — discover the wonder of flight and naval aviation history.
Find us at our table and participate in a fun art activity!
Click here to visit the museum’s website and learn more about this event.
Summerstock Theater: Disney's Frozen
The 44th production of Summerstock returns to Great Mills High School with eight showtimes across two weekends this summer: July 17-19 & July 24-26!
Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RP-Summerstock
(This event is sponsored in part by St. Mary’s County Arts Council, through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from our other supporters.)
2026 River Concert Series - CANCELED
UPDATE: This event is canceled due to poor air quality.
The Chesapeake Orchestra and its Music Director Jeffrey Silberschlag, and St. Mary's College of Maryland are proud to announce dates for the 2026 River Concert Series.
A Southern Maryland tradition now in its 27th season, this family-friendly music festival, and winner of two Governor’s Awards for Arts, Tourism, and Community Economic Development, is held on the St. Mary’s College Townhouse Green every Friday evening from 7 to 9 PM (grounds open at 5:30 PM) from June 19 through July 24, 2026.
Concerts are FREE of charge and open to the public!
Click here for full details and for info about the featured performers of the week.
(Through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from supporters, we are a proud sponsor of this event!)
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.
2026 River Concert Series
The Chesapeake Orchestra and its Music Director Jeffrey Silberschlag, and St. Mary's College of Maryland are proud to announce dates for the 2026 River Concert Series.
A Southern Maryland tradition now in its 27th season, this family-friendly music festival, and winner of two Governor’s Awards for Arts, Tourism, and Community Economic Development, is held on the St. Mary’s College Townhouse Green every Friday evening from 7 to 9 PM (grounds open at 5:30 PM) from June 19 through July 24, 2026.
Concerts are FREE of charge and open to the public!
Click here for full details and for info about the featured performers of the week.
(Through grant funding from the Maryland State Arts Council and donations from supporters, we are a proud sponsor of this event!)
Welcome Back Wednesdays (weekly workshops)
Join us every Wednesday to meet the St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff, local artists, friends of the council, and others!
Bring a project in progress to work on or just stop by to say hello!
If you don’t have a current project, we have easy art kits available for purchase plus free activity options.
Bring your favorite beverage and snacks (there are several coffee spots within easy walking distance).
Pets are welcome!
An RSVP via email is appreciated but not required.
Free parking is available on Washington St., behind our building, and other public lots.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Questions? Email gallery@smcart.org.