FEATURED EVENTS
FEATURED EVENTS
VALENTINE'S DAY IN LEONARDTOWN
VALENTINE'S DAY IN LEONARDTOWN
Discover All There is to Love About Leonardtown Valentine's Day Features:
Discover All There is to Love About Leonardtown Valentine's Day Features:
Wharf Fest 2023
Leonardtown Waterfront Park 15th Anniversary Celebration
Since its creation, this picturesque waterfront park with a spectacular view of Breton Bay has become a popular spot for recreation, community gatherings, private events and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. Join us in celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Leonardtown Waterfront Park during August Wharf Fest First Friday Weekend (Friday, August 4th - Sunday, August 6th). Planned activities include: The World's Largest Rubber Duck attraction, live music, kayak rides/rubber duck raft rides, a duck scavenger hunt, art exhibits, vendor & craft fair, food and fun! Read on for more info on the exciting Events & Activities being planned for this thrilling weekend or click here for Event Details (times/locations, parking, shuttles and road closures).
Downloads: Wharf Fest Event Itinerary; Wharf Fest Event Map
Event Times/Locations
Three days of fun!
FRI, AUG 4TH / 10 AM - 6 PM
SAT, AUG 5TH / 10 AM - 6 PM
SUN, AUG 6TH / 12 PM - 4 PM
Locations:
LEONARDTOWN WHARF, LEONARDTOWN SQUARE & LTOWN ALLEY
Learn More
FREE Parking/Shuttles
Park and ride the LEONARDTOWN TROLLEY and Shuttles for FREE. Designated HANDICAP PARKING LOT & SHUTTLE SERVICE available.
Events & Activities
Learn about the exciting events & activities that are taking place throughout Leonardtown all weekend long.
Download the
EVENT ITINERARY
(coming soon!)
All About the Duck!
The World's Largest Rubber Duck, also known as
MAMMA DUCK, is coming to Leonardtown to help us celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Wharf Waterfront Park!
Learn More About
Mamma Duck Here
Wharf Fest Events & Activities
The World's Largest Rubber Duck Attraction
The World's Largest Rubber Duck is coming to Leonardtown Wharf Friday, August 4th - Sunday, August 6th. In addition to this exciting attraction, you can enjoy live music, water activities, game & activities, food and fun along Breton Bay.
Hours:
Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Duck Scavenger Hunt
Follow the clues to find the hidden letters at our local area businesses that spell out the mystery word for a chance to win fabulous prizes (valued at over $500) in this fun, family-friendly activity. Pick up the Scavenger Hunt Sheets at Town Hall (22670 Washington St., Leonardtown, MD 20650) or the Info Booth
at the Wharf.
Hours:
Sat / 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun / 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Scavenger hunt sheets must be turned into Town Hall by Sunday at
3 p.m. Prize winners will be notified by phone or email.
Waterman Heritage Presentations
Enjoy Waterman Heritage Presentations with Captain Phil Langly of Fish the Bay Charters during Wharf Fest 2023. Learn More at Visit St. Mary's.
What the Duck Barre
Join Nicole and Megs for a 60-minute signature barre class in this fun theme in honor of the duck at the Wharf. Class starts at 9:30 a.m.
Learn More
Live Music Under the Gazebo
Enjoy live acoustic music by talented area performers like Doc Lohn, Nightcap, Joe Downer, GrooveSpan and more, while enjoying the exciting activities at the Leonardtown Wharf throughout the weekend.
For music schedule and details
Live Music in the Square
Enjoy live music in the Square featuring
Dave Norris
Fri /5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Funkzilla
Sat /12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
John Lusky
Sun /12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Golfing Activities with Above Par Golf
Enjoy putt putt golf at the Leonardtown Wharf with Above Par Golf & Entertainment during Wharf Fest 2023.
Hours:
Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Glow Duck SCC Class & a Glass
Wear your white and neon and get ready to glow with this 60-minute Glow Duck SCC (Strength, Cardio and Core) Class & a Glass with SPICE Studio and Xella Winery starting at 5:15 pm.
Learn More
Vendor & Craft Fair
Enjoy shopping, games and art activities with local crafters, artisans and businesses during Wharf Fest 2023 on Saturday, August 5th and Sunday August 6th from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. each day in Leonardtown Square and LTown Alley.
Download the Vendor Map & Key here
Kayak Rides
Try your hand at kayaking during Wharf Fest First Friday Weekend with Patuxent Adventure Center.
Hours:
Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sun: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Duck Community Art Show
All About the Ducks Community Art Show at the St. Mary's County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop
Rubber Duck Weekend at Town Market
Shop fresh fruits and vegetables and specialty goods with local vendors at Town Market. Stop by and see the World's Largest Puzzle on display and view a Tesla car display starting at 2 p.m.
Learn More
Kids Games & Activities
Gather the family for some fun and games during August Wharf Fest First Friday Weekend. Find fun at the Wharf, in the Square and in LTown Alley!
Wharf Hours:
Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Square & LTown Alley Hours:
Fri: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cruises at the Leonardtown Wharf
Book an exciting 1/2hr cruise with Captain Phil of Fish the Bay Charters during Wharf Fest 2023 and enjoy a beautiful scenic view of Breton Bay!
You can purchase tickets in advance or purchase them the day of the event!
First Friday Duck Storytime & Craft
Enjoy Duck Storytime & Craft on the lawn of the St. Mary's County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop (hosted by the St. Mary's County Library).
The Daisy Smoothie at The Good Earth Natural Foods Co.
The Good Earth will have a special smoothie during August First Friday weekend.
Learn More about the health food store
Event Times/Locations, parking, shuttles & more
Join us for an exciting, three-day Celebration in honor of the 15th Anniversary of the Leonardtown Wharf Waterfront Park!
EVENT TIMES:
FRI, AUG 4TH / 10 AM - 6 PM
SAT, AUG 5TH / 10 AM - 6 PM
SUN, AUG 6TH / 12 PM - 4 PM
ACTIVITIES BY LOCATION:
Leonardtown Wharf:
The World's Largest Rubber Duck, also known as Mamma Duck, will be there to greet you as you travel down Wharf Hill to the Leonardtown Wharf Waterfront Park. Take your picture with Mama Duck, then stay to enjoy some great live music (talented local performers like Doc Lohn, Nightcap, James Cornett, GrooveSpan and more will be performing Under the Gazebo (see more about the planned performances and hours here). Want more fun? Then be sure to try your hand at kayaking and/or duck raft rides courtesy of Patuxent Adventure Center or golf activities with Above Par Golf & Entertainment, or any of the other fun games and activities that will be available! When you're ready to unwind, sit back and take in the beauty of Breton Bay on a 1/2 hr cruise with Captain Phil of Fish the Bay Charter (Captain Phil will also be giving fascinating Waterman Heritage Presentations at the Wharf), or take in the excitement as you sample tasty eats and sweet treats from our local food vendors.
Leonardtown Square & LTown Alley:
When you travel up the hill to the heart of Downtown Leonardtown, you'll find Leonardtown Square (one of the Nations few remaining original small-Town Squares) and LTown Alley (a newly developed art park nestled in the heart of downtown Leonardtown that features a network of dynamic art murals created by talented local artists) bustling with activity. Enjoy live music in the Square featuring popular local artists (Dave Norris, Funkzilla and John Lusky), shopping, crafts and activities with local vendors at the Wharf Fest Vendor & Craft Fair, and of course there's great dining and shopping available around the Square with our local businesses.
There are also many more great events and activities with our local businesses all around Leonardtown. Learn more details about all the events & happenings around Town here.
FREE PARKING:
Please note that public parking will not be available at the Leonardtown Wharf during the Wharf Fest Weekend Celebration (Friday, August 4th at 9 a.m. - Sunday, August 6th at 4 p.m.). Attendees must utilize overflow lots provided and to walk or ride one of the FREE trollies or shuttles provided (learn more about the FREE public trolley/shuttle service below) to and from the event. See the overflow parking lots noted below and/or download the Event Parking Map for more info.
FRI, AUG 4TH - SUN, AUG 6TH:
Overflow Parking Lots: Ryken High School, Leonardtown Elementary School, and Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School. Please see info about the designated handicap parking and shuttle service below.
SAT, AUG 5TH & SUN, AUG 6TH ONLY:
Overflow Parking Lot: The Governmental Center. Please see info about the designated handicap parking and shuttle service below.
FREE DESIGNATED HANDICAP PARKING/SHUTTLE SERVICE:
CHANGE TO THE HANDICAP PARKING LOT FOR WHARF FEST ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH:
Due to the rain, the handicap parking lot is being moved to the Carnival Lot on Lawrence Avenue across from the fire house. Please display your handicap placard for access.
A designated handicap parking lot will be available for the 3-day Wharf Fest Weekend Celebration (Friday, August 4th & Saturday, August 5th from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sunday, August 6th from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.) at the lot on Lawrence Avenue across from the Mattingley Gardiner Funeral Home and the original Slice House location (the handicap parking placard must be displayed in plain view for access). A designated shuttle or golf cart will provide transportation to and from the event at the Wharf and/or the or Square. Download the Event Parking Map to see all the planned parking for the event, including the Designated Handicap Parking Lot.
FREE TROLLIES/SHUTTLES:
The Leonardtown Trolley (provided by Patuxent Transportation courtesy of the Town of Leonardtown) and shuttles (provided by Carter Bus Service, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Winpisinger Education & Technology Center, and Spring Dell Center), and golf cart transport are being utilized to help transport attendees to and from the event. Park Downtown or in one of the overflow parking lots noted above and ride the event trollies or shuttle for FREE to and from the event. Download the Event Map here for trolley/shuttle routes and stops for Wharf Fest Weekend. The Leonardtown Trolley will be running its regular schedule throughout the weekend (please visit the Leonardtown Trolley info page for hours, route and tracking information). Additional trollies and the shuttle buses noted above will be in operation, transporting attendees to and from the overflow parking lots with no tracking, during the Wharf Fest event hours (Friday & Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).
AFFECTED ROADS/CLOSURES:
Please note that during the 3-day Wharf Fest Celebration (Friday, August 4th at 9 a.m. - Sunday, August 6th at 4 p.m.), Wharf Hill will be closed at the corner of Washington St. & Lawrence Avenue. Residents who live beyond this point will be given parking passes for the weekend (affected businesses will also receive passes). Please obey the parking and detour signs posted for your safety. If you have not received your pass, and you reside in a home (or work) in the noted area, please contact The Commissioners of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791.
Please also note that after the event hours (Friday & Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.), the Wharf Park and boat slips will be closed to the public. (Mama Duck will be deflated and not visible after the event hours).
ABOUT MAMA DUCK:
The World's Largest Rubber Duck, also called Mama Duck, is coming to Maryland for the first time, and she's making her way right here to Leonardtown to help celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Wharf Waterfront Park! Mama Duck is reported to be 60 ft. tall and weigh 15.5 tons. She'll be visible for miles, but don't be afraid, she's quite people-friendly. Please note: due to concerns for her safety, Mama Duck will greet her guests on land (it is reported that even gentle winds cause her to have to be deflated to everyone's disappointment. So for her and everyone's safety, she will be positioned on land). Come on out to the Wharf Fest Celebration at the Leonardtown Wharf during August First Friday weekend (Friday, August 4th & Saturday, August 5th from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, August 6th from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.) and join us for a one-of-a-kind celebration with the one and only Mama Duck!
Wharf Fest Event Parking Map
