“On Friday– Saturday, Oct. 1–3, 2021, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft at the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival XXXVII.

Hundreds of amateur and professional boatbuilders and enthusiasts come from all over the region to display their one-of-a-kind kayaks, canoes, and other traditional small craft.

Sailing skiffs, rowing shells, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, prams, and one-of-a-kind boats will be on display and in the water throughout this family-oriented event. Small craft owners hailing from all over the country will also be available to share their knowledge and boating experiences with guests.

Museum shipyard staff and Chesapeake Wooden Boat Builders School instructors will be on hand Saturday to offer boatbuilding workshops and maritime demonstrations. Beginning at 1pm on Saturday, a lively Miles River race of small craft can be watched from the museum’s waterfront and docks. Festival-goers can also vote for their favorite boat, with the People’s Choice award and others announced among participants on Saturday evening.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival.

PLEASE NOTE: For the safety and comfort of our guests, CBMM staff and volunteers will be masked at all festivals and special events. Guests—both unvaccinated & vaccinated—are encouraged to wear a mask indoors due to high community transmission and current guidance from the CDC. Masks are available at the Museum Store & Welcome Center, front desk, and other points on campus during festivals.” https://cbmm.org/events/annual-festivals-and-special-events/mid-atlantic-small-craft-festival/