Boatyard Bash - "Where Heritage Drops Anchor"

OCTOBER 10, 2026 – Noon to 6 PM

OUR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon on Cambridge Creek at RMM’s Boatyard Bash, a celebration of our Chesapeake Bay maritime heritage. Enjoy fresh oysters, listen to live music, explore classic boats, shop with local artisans and vendors, and connect with nonprofit partners making waves in our community. And be sure to catch the Boatyard Challenge, a fun new competition to see which local boatyard has the strongest crew!

TICKETS

Purchase your tickets at the entrance gate

Adults – $20
Teens (ages 13-20) – $10
Kids (12 and under) – FREE

Which boatyard has the strongest arm? Winner takes all block throwing contest.

Step Off the Docks and Into the Stories!

Looking for a change of pace from the waterfront during the Boatyard Bash? Head to the brick museum where we’re hosting a series of History Coffee Hours upstairs among our collection of models and artifacts. Every hour features a new local expert sharing incredible regional stories and fascinating local lore, followed by open conversation and Q&A. No RSVP needed – just walk right in and grab cup of coffee and take a seat!

1 p.m. | The Oyster Pirate Wars

Step back in time to an era when the quiet waters of Dorchester County erupted into raucous, lawless battles. Volunteer Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester sailor Louis “Bud” Marseilles brings the 1880s booming oyster industry to life, sharing wild tales of watermen vs. oyster pirates unearthed from historic newspaper archives.

2 p.m. | The History of Skipjacks

Discover the secrets behind the Chesapeake Bay’s most iconic vessels. Local historian and Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester crew member Lou Hyman explores the legendary stories, maritime lore, and evolution of skipjacks, including an inside look at recent Skipjack Races throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.

3 p.m. | Diverse Stories of the Bay

Explore the deep connections between our maritime landscapes and the people who lived them. Jaelon T. Moaney, Cambridge resident and Vice Chair of the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture, shares The Sea Narrative – a captivating look at the diverse Delmarva legacies preserved in text by local authors.

4 p.m. | Scary Tales on the Shore

Just in time for Halloween, award-winning author and Secrets of the Eastern Shore co-founder Jim Duffy will regale you with eerie, true tales from days gone by. Known for bringing regional history to vibrant, conversational life, Jim will share the quirky and spooky heritage unearthed right here on the peninsula.