Maryland State Holidays

Official Maryland State Holidays and local observances vary across the year, making it essential to have a reliable local calendar. While federal closures apply across the United States, Maryland officially recognizes unique state legal holidays and community observances deeply rooted in its rich Mid-Atlantic heritage, historic Chesapeake Bay maritime legacy, and foundational American history.

Select a section below to explore official closure dates, discover top state parks, browse annual cultural festivals, and dive into fascinating state facts!

Maryland State Flag

Bank Closures & Schedules

• Commercial Banking Schedules – While national banks follow the standard Federal Reserve calendar, local bank branches and state-chartered credit unions across the state typically mirror official state government holiday closures. Always call your local branch ahead of time to verify specific drive-thru and lobby hours on state-specific holidays.

Maryland State Holidays

Here is the summary of the official Maryland State Holidays closures that differ from the standard U.S. Federal Holiday schedule:

• November 3, 2026: General Election Day (Rule: Observed on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years to close state offices for voting access; not observed as a state closure in 2027)

• November 27, 2026 and November 26, 2027: Day After Thanksgiving (Rule: Granted legally by state law as a paid public holiday closing all state government offices on the Friday following Thanksgiving Day)

Local Maryland Observance Days

These are designated commemorative periods across the state that are officially recognized by Maryland state statutes to honor historical figures, cultural heritage, and community milestones:

• March 25: Maryland Day (Rule: Fixed annual historical date commemorating the March 25, 1634 arrival of the Ark and the Dove settlers to found the Maryland colony)

• April 28: Maryland Admission Day (Rule: Fixed annual historical date celebrating April 28, 1788, when Maryland officially ratified the U.S. Constitution and became the 7th state admitted to the Union)

• September 14: Defenders' Day (Rule: Fixed annual historical date observing the successful defense of Baltimore from British forces at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812)

Weather & Environment-Related Maryland Observances:

These designated climate, wildlife, and natural hazard awareness periods serve as critical dates for emergency response, municipal safety drills, and seasonal resource tracking: (2027 Dates TBA)

• April 6–12, 2026: Severe Storms Awareness Week (Rule: Coordinated annually in early April by emergency management and the NWS to prepare households for spring thunderstorm and tornado hazards)

Map of Maryland

Maryland Trivia

• The Birthplace of the National Anthem: During the War of 1812, lawyer Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" on a ship in Baltimore Harbor while watching the British bombardment of Maryland's historic Fort McHenry.

• The World's Preeminent Blue Crab Hub: Maryland's iconic Chesapeake Bay is renowned for producing some of the finest blue crabs in the world, giving rise to the state's famous signature seafood seasoning traditions.

• The Nation's First Umbrellas: Baltimore became the absolute capital of umbrella manufacturing in the United States after establishing the country's very first factory in 1828, popularizing the phrase "Born in Baltimore, Raised Everywhere."

State Facts, History & Symbols

Explore the core identity and rich heritage of the region with our comprehensive guide to its official state history, symbols, and unique characteristics:

• Maryland became the 7th State on April 28, 1788

• Maryland State Abbreviation: MD

• Maryland State Capital: Annapolis

• Maryland State Bird: Baltimore Oriole

• Maryland State Boat: Skipjack

• Maryland State Crustacean: Blue Crab

• Maryland State Dessert: Smith Island Cake

• Maryland State Dinosaur: Astrodon johnstoni

• Maryland State Dog: Chesapeake Bay Retriever

• Maryland State Drink: Milk

• Maryland State Exercise: Walking

• Maryland State Fish: Rockfish (Striped Bass)

• Maryland State Flower: Black-eyed Susan

• Maryland State Folk Dance: Square Dance

• Maryland State Fossil Shell: Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae

• Maryland State Gem: Patuxent River Stone

• Maryland State Insect: Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

• Maryland State Nickname: The Old Line State, Free State

• Maryland State Paleontological Emblem: Astrodon johnstoni

• Maryland State Reptile: Diamondback Terrapin

• Maryland State Sport: Jousting

• Maryland State Team Sport: Lacrosse

• Maryland State Tree: White Oak

Overview of Maryland

Maryland, proudly known as the Old Line State, is a culturally diverse Mid-Atlantic destination twisting from the forested ridge peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the scenic coastal marshlands of the Chesapeake Bay.

Renowned as the historic birthplace of the national anthem, its world-famous steamed blue crab feasts, and a rich maritime legacy, America in Miniature seamlessly blends historic sailing ports like Annapolis with bustling historic urban neighborhoods and quiet seaside islands.

Watch the tourism showcase below to explore the historic brick streets, dynamic harbor waterways, and scenic mountain trails across Maryland:

Maryland Festivals and Events

Discover the most popular celebrations in the region with our curated list of the top 5 festivals and events, complete with their verified dates and annual scheduling rules.

• May 1–2, 2027 - Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland. (Date Rule: Held annually on the first full weekend in May, serving as one of the nation's premier fiber arts events showcasing sheep shearing, herding demonstrations, workshops, and extensive wool crafts)

• August 26–29, September 2–6, and September 9–12, 2027 - Maryland State Fair at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland. (Date Rule: Runs across three consecutive long weekends spanning late August through early September, featuring massive agricultural showcases, livestock competitions, live concerts, carnival rides, and traditional fair food)

• September 11–13, 2027 - Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland. (Date Rule: Held annually on the second weekend in September, celebrating the region's historic waterfront tradition with local crab feasts, oyster shucking contests, live music, and family activities)

• October 7–11, 2026 and October 13–17, 2027 - Autumn Glory Festival across the town of Oakland, Maryland. (Date Rule: Opens annually on the Wednesday following the first Monday in October and runs for five consecutive days, honoring the beauty of Western Maryland's fall foliage with grand parades, concerts, and craft shows)

• October 16–17, 2026 and October 15–16, 2027: Sunfest along the public beach boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. (Date Rule: Held annually over a four-day block centering on the third full weekend of October, celebrating the autumn coast with massive regional food pavilions, hundreds of artisan craft vendors, and headline musical acts)

National Parks in Maryland

Maryland features a magnificent collection of diverse historic gems, cultural preserves, and ecological wonders managed under the federal National Park Service (NPS) system:

• Antietam National Battlefield: Located near Sharpsburg, this historic site preserves the grounds of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, featuring historic farmsteads, a national cemetery, and educational museum exhibits.

• Assateague Island National Seashore: Spanning a massive barrier island along the Atlantic coast, this scenic sanctuary protects pristine sandy beaches, maritime forests, and the world-famous herds of wild horses that roam the coastal dunes.

• Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park: Stretching along the Potomac River, this sprawling historical park preserves the massive 184.5-mile towpath, historic lockhouses, and engineering marvels of nineteenth-century American transportation.

• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: Situated in Baltimore, this iconic coastal fortress is world-famous for successfully defending the harbor during the War of 1812 and inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.

• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Extending into Maryland across the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, this historic natural gateway chronicles early American industrial history, the famous raid by John Brown, and vital Civil War military campaigns.

For additional information on National Parks and historic trails across the state, visit the official National Park Service Maryland Portal.

State Parks in Maryland

The Maryland State Park System features an exceptional public network of outdoor destinations across pristine coastal beaches, expansive mountain lakes, and historic river valleys. Here are the Top 5 most visited or unique state parks:

• Assateague State Park: Operating as Maryland's only oceanfront park, this premier barrier island destination features miles of sun-drenched beaches, pristine coastal campsites, and regular views of the famous wild ponies roaming the salt marshes.

• Deep Creek Lake State Park: Nestled in the rugged mountains of western Maryland, this popular resort park offers excellent public access to the state's largest freshwater lake alongside miles of forested hiking trails and excellent boat launch ramps.

• Patapsco Valley State Park: Spanning a massive wilderness corridor along the historic Patapsco River, this expansive park features a signature pedestrian swinging bridge, dramatic rocky gorges, and a network of scenic trails winding past hidden waterfalls.

• Sandy Point State Park: Situated on the picturesque shores of the Chesapeake Bay, this highly visited park offers expansive swimming beaches, prime crabbing docks, and unparalleled panoramic views of the iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

• Swallow Falls State Park: Hidden deep within the old-growth hemlock forests of Garrett County, this mountain sanctuary features dramatic limestone arches, rugged hiking paths, and Muddy Creek Falls, which stands as Maryland's highest cascading waterfall.

For more details, interactive maps, and permits, visit the official Maryland Department of Natural resources portal.

Maryland Resources

• Official State Government Portal: maryland.gov

• Official Maryland Tourism Website: visitmaryland.org

• Official U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts of Maryland: census.gov

• Official State Wikipedia Page for Maryland: wikipedia.org

Pinterest Board of Maryland

Holidays and Observances Maryland Pinterest Board – Explore our curated visual board featuring regional festivals, maritime traditions, and scenic travel highlights across Maryland.