Sharing Gods Love With Everyone Whose Lives We Touch

Galesville Heritage Maritime Festival – Fall 2026

A new Chesapeake Bay tradition is coming to the West River this fall as the inaugural Galesville Maritime

Heritage Festival launches on Saturday October 3, 2026 from 11AM-to 5PM in our historic town of Galesville.

All businesses and organizations are participating. Festivities will include:

Narrated boat tours on the West River

A midday parade of classic and antique boats

Watermen’s demonstrations and traditional fishing exhibits

Children’s maritime discovery activities at the West River Sailing Club

Live music on the waterfront

Maritime exhibits at the museum and the village hall

Local farmer’s market and food trucks

A tour of a working marina at Hartge Yacht Yard as well as the museum on the premises will be open.

Book talks at the Galesville United Methodist Church along with a barbeque/coleslaw/chip/drink and brownie

with ice cream dessert. A history display of the church will be in the sanctuary and antique boats will be lined

up in the front yard. Parking for the event will be at our church as well as other venues.

The festival will also highlight Galesville’s unique role in Chesapeake history. A port of entry since 1672, the

village became known for its working waterfront, seafood industry, boatbuilding tradition, and connections to

the Chesapeake bay sailing community. “We want people to experience Galesville not just as a destination,