If you’ve never been to Oxford Day, this is the year to go. Every spring, the charming waterfront town of Oxford, Maryland transforms into one big community celebration — and the 2026 edition on Saturday, April 25th is shaping up to be the best one yet. Best of all? Every event is completely free and all are welcome. You can purchase food, drinks, and shop with the many merchants on hand.

Here’s your complete guide to the day.

What Is Oxford Day?

Oxford Day is an annual community festival organized by volunteers and local organizations in the historic town of Oxford, Maryland, one of the oldest towns on the Eastern Shore. The event draws visitors from across the region for a full day of parades, live music, waterfront activities, food, and family fun, all set against the backdrop of Oxford’s stunning Tred Avon River waterfront.

Many of the activities are treasured traditions that happen every year, including the parade, the Flower Sale, Family Hour of fun activities for children, the Blessing of the Animals, Dog Walk and Dog Show, Library Book Sale, Opening Day of the Oxford Museum, and free walk-on Ferry Rides on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry.

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The Full 2026 Schedule

Morning – 8:00 AM onwards

The day kicks off early. The Library Book Sale opens at 8:00 AM on Market Street, a great stop for bargain hunters and book lovers.

At 8:30 AM, head to Causeway Park for one of the day’s most beloved traditions: the Talbot Humane Registration, Blessing of the Animals, and Dog Walk. It’s a heartwarming way to start the morning, and it supports a great cause.

By 9:00 AM, the Plant Sale gets underway at the Church of the Holy Trinity, perfect timing for spring gardeners looking to spruce up their yards.

At 9:30 AM, Town Park comes alive with the Oxford Community Center Breakfast Booth and the Oxford Day Information Booth, where you can grab a bite and get the lay of the land.

Mid-Morning — 10:00 AM onwards

Things really get rolling at 10:00 AM. Free walk-on rides on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry begin — all day, one ride per person — and the historic Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester goes on display at the Ferry Dock, with registered sail rides available at 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, and 2:00 PM. Riding a skipjack on the Tred Avon is a bucket-list Eastern Shore experience.

At 10:15 AM, the Oxford Museum opens for the season with a brand new exhibit: “Carried on the Tide – The Rise and Fall of Colonial Oxford,” open until 4:00 PM. History buffs won’t want to miss it.

10:30 AM brings two crowd favorites: Scottish Highland Creamery opens at 103 S. Morris St. with a special Spring Fling Flavor, open all the way until 8:00 PM, and Family Hour kicks off in Town Park with games and fun for kids and parents alike.

At 11:00 AM, the entertainment heats up with a Jenz Frenz Band performance at The Strand. Meanwhile, the Water’s Edge Museum opens an Earth Day Celebration featuring art activities, food, a tour of their Environmental Justice as a Civil Right Gallery, and opportunities to learn about climate change, open 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The Main Event – Noon

At noon, the Oxford Day Parade steps off down Morris Street, running from The Strand to Waterman’s Lot, immediately followed by a Showcase of School Marching Bands. This is the centerpiece of the day, stake out a spot along Morris Street early.

Afternoon – 1:00 PM onwards

The afternoon is packed. At 1:00 PM, head down to the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory at 904 S. Morris St. for NOAA, DNR, and USCG educational and family activities, including a tour of a NOAA Research Vessel at dock and (weather and equipment permitting)a USCG Helicopter Water Rescue Demonstration. This one is a real showstopper for kids.

Also at 1:00 PM: the Oxford Dog Show takes place in Town Park, and a Story Walk for Children & Families winds along West Pier Street to the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, running until 3:00 PM.

The day winds down beautifully with “Doxford Day” at 4:30 PM, an Oxford Kids Camp fundraiser featuring the Chesapeake Sons Band, with free admission and music running until 8:30 PM.

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Food & Drink

You will not go hungry. Waters United Methodist Church serves up BBQ Chicken, Fish Fry, and a Bake Sale; the Oxford Community Center features Crab Cakes by Machelle Hines Church with the OCC Jam Band performing on the lawn; Oxford Market hosts live music and food in their courtyard until 4:00 PM; and the Taqueria Floritas Taco Truck will be parked at the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory until 3:00 PM. Don’t forget to grab a scoop from Scottish Highland Creamery while you’re at it.

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Getting There & Parking

Oxford is a small town, and Oxford Day draws a big crowd. There will be designated parking areas in addition to regular street parking, but parking is limited. Consider bringing bikes and parking out of town at the Conservation Park. Also note that Morris Street closes at noon for the parade, with a road detour in effect from noon to 2:00 PM. Plan accordingly and arrive early.

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The Bottom Line

Oxford Day is one of those rare events that feels genuinely special, not because it’s flashy, but because it’s real. It’s neighbors and strangers sharing a stretch of waterfront, a parade, a plate of crab cakes, and a perfect spring afternoon. Whether you come for the skipjack rides, the dog show, the live music, or just the excuse to spend a day in one of Maryland’s most beautiful small towns, Oxford Day delivers.

Oxford Day 2026 📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026 📍 Oxford, Maryland 💰 Free admission 🌐 oxfordday.org