Make Your Plans Now for the 21st Annual Maryland Film Festival

Everybody’s favorite film festival is finally old enough to raise a glass to its own success. That’s right, the Maryland Film Festival is celebrating its 21st star-studded year. Running May 8-12 in Baltimore’s Station North arts district, the Maryland Film Festival screens more than 40 feature films, 80 shorts including the BALTI-SHORTS local film program, Q&As and meet-and-greets with filmmakers and actors, and – of course – John Waters presenting one of his personal favorite films. For more info and to buy tickets, follow this link to their website.

Say ‘Hi Ho Pimlico’ for Preakness Week

It’s Triple Crown time, and Maryland is showing off. The beautiful Preakness Festival and its famous hot air balloons (May 10-12) take over the Howard County Fairgrounds to start things off on a high note. This year, BOPA has created "Race to Preakness: A Baltimore Celebration," a week of pre-race activities including Happy Hours in Center Plaza, a Pee Wee Preakness for youngsters, Downtown Lunchtime Happenings and a Pre-Preakness Inner Harbor Party with a fireworks finale. Then the fillies show their stuff at Pimlico on Black-Eyed Susan Day (May 17). And the 144th running of the thrilling Preakness Stakes (May 18), the second jewel of the cherished Triple Crown, will have the eyes of the world on Baltimore. This year’s InfieldFest is headlined by EDM star Kygo, rapper Logic, and international DJ Diplo, so there’s something for everyone at this Maryland tradition. For all the info, head to VisitMaryland.org and our Preakness page. For all the info, head to VisitMaryland.org and our Preakness page.

Celebrate Bike Month and the New Coast-to-Coast National Bike Trail

Everyone knows Maryland has a trail system second to none, and when better to explore it than National Bike Month? This year, in addition to all of our great biking destinations and routes, such as the gorgeous GAP Trail, you can take the first leg of the new, national Coast-to-Coast Bike Trail. Featuring 4,000 miles of unbroken rail trail and officially launching May 8, you can get on it now and ride the Maryland section along the C&O Canal.

Don’t Forget Mom This Mother’s Day

She brought you into this world. The least you can do is take her to brunch, but why stop there? How about a Mother’s Day wine festival or a flower mart? Try a glass-making class, a Mother’s Day Dessert Cruise, or a day at the spa. You’ll find all of these and more great ways to pamper mom at our Maryland Mother’s Day Page.

See the New Interactive Exhibits at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway

Since opening two years ago, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center has inspired thousands of guests with stories of courage, faith, and hope. Now, the center is opening its next phase of interactive exhibits to further immerse travelers in the inspiring and harrowing stories of Tubman and others who sought freedom on the Underground Railroad. Four new exhibits focus on African-American maritime communities, Tubman’s network, actual journeys on the Underground Railroad, and Tubman’s rescue missions. Click here to learn more about this amazing place, and follow this link to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway driving tour.

Plan Your Memorial Day

At the start of summer, take an opportunity to pause and honor our veterans who have given all in service to our great nation here in The Home of the Brave. Across Maryland, parades, ceremonies, the traditional Tea Party Festival, the Run to Remember Memorial Day 5K, and more offer great ways to spend the holiday while also paying tribute to their remarkable sacrifice. Find out more at our Memorial Day page here.

Enter to Win on Maryland Mondays!

Don’t miss your chance at free tickets for amazing events across the state. Every Monday on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, the Maryland Office of Tourism is joining with our sponsors to give away great Maryland travel experiences. We call them Maryland Mondays, but you can enter all week. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to enter.