Two full days of Black music, food, family, and history on Maryland's Eastern Shore — a homecoming for one of the oldest African American communities in the state, open to all.
Every ticket supports the work of Families of Smithville Road, Inc. — the historic preservation of the church, the cemetery, and the community at the end of Smithville Road.
Rain or shine event — all sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges. Tickets will be delivered by email immediately after checkout.
A rough shape of the weekend. Full set times, artist announcements, and vendor map will be posted closer to the festival.
Lineup shown is a placeholder for design purposes. Real artists to be announced.
The festival takes place on the grounds around New Revived United Methodist Church (formerly Jefferson Memorial) at the heart of Smithville Road — the same road the families marched and sang down in 1925.
Smithville Road · Dorchester County, Maryland
Between Golden Hill and the main road connecting Taylors Island and Church Creek, on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Roughly 2 hours from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Free on-site parking for all ticket holders. Accessible drop-off available at the main gate. Shuttle service from Cambridge, MD being planned — details to come.
Open in Google Maps →The festival is held outdoors on the fields beside the historic church. Expect open grass, two stages, a vendor row, a kids' tent, and a food area.
Bring a folding chair or a blanket — seating is first-come, first-served except in the Patron reserved area. Tents, umbrellas, and rain gear welcome.
Accessibility: The main festival area is flat and chair-accessible. Accessible parking and portable restrooms are provided. Email us in advance if you need specific accommodations.
Yes. The Smithville Road Music Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Bring ponchos, umbrellas, and boots if the forecast calls for it. All ticket sales are final — there are no refunds for weather.
Absolutely — this is a family festival. Kids under 12 get in free with a ticketed adult. There's a dedicated kids' tent with activities both days, a Sunday afternoon family story circle with the elders of Smithville Road, and plenty of shade and space to spread out.
Yes. Free on-site parking is included with every ticket. Accessible parking is available near the main gate. A shuttle from Cambridge, MD is being planned — we'll post details as the festival approaches.
Outside food is welcome in picnic quantities — we want you to be comfortable. Full meals and craft beverages will be available on-site from local vendors, including a low-country fish fry Saturday evening and a homecoming meal Sunday. No coolers full of alcohol, please; we are on church grounds.
The festival grounds are flat, grass, and chair-accessible. Accessible parking and restroom facilities are provided. If you need specific accommodations, email us in advance at fosr1876@gmail.com and we'll make arrangements.
Service animals are always welcome. For everyone's comfort around crowds, music, and food, please leave other pets at home.
Tickets are delivered by email immediately after Stripe checkout. Bring the confirmation on your phone, or print it at home — either works at the gate. If you don't see the email, check your spam folder or email us.
Yes to both — see the "Get Involved" section below. We'd love to hear from you.
Food, crafts, art, heritage — we're curating a vendor row that reflects the Eastern Shore and the people who've shaped it. Limited booth space, first come first served.
Apply as a Vendor →We need hands at the gate, the stages, the kids' tent, and the meal line. Volunteers get a wristband, a meal, and our thanks — bring a friend.
Sign Up to Volunteer →Local businesses and community sponsors keep ticket prices low and the festival open to everyone. We offer recognition in the program, on stage, and on-site.
Become a Sponsor →We're still booking. If you play gospel, blues, soul, spirituals, bluegrass, go-go, or anything rooted in the music of this coast — send us a note.
Submit Your Music →Families of Smithville Road, Inc. · Dorchester County, Maryland