The Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park has been held annually for over 50 years, celebrating the traditions of maple syrup collection and its role in forming an often overlooked aspect of Maryland’s culture.
The festival, which featured loads of local vendors, live ‘maple sugaring’ displays to teach how sap is transformed into syrup, a massive market of maple treats and merch, live bluegrass music, and so much more!
This whimsical event is seen as a ‘chapter closing’ for the final days of winter, celebrating the transition to spring with a unique and fun festival that draws huge crowds every year.
Fun for the whole family, there is something here that is fun for everyone, from taking pictures with Smokey Bear to running in the festival’s official ‘Pancake Race’, there’s a ton of fun just waiting to be had here.
Where and when is this Maple Syrup Festival?
The 55th annual Maple Syrup Festival is being held at the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, MD, a small mountain town around an hour from Washington, D.C., by car.
The festival takes place over two weekends this month:
- March 14th & 15th
- March 21st & 22nd
Each day of the festival lasts from 10 am to 2 pm, but be warned that the festival grounds often reach capacity throughout the day, so if you don’t want your hour drive from the District to be in vain, you’ll want to arrive on the early side.
How much do tickets cost?
No tickets are required to attend the Maple Syrup Festival, so attendance is ostensibly free, but there is a suggested $5 per person donation at the door.
Naturally, festivalgoers are free to shop the maple market or order a fresh breakfast of pancakes & sausage, but these come at an additional cost.
All proceeds collected during the event directly support Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks through conservation, education, and visitor enhancement projects.
