Dorchester News | Jan 2026
WHAT'S INSIDE: Cambridge Ice & Oyster Fest Jan. 16-17 | Only in Winter: Things to Do Now in Dorchester | MHAA Letters of Intent Due Feb. 2 | January Events | Arts & Music | Save the Dates for 2026 Annual Events | Dorchester Tourism News
Cambridge Ice & Oyster Fest Jan. 16-17
Catch the chills and thrills at the outdoor Cambridge Ice & Oyster Fest Jan. 16-17,. featuring dozens of dazzling ice sculptures showcasing Eastern Shore culture and wildlife, a full-size ice slide, master ice carver demonstrations, interactive ice games, oyster bar, fire pits and s’mores stations, ice bars, and live music. And new this year – a patriotic maze in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary! It's a great family-friendly event – and admission is free! Follow the latest updates on Facebook or Instagram.
Plus you can take the free shuttle to the synthetic ice rink at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort for ice skating, hot cocoa station, cocktails, fire pits, and more!
This is the fifth year for the winter event, produced by the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce and the local company Ice Lab, with support from Cambridge Main Street and Dorchester County Tourism. The Ice Lab carvers will use more than 400,000 pounds of ice to create the ice sculptures!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Experience the festival in a new way and meet new friends by volunteering with set-up, fire pits, ice games, etc. .Sign up here.
Ice & Oyster Fest highlights
Festival Highlights
- Kid-friendly mini-golf, thrones, ice slide and other games – all made of ice!
- Local oysters, both wild and farmed – on the half shell, grilled, scalded, Chesapeake-style
- Ice bars with craft beer and cocktails
- Ice carving demonstrations and oyster shucking demos
- Fire pits and s'mores
- Live music on two stages
- BONUS: Across the street, visit the Rescue Fire Company Train Garden, usually open only in December. Now in its 91st year! 307 Gay St., Cambridge.
Ice Skating & Winter Village Highlights:
- Skating on synthetic ice rink
- Hot cocoa station
- Fire pits
- Cocktails
NOTE: A free shuttle will run between the two locations. Park once and enjoy all the fun!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The Ice & Oyster Fest:
When: Friday, Jan. 16, 5-8pm; Saturday, Jan. 17, 11am-7pm
Where: Downtown Cambridge – behind Chesapeake College
Parking: Use 411 Academy St. for GPS to main parking lot. Street parking also available. Parking is free! A free shuttle will run between Downtown Cambridge's ice fest and the Hyatt Chesapeake's ice rink.
Cost: Free admission!
Ice Skating Rink & Winter Village:
When: Friday, Jan. 16, 4-8pm; Saturday, Jan. 17, 11am-8pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, Cambridge
Parking: Park in the Hyatt's free lots. A free shuttle will run between Downtown Cambridge's ice fest and the Hyatt Chesapeake's ice rink.
Cost: $15 per person for age 10 and above; $10 for under 10 – cost includes skate rentals.
Only in winter: wild, cozy, and delicious!
Winter is one of the best times to experience Dorchester County — fewer crowds, wide-open landscapes, and unforgettable seasonal traditions. From birding at Blackwater and fresh local oysters to cozy fireplaces and scenic road trips, discover 10 great ways to enjoy winter on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Plan your winter fun!
MHAA Letters of Intent due Feb. 2
It’s time to begin planning heritage projects in Dorchester County’s Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area! The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is hosting information sessions for the upcoming FY27 grant round. Approximately $3 million in matching grant funding is available for capital and non-capital heritage projects that highlight Maryland's diverse heritage, enhance local communities, and promote tourism and economic development across Maryland’s 13 heritage areas. Begin the required first step in the application process by filling out the required Intent to Apply form, due Feb. 2, 2026. Upcoming info sessions:
Virtual Q&A Sessions:
- Jan. 6, 1-2pm
- Jan. 22, 11am-12pm
- Feb. 20, 12-1pm
In Person Q&A Session & Grant Writing Workshop:
- Jan. 13, 10am-3pm
JANUARY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Jan. 1, 10am
Join Park Rangers at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center in Church Creek for a 2.5-mile flat and paved hike into Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. All are welcome. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. No pets. Free!
Jan. 3, 2-4pm
Join the Cambridge Rotary at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort for an adventure as participants plunge into the chilly Choptank River. Everyone is welcome to attend -- either to chill or to cheer, with funds raised benefitting the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence. There will be light snacks, hot chocolate, and a cash bar for adults to enjoy.
Jan. 3, 11am-3pm
Ring in the New Year as they would have at the turn of the century – with tea! Hosted by the Dorchester County Historical Society. Two seating times available: 11am and 1:30pm. $35 for a sampling of historic snacks and drinks. Well-behaved children ages 12 and older are welcome (at adult cost). Reservations required. Space is limited. Reserve your space at dchs@verizon.net by Jan. 2.
Roaring 20s Musical Gala & Taste of Motown
Jan. 3, 7pm
Music by Before Your Time Band, Les Rayne Band, and the Evolution Band. Doors open 6pm; showtime 7pm. Dress to impress – 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Best dressed contest, prizes. Tickets cost $20. For tickets, contact Gil at 443-225-2687. Doors open 6pm; show begins 7pm. At the American Legion Post #91, Cambridge.
Blackwater's Wildlife Drive Closed
Jan. 9
The majority of Wildlife Drive will be closed at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
JANUARY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS, cont'd
Jan. 10, 6pm
Head to Portside Restaurant in Cambridge for live music with Bird Dog & the Road Kings to raise money for the Dorchester Waterman's Association. Big raffle with various trips, $100 gift certificates to area restaurants, and more. Buy raffle tickets at the restaurant or through Dorchester watermen. Free admission, but reserve your spot at 410-228-9007.
Winter Wonderland Concert
Jan. 16, 8pm
Featuring Jayla Elise and Friends. Benefits the Cambridge Rescue Fire Co. Train Garden. Doors open 7pm; show starts at 8pm. At 447 Venue, 447 Race St., Cambridge. Tickets cost $30. Tickets available on Eventbrite and at the Dorchester Visitor Center. For more info, text 240-600-7877.
Jan. 17 and 18, 11am
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center park rangers perform a reading of "Martin's Big Words." After the reading, all are welcome to write and decorate letters to lonely and isolated seniors. (Note: The Tubman Visitor Center will be closed on MLK Day itself, Jan. 19.)
Jan. 25, 5am
Neck District Volunteer Fire Co. sponsors a waterfowl hunt starting at 5am. Watch for info here.
Jan. 24, 1-2pm
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center hosts a traveling exhibit on Civil War-Era African American history in the U.S./Mexico Borderlands. One day only! Presentation at 1pm by Roseann Bacha-Garza, professor at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Jan 24, 7:30pm
The menfolk trade in their camo for evening gowns and bathing suits. Not a drag show; open to amateurs only; 18 and over. The event happens at the Cambridge Elks, 5464 Elks Lodge Road, Cambridge. Doors open 6:45pm. $10 donation for spectators. Benefits the National Outdoor Show (set for Feb. 27-28). Sign up to be a contestant by Jan. 22 at 443-521-0422.
The Arts in January
Main Street Gallery has Oysters, Love and Art Jan. 2 through March 1. Upcoming events:
- Champagne reception during the Ice and Oyster Festival on Jan. 17, 4-7pm - free and open to the public.
- Artist Chris Carter will lead 6 workshops on color and design on Jan. 9, 10 and 11. Contact info@mainstgallery.net.
- Artist Tammy Vitale will lead a workshop on journal-making on Jan. 19, 1-4pm. Contact info@mainstgallery.net.
3ten Art Gallery continues its Rock and Roll Art Show through Jan. 10. Featuring work by Lori Dever, Sherry Christopher, Larry Drehoff, Mike James, BJ Wheatley, Brian Wozny & Noel Maddox.
- Ernie Satchell Retrospective: Expressions in Clay Jan. 10-Feb. 28 featuring pottery and sculpture by an Eastern Shore artist. Opening reception: Saturday, Jan. 10, 5-7pm
- In the Making: A Community Mural on the Art of Giving Back. Young artists brainstorm and create a community mural painted on the interior walls of DCA. Opening reception: Saturday, Jan. 10, 5-7pm.
Resolve to expand your creativity in 2026 with a class at the Dorchester Center for the Arts! They have everything from painting to pottery, movie-making to knitting, decoy carving to stained glass. Some classes run for several weeks; others are one-day workshops.
Music in January
Tuesdays, 6-9pm
Bring your voice and instrument and join the lineup, or just come enjoy! All are welcome. Admission is free; there's usually a cash bar and snacks. At 447 Venue in Cambridge.
Fridays, 6:30pm
Calling all musicians, poets, comedians, and other entertainers. Come strut your stuff or just enjoy the performances at Open Mic Night at Overflow Cafe in Cambridge. Alcohol-free.
Wednesdays through the winter, 5-9pm
Popular musician Pete Baker performs on Wednesday evenings at Blue Ruin in Cambridge.
Jan. 3: Anna Burgess, 6-9pm
Jan. 10: Bobby Reed, 6-9pm
Jan. 17: Reagan Kent Vocalist, 6-9pm
Jan. 24: Gabe Willey 7-9pm
Jan. 31: Joe Bryan Music, 6-9p
Save the dates for these 2026 events!
Major 2026 Events
Get these events on your calendar! We'll have more to share on VisitDorchester.org and in future newsletters as event organizers put their plans in place.
Battle of the Ice Mound Re-enactment
Feb. 7, 2026
Explore the Shore Outdoor Expo
Feb. 21, 2026
National Outdoor Show
Feb. 27-28, 2026
Coin Show
March 14, 2026
Six Pillars Century Bike Ride
May 2, 2026
Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta
May 23-24, 2026
Eagleman 70.3 IRONMAN Triathlon
June 14, 2026
Taylors Island Boat Docking Challenge
August. 30, 2026
Battle of Vienna
August 29, 2026
IRONMAN Maryland Triathlon
Sept. 19, 2026
Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race
Sept. 26, 2026
Ongoing Seasonal Happenings
- Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester Sails: Sail on a traditional oystering vessel. Long Wharf, Cambridge. Reserve at skipjack-nathan.org. Most Saturdays, May–October
- Choptank Riverboat Cruises: Sightseeing cruises, crab feasts, more. April–October
- Choptank River Lighthouse Tours: Free, self-guided tours. Long Wharf Park, Cambridge. May–October, 9:30am–5:30pm daily; November–April, by appointment, call 410-463-2653
- Birding Tours: Expert birder leads tours at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in the spring and fall.
- Cambridge Ghost Walks: Tour Maryland’s most haunted street. Usually April-December.
- Horn Point Laboratory Tours: Behind-the-scenes look at environmental research lab. Tuesdays, Memorial Day–Labor Day
- Cambridge Farmers Market: Long Wharf, Cambridge. Thursdays, May–November, 3–6pm
- Night Sky Tours: See the night sky through an astronomical telescope. Monthly.
- Second Saturday/Art Walk: Shops and galleries stay open late; galleries host free receptions. Downtown Cambridge. Second Saturday of each month.
Dorchester County Tourism News
Pet supply drive continues until Jan. 30
In memory of one of the Dorchester Visitor Center's most frequent guests, Millie (2006-2023), we're holding a drive for pet supplies through Jan. 30. Bring pet food, bedding, blankets, towels, toys, or treats to the visitor center during our regular hours (Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm; Saturday-Sunday 10am-2pm). Benefits Baywater Animal Rescue and Dorchester County Dog Control. Questions? Call 410-228-1000. Thank you!
Follow us on social media
Facebook: @I Love Dorchester Heritage & Tourism
Instagram: @Visit Dorchester
Browse free brochures
Dorchester County Tourism offers a wide selection of free digital brochures on our website, including a Dining Guide, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway Map & Guide, Cycling Guide, Paddling Guide, Birding Guide, and Heritage Guide. View and download them as PDF files.
Dorchester County Tourism | 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613
2 rose hill place, Cambridge, MD 21613