Friday, Jul 11, 2025 at 4:00pm
The Potomac Jazz and Seafood Festival, one of the Mid-Atlantic's signature, award-winning jazz events, provides visitors with lots of jazz music, seafood, stunning waterside views and a variety of activities for jazz enthusiasts in St. Mary's County, Maryland, where visitors are encouraged to relax waterside on the scenic museum lawn and enjoy national jazz artists, lots of delicious local seafood and gorgeous views of the Potomac River.
This popular, annual festival, which has become known for over two decades for showcasing local culinary delicacies of Maryland's Mother County in addition to renowned, national jazz talent, draws close to 1000 jazz enthusiasts every year. The event, beginning back in 1999, was expanded to a 3-day weekend event in 2019 for its 20th Anniversary. The 20th anniversary festival was recognized by the Maryland Office of Tourism's "Maximizing Opportunities Award" - the only event in Maryland to receive this distinction.
Proceeds from this event go towards funding the non-profit Friends of St. Clement's Island and Piney Point Museums' mission of supporting the museums and historic sites under the care of the St. Mary's County Museum Division. The event's major partners include the Friends of St. Clement's Island and Piney Point Museums, St. Mary's County Museum Division, the St. Mary's County Arts Council, Visit St. Mary's MD and more.
Schedule of Events:
5:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m: Artful Harmonies: A Plein Air Celebration for the 25th Potomac Jazz and Seafood Festival
Calling all artists! Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Potomac Jazz and Seafood Festival with a unique plein air experience at the beautiful St. Clement's Island Museum. Imagine capturing the serene beauty of the riverside museum grounds as they awaken in the morning, transforming throughout the day into a bustling hub of activity as the festival setup comes to life. From tranquil landscapes to the excitement of stage construction and vendor preparations, you'll have a dynamic and inspiring scene to capture. Your artwork will become a part of the festival's story, reflecting the unique atmosphere and energy of this milestone event.
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m: Jazz in the Neighborhood feat. US Navy Band: The Commodores
Imagine warm breezes off the Potomac as you settle in with a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy incredible live music. Headlining the evening are the sensational U.S. Navy Band, The Commodores (6:00 p.m.), bringing their signature sound to the stage. Before the Commodores take over, you'll be treated to a performance by the talented St. Mary's Ryken Jazz Band (5:00 p.m.).
And that's not all! Indulge in delicious treats from a variety of vendors, including fresh seafood from the 7th District Optimist Club, cool down with ice cream from The Salted Scoop, and refresh with hand-crafted lemonade from She's Fresh Lemonade. It's the perfect way to celebrate summer and kick off a milestone festival - don't miss this unforgettable evening!
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