Dorchester News | Oct 2025
WHAT’S INSIDE: Get Outdoors on the Shore This Fall | Harriet Tubman Marker Updated | Fall & Halloween Fun Guide | Take the Dorchester Passport Tour! | Heritage Award Nominations Now Open | Dorchester Sites Benefit from Waterfowl Fest | News From Our Tourism Partners | October Event Highlights | Arts & Music
Get outdoors on the Shore this fall
Fall is beautiful in the Heart of the Chesapeake. The air is cooler, the evening light lights up the marsh grasses with golden hues, the winds pick up for sailing. It's a great time of year for cycling, birding, fishing, boating, and the last few weeks of paddling before the winter chill sets in. On our website, we have free guides for cycling, birding, and paddling in Dorchester County. And you'll find more resources for outdoor adventure here. Plus, local seafood is especially delicious – Chesapeake blue crabs are at their plumpest and sweetest this time of year, and both wild harvested and farmed oysters are available for slurping.
NOTE: During the federal government shutdown, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is closed and not accepting phone calls, but Wildlife Drive and the walking trails remain open.
Soar with the birds!
This is the time of year when lots of birds are moving into, out of, and around the area as part of fall migration. It’s a great time to get out the binoculars to see everything from woodpeckers to wading birds, from waterfowl to raptors – including bald eagles! Dorchester County draws birders, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers to our marshy, wooded, and water habitats that host more than 300 bird species.
We are home to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, whose 30,000 acres serve as a stop along the Atlantic Flyway, a kind of superhighway for migrating birds. Join a free guided birding tour with Blackwater this fall: Oct. 12, 19; Nov. 2, 14, 23, 29; and Dec. 14 and 27. Try birding by kayak with Blackwater Adventures. Or head out on your own with our Dorchester Birding Guide. You can also check out the BirdCast app, which reports how many and what kind of migrating birds are on the move. Last October saw more than 2 million birds crossing over our skies some nights!
A new historic marker was unveiled in September for Brodess Farm, one of the places Harriet Tubman lived as a child (Stop #17 on the road trip known as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway). This marker replaces an existing one that included outdated information. Our understanding of history is always evolving! The old marker will be put on display at the Tubman Freedom Center.
⭐️ Plan your road trip to Tubman Country at HarrietTubmanByway.org.
NOTE: The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Visitor Center remains open during the federal government shutdown.
Harriet Tubman marker at Brodess Farm updated
FALL & HALLOWEEN FUN GUIDE!
October is chock full of fall and Halloween fun! Corn maze, ghost walks, pumpkins, harvest festival, Halloween crafting, treating for the kids, parties for the adults, and more! Here's a round up of what we've heard about so far!
FOR THE FAMILY
Your fall fun headquarters! Buy a ticket to their Fields of Fun experience for the Corn Maze, pumpkin patch, wildflower fields, and wagon rides on weekends! Plus for everyone, lots of pumpkins to choose from, fall-inspired treats, even apple cider slushies and pumpkin pie dream cream.
Pumpkins and more
You’ll also find local pumpkins and other fall produce (apples, squash, etc.) at Harris Farms in Hurlock, C&A Produce in Cambridge near Blackwater Refuge, Shiloh Heritage Acres in Hurlock, and the Cambridge Farmers Market on Thursdays, 3 to 6pm at Long Wharf in Cambridge.
Cambridge Ghost Walk - Oct. 3, 8, 9, 16, 23, 30
Take a guided walk down High Street in Cambridge – the most haunted street in Maryland! Hear about the ghosts who haunt and strange events that have happened in just a few short blocks. Reserve your spot.
Movie Night: Room on the Broom & Hocus Pocus - Oct. 4, 6:45pm-10pm
Double feature at the East New Market Historic Train Station. Free, but register.
Halloween with the Horses - Oct. 25, 1-3pm
Meet their animals while trick or treating through the barn at Windy Way Horses in Hurlock. Costume Contest, cookie decorating, pony rides, face painting, more! Buy tickets by Oct. 23 (or sooner before they sell out!)
FALL CRAFTING
Needle Felting Pumpkin Duo (For Adults) at Dorchester Center for the Arts - Oct. 4, 1-3pm
Halloween-themed Cookie Decorating Class at Layton’s Chance Winery - Oct. 18, 12-2pm
Toddler Thursday Pumpkin Painting - At Cabin Fever Play Centre - Oct. 23, 10am-1pm. Buy tickets.
Pumpkins & Ghosts Craft Projects (For All Ages) at Dorchester Center for the Arts - FREE! - Oct. 25, 11am-1pm. Register here
Day of the Dead Paper Mask (For All Ages) at Dorchester Center for the Arts - FREE! - Oct. 25, 1-3pm. Register here.
TRUNK OR TREAT AND TRICK OR TREAT
🎃 Trunk or Treat at Pleasant Day Child Care Center - Oct. 18, 3-4pm
🎃 Cambridge Main Street Trick or Treat - Oct. 24, 5-8pm, 400 and 500 blocks of Race St., Cambridge
🎃 Trunk or Treat with the Sanderson Sisters - Oct. 24, 6pm, East New Market
🎃 Trunk or Treat at Pauline F. And David W. Robbins Family YMCA - Oct. 25, 5-7pm
🎃 Preston Automative Trunk or Treat - Oct. 25, 12-2pm
🎃 Pumpkin Palooza at Emily's Produce - Oct. 26, 10am-4pm
🎃 Trunk or Treat at the Elks Lodge #1272 with Cambridge Police Dept. - Oct. 26, 2-4pm
🎃 Trunk or Treat at Immanuel UCC - Oct. 26, 4:30-6pm
🎃 Dorchester Recreation & Parks Trunk or Treat, Cambridge - Oct. 27, 5-6:30pm
🎃 A Halloween Fun Fair at Bethel AME Church, Cambridge - Oct. 29, 6-8pm
🎃 Prodigal Creations Trick or Treat - Oct. 31, 6pm
🎃 Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Co. Trunk or Treat - Oct. 31, 6pm
🎃 Old Trinity Church Trick or Treat in the Historic Graveyard - Oct. 31, 4:30-6pm
FOR THE ADULTS
Halloween Golf Cart Poker Run -Oct. 11, 11am-2pm
Decorate your golf cart for prizes! No golf cart? Rent one from Dorchester Auto & Golf Cart Sales; call 410-228-5350 in advance. Begins at the Taylors Island Volunteer Fire Co. Benefits the fire company.
Halloween Party at Choptank Bowling & Billiards - Oct. 25, 9pm-12am
Halloween Costume Party at Old Salty’s - Oct. 25, 6-10pm
Halloween Karaoke & Costume Party at Hurlock American Legion Post 243 - Oct. 31, 6:30-10:30pm
Halloween Party at Johnny’s Tavern - Nov. 8, 9:30pm
FALL & HALLOWEEN FUN GUIDE!
Heritage tourism news
Heritage Award nominations now open
The categories for the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area Heritage Awards this year are:
- Project of the Year
- Organization of the Year
- Caroline Cline Volunteer of the Year
To nominate a project, organization, or project, watch for the nomination form at VisitDorchester.org. The awards ceremony will be November 13, 5-8pm at the Dorchester Center for the Arts. All are welcome!
Take the Passport Tour!
Explore the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area while on your own personal treasure hunt! The Passport Tour offers a fun and adventurous way to engage children and families while experiencing Dorchester County's rich history and culture.
Exploring at your own pace, find the numbered medallions and make rubbings at each site you visit throughout the county. Ir you make rubbings at 10 or more sites, redeem your passport booklet for a prize at the Dorchester County Visitor Center!
Pick up the Passport and accompanying Heritage Guide at the Dorchester County Visitor Center (Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-2pm) or at any of the 12 sites:
- Long Wharf
- Dorchester County Courthouse
- Wallace Office Building
- Spocott Windmill
- Stanley Institute
- Old Trinity Church
- Becky Phipps Canon
- Grace Foundation
- St. Mary Star of the Sea
- Bucktown Village Store
- Handsell House
- Meredith House (Dorchester County Historical Society)
Dorchester sites benefit from Waterfowl Festival
Two Dorchester County sites – LeCompte Wildlife Management Area and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge – will benefit from a conservation investment from the Waterfowl Festival in Easton to support Ducks Unlimited projects. These projects will restore wetlands on publicly accessible lands — ensuring that Maryland residents, sportsmen and women, birdwatchers, and future generations have access to natural and wild open spaces. At LeCompte, the funds will help fund restoration of 16.2 acres of marginal farmland into shallow emergent wetlands. At Blackwater, the funds will leverage federal funding to restore 23 acres within the Refuge’s core 250-acre managed wetland complex. Projects are expected to be completed by June 2026.
For more than 50 years, the Waterfowl Festival has celebrated the rich traditions of the Chesapeake Bay while advancing habitat conservation. This year’s event is set for Nov. 14-16 in Easton.
News from our tourism partners
Bull Provisions & Smokehouse now open
Lil Bitta Bull BBQ has re-opened as Bull Provisions & Smokehouse – “where barbecue meets old west supper club vibes — elevated plates, craft cocktails, and a whole new way to enjoy smoke & fire.” Located at 520 Race St., Cambridge. For current hours and menu, follow them on Facebook. You can still get the Lil Bitta Bull BBQ classics at the Express location at 2839 Ocean Gateway, Cambridge, open Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–7pm.
Lindy’s Seafood soon to ship nationwide
Lindy’s Seafood will soon be shipping across all 50 states with a new online store. To start, they’ll be offering their premium crabmeat for shipping nationwide, and then they’ll expand from there. Their retail store remains open. For the latest, follow their Facebook or Instagram.
Layton’s Chance Winery now has pizza
Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery has expanded its food offerings! They now have pizza and pretzel bites on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This is in addition to their cheese plates and charcuterie. Stop by for great wine and great eats!
Radio Chesapeake expands with WFHW 90.3 FM
A new local radio station, WFHW 90.3 FM, goes live Oct. 12! “Find the Harriet Within” will offer new broadcasting and streaming platforms for local artists, and communities whose stories too often go unheard. The Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center in Cambridge and Building African American Minds in Easton have partnered with Radio Chesapeake to bring new NPR Member Station to life as News-Talk Radio WFHW (90.3 FM), serving the heart of the Eastern Shore’s Talbot and Dorchester counties. Radio Chesapeake now includes WFHW and WHCP, which began in Cambridge. WFHW invites community members to submit their original shows, original music, or volunteer behind the scenes - contact info@wfhw.org.
Learn more in this Cambridge Spy story.
OCTOBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Oct. 2, 15, 25
Enjoy the last cruises of the season on an authentic paddlewheeler! Reserve your spot.
Oct. 4
Parade down Main Street at 10am. Ride the historic train roundtrip from Hurlock to Federalsburg throughout the day (tickets required). Petting zoo, strolling magician, food, music by Chainbreak Band. Free admission to the festival. Buy train tickets in advance at Hurlock Town Office or call 410-943-4181.
Oct. 4, 1-5pm
A celebration of maritime heritage at Richardson Maritime Museum. Fresh oysters and other food, live music (including Jayla Elise), classic boat showcase, local artisans and vendors. Benefits the Richardson. Buy tickets.
Oct. 5
The race starts and finishes on Race Street (between Cedar & Washington Streets) in Downtown Cambridge. Expect GFNY personnel, racers and support people in town as early as Oct. 1. Race time is approximately 7:30am-2pm. Find out more.
Oct. 5, 5pm
Old Trinity Church hosts St. Francis Blessing of the Animal Service along the shoreline of church grounds.
OCTOBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS, cont'd
Oct. 5
Celebrate the end of the harvest with grape stomping, hay rides, pumpkin carving and painting, moon bounce, 25+ vendors, music by Sweetwater and Shugar Shack. Food by Sarcastic Chef. Family-friendly. Buy tickets.
Oct. 10, 6-9pm
Get ready for a night full of flavor and island vibes with Chef Joel St Cyr, the Curry King, as he leads a hands-on cooking class that blends culture, community, and unforgettable flavors. At Four Eleven Kitchen inside the Packing House. Register here.
Oct. 11, 8am
Friendship Park, East New Market. Food trucks and music. Benefits the American Cancer Society.
Oct. 11, 10am-3pm
See beautiful collections of arrowheads, axes, tools and other artifacts – mostly from Dorchester County and the surrounding areas. Bring your own artifacts for identification. Plus flintknapping demonstrations. At the Robbins Heritage Center at the Dorchester County Historical Society in Cambridge.
Oct. 11, 18, 25, 1-3pm
Enjoy the last sails of the season! Spend time on the water and learn about the area's maritime heritage and oyster industry.
Oct. 11, 2pm
East New Market Volunteer Fire Co. hosts Cash Bash. Doors open 2pm; drawings begin 4pm. $50 per person. Includes food, soda, beer, along with chance to win over $28,000 in prizes. Buy tickets.
OCTOBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS, cont'd
Oct. 11, 11am-4pm
The Open House makes environmental science fun for all ages with exhibits, games, activities, scavenger hunt, and free t-shirts for kids. This year marks the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s centennial, so there is even more to celebrate. Free admission!
Oct. 16, 6-8pm
The Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance (NHPA) (caretakers of Handsell Historic Site) will hold a brief business meeting followed by a moderated discussion of Carole Boston Weatherford's "Kin: Rooted in Hope," the One Maryland One Book selection for 2025. The event will also include a demonstration of scratchboard art, the technique used by the book's illustrator. Light refreshments will be served at 6pm. At the Dorchester County Public Library meeting room, Cambridge.
Oct. 18, 10am-3pm
All parts of the property – a re-creation of a 19th century village – will be open to the public with tours and exhibits.
Oct. 25, 6:30pm
Experience a night of spine-tingling storytelling and somber reflections as Layton’s Chance Winery hosts a chilling live presentation by Phil Chalmers — the legendary criminal profiler, true crime author, and host of the podcast "𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥." Buy tickets.
Oct. 18, 4-9pm
Hot dogs all around! Music by Allicats, Velvet Diciples, and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack! Vendors, beer, more. Organized by RAR Brewing. 500 block of Poplar Street, Cambridge. Free admission.
OCTOBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS, cont'd
Oct. 18, registration opens 8am; show 9am-2pm
Cars, trucks, motorcycles welcome. American Legion Post 243, Hurlock.
Oct. 18, 9am
Lots of fun categories to compete in. People food and doggie treats. Registration begins at 9am; Halloween-themed Grand Parade at 10am. Free admission. American Legion, Cambridge. More info: 410-228-3161.
Oct. 18, 6-9pm
Fundraising event for Habitat for Humanity Choptank – a night of fun, cocktails, Eastern Shore-inspired cuisine, auctions, live music by the Everyday People Band, dancing. At 447 Venue, Cambridge. Buy tickets.
Oct. 18, 6-9pm
Fundraiser for Harriett’s House. Put on your best flannel, jeans, cowboy boots and hat and join in as they stomp on Human Trafficking. BBQ favorites, dessert, DJ, line dancing, silent auction. Register.
Oct. 19, 12-4pm
An afternoon of fun for all ages! Bring your own kite or come watch all kinds and sizes of kites in the sky. Plus food and other fun. At Sailwinds Park (next to the Dorchester County Visitor Center). Watch for the latest on the Kite Fest's Facebook page.
Oct. 19, 1-5p
Fat fall crabs from the guys who know them best! Crabs, Corn, Hot Dogs and Drinks. At the East New Market Volunteer Fire Co. Buy tix from a local waterman or at the door - $40pp.
OCTOBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS, cont'd
Oct. 20, 5-6:30pm
During this spooky season when myths, legends, and folklore abound, join the Dorchester County Historical Society to hear the back story on Chessie the sea “monster” with “Chessie” author Eric Cheezum. Donations appreciated. Book signing to follow.
Oct. 23-27
The majestic tall ship Pride of Baltimore II comes to Cambridge! Buy tickets to day sails, or stop by Long Wharf in Cambridge for free deck tours. Watch for more information here.
Oct. 25
The largest single-day rockfish tournament. Registration opens Oct. 1.
Oct. 25, 10am-3pm
Join Dorchester County Historical Society in celebrating the arrival of harvest season with colonial-era heritage traditions surrounding the War for American Independence. Hands-on learning, historic games, heritage chocolate making demonstrations, and house tours. $10 for adults | $5 children | 2 and under. More info at 410-228-7953.
OCTOBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS, cont'd
Oct. 25, 11am-3pm
In memory of Ron Bromwell. At the Secretary Volunteer Fire Company. Dash plaques, trophies, trunk or treat for any cars interested in participating. $15 registration fee. Proceeds support the Secretary Volunteer Fire Company. Pre-register at 443-521-4506.
Oct. 25, 3pm
Dorchester Elks Lodge #223 has its annual parade. 600 block of Pine Street in Cambridge.
HALLOWEEN!
Oct. 31
See our Fall Fun Guide earlier in this newsletter for lots of Halloween and fall events.
The Arts in October
3ten Gallery opens “A Rock and Roll Art Show” with a reception Oct. 11, 6-9pm. Featuring work by Lori Dever, Sherry Christopher, Larry Drehoff, Mike James, BJ Wheatley, Brian Wozny and Noel Maddox.
Main Street Gallery features "Where Land and Water Meet" through Oct. 26 with the work of Dorchester County photographer Dave Harp. Dave's work focuses on the landscapes, people, and flora, and fauna of the Chesapeake Bay region. Plus a pop-up exhibit with paintings by Cambridge artist Maureen Farrell. All are welcome to the Second Saturday reception Oct. 11, 5-8pm.
Dorchester Center for the Arts has "The Fiber of Life,” featuring 25 intricate artworks by Francisco 'Paco' Loza.
- Paco is teaching his original Pressed Yarn technique during a workshop for students 9-18 years old Oct. 11, 1-3pm. Register here.
- All are welcome to the Second Saturday reception Oct. 11, 5-7pm.
Laughing Lotus: Art & Goods features the work of more than 30 artists and artisans.
Classes
Dorchester Center for the Arts has a full roster of fall classes for all ages, including stained glass, watercolors, pastels, pottery, crochet, painting, decoy carving, needle felting, and screen painting. See the offerings.
Music in October
Oct. 12, 4pm: Thomas Pandolfi, pianist, playing classical music and George Gershwin’s jazz music. Free! Christ Episcopal Church, Cambridge.
Oct. 4: Beach Bandits, 7-10pm
Oct. 11: Sons of Pirates, 7-10pm
Oct. 18: Karaoke with Chuckie Love, 6-10pm
Oct. 25: Rev 6, 6-10pm
Check the Facebook page for upcoming music.
Oct. 11: Crushing Day at Cambridge Main Street Second Saturday, Downtown Cambridge
Not What You Think - Oct. 26, 1-2pm
A cappella ensemble dedicated to social justice sings to honor Harriet Tubman at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, Church Creek. Free.
Check the Facebook page for upcoming music.
Check the Facebook page for upcoming music.
Check the Facebook page for upcoming music.
Oct. 19, 1-4pm: Tyler & Brittany - Live On The Porch. Free!
Weekly performances on Tuesday nights from 6-9pm through October 28.
NOTE: After these dates, Open mic goes on hiatus until further notice as new renovations get underway.
Fridays, 6:30pm: Local musicians, poets, and comedians are invited to strut your stuff. Every other weekend is a "Praise n Worship" Open Mic. Alcohol-free.
Dorchester Tourism News
We're changing our online look!
Dorchester County Tourism is in the midst of revamping our website, so you'll see some changes and improvements coming soon at VisitDorchester.org! Event submissions will also change. Stay tuned for announcements on our Facebook and Instagram.
Weekend Update
Find out what's going on around the county – check out our roundup of weekend events that we post on our social media each Friday!
Follow us on social media
Facebook: @I Love Dorchester Heritage & Tourism
Instagram: @Visit Dorchester
YouTube: @Dorchester County Tourism
Visit Dorchester Audio Tour Guide
This free cell phone app offers three self-guided tours on the Chesapeake Mural Trail, Downtown Cambridge history and the history of the African-American Pine Street community.
Browse free brochures
Dorchester County Tourism offers a wide selection of free digital brochures on our website, including a Dining Guide, Events 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 Pl., Cambridge, MD 21613
2 rose hill place, Cambridge, MD 21613