Fairs and events
The annual fixtures around Deep Creek Lake. Dates come straight from the organizer. Where they haven't put next year's out yet, this page says so instead of guessing at it.
That last number surprised me. Not one of these publishes a pattern like "the third weekend in August". They all announce a year at a time. So this page shows the year I've confirmed and then goes quiet, instead of doing arithmetic that might be wrong.
On now — 7–11 October 2026
Five days built around the leaf change, with the Grand Feature Parade through downtown Oakland on the Saturday. It is the busiest weekend of the autumn in Garrett County, and the one where finding a room needs planning.
59th Annual→
In 9 days — 17 October 2026
The Discovery Center open in the evening, with the aviary and the nocturnal end of the collection.
Mid October, announced a year at a time→
4 December 2026
An evening holiday market spread through the town rather than held in one hall — handmade goods, gifts and food, from four until eight on the first Friday of December.
The ad names one date and no recurring r→
5 December 2026
The Discovery Center's December open house.
Early December, announced a year at a ti→
Mid July, announced a year at a time
Two days of artists and makers by the lake. The 2026 edition is the 24th.
Mid July, announced a year at a time→
Second weekend of September, announced a year at a time
Two days at the fairgrounds: a premium spirits tasting on the Friday evening and the main art and wine festival on the Saturday, with 200 wines, local artisans and live music. Proceeds go to HART for Animals.
Second weekend of September, announced a→
Early April, announced a year at a time
The park's egg hunt, on the Saturday before Easter.
Early April, announced a year at a time→
The ad names one date and no recurring rule
Artisans and growers along the main street of a very small town, on the last Saturday market of the year. The ad calls it the last one, which means there are earlier ones and I don't have their dates.
Last market of the year→
Early August — the fair publishes dates a year at a time and states no recurring rule
Eight days of livestock, 4-H judging, tractor pulls and food at the county fairgrounds. It is the county's biggest week and the fairgrounds are booked solid, so it also decides what parking around McHenry looks like.
69th Annual→
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am to 1pm — the ad states August only
Oakland's farmers market, running since 1987, under its own pavilion in the middle of town. Twice a week through the summer, and mornings only.
Established 1987→
Late August, announced a year at a time
Dragon boat racing on Broadford Lake, with craft and food vendors on the bank. Racing needs a team and pre-registration; watching costs five dollars a car, which is one of the few prices anybody in this county actually publishes.
5th Annual→
Early May, announced a year at a time
Native plants for sale and the people who grow them, in the park.
Early May, announced a year at a time→
Early April, announced a year at a time
Dyeing eggs with onion skins, beets and whatever else the naturalists bring. At the Discovery Center.
Early April, announced a year at a time→
Late April, announced a year at a time
Ramps are the wild leek that comes up in these woods in April, and the county takes them seriously. Cooks compete.
Late April, announced a year at a time→
The last Saturday in September, per the park's own description
Pumpkin painting, apple cider pressing and the Friends Store open. The last Saturday in September.
The last Saturday in September, per the →
Wednesdays through July and August, 6pm to 8.30pm
Free live music outdoors at the resort every Wednesday evening through July and August, with an artisan market opening an hour before the band. Nine acts, all named a season ahead.
Wednesdays through July and August, 6pm →
Most local event pages get written once and then left alone. An out-of-date listing doesn't look broken, so nobody goes back and fixes it, and you find out the date moved when you're standing at the gate.
So the only events here are the ones I've confirmed with whoever runs them. That keeps the list short, and it grows as I work through more of them.
Know one that belongs here? Tell me. A link to the organizer's own page is enough to start.