Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Dates And Times For The Event?
Saturday, June 5 – gates open 12:00 noon – gates close 6:00 pm
Sunday, June 6 – gates open 12:00 noon – gates close 6:00 pm
Can I Purchase Advance Tickets For The Festival?
Advance tickets are on sale through the website (go to our Tickets page) and in person at The Winery in Chester, Maryland. Advance tickets are encouraged to avoid a line at the Festival, advance tickets also save you $5 per ticket.
Can I Purchase Tickets At The Door?
YES. Tickets are available at the door for $25 per person; $10 for anyone ages 12-21 or designated drivers; children 11 and under are free.
Can I Bring My Children?
This is a family event. There will be activities for the children as well as adults. The Festival is located on a 4-acre parcel and there is approximately a half-mile trek from the parking areas to the Festival, so there is a lot of walking. Please take this into consideration.
Can I Bring My Dog Or Other Pet?
No. Please be courteous of others and do not bring your pets, unless your pet is a certified disabled-assistance animal.
I Have Special Needs; Is This Festival Handicapped Accessible?
Yes. There are special accommodations in parking and transportation is available from the parking area to the Festival, but there is a lot of walking around the Festival grounds. And because this is a meadow, there is uneven ground. Please call 410.200.6127 for more information about this issue.
Where Is Parking Available?
You can park around Log Canoe Circle (street-side) and in designated parking lots around the circle. There will be a shuttle circling the area picking up and dropping off visitors to reduce the amount of walking necessary to get to the Festival. Overflow parking will be available at Kent Island High School (900 Love Point Road, Stevensville, MD 21666) and a shuttle bus will bring you from the school to the Festival (an approximately 5-minute trip).
Are Coolers Permitted?
Coolers for food or picnic baskets are fine. These will be searched at the gate. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED ON FESTIVAL GROUNDS. A wide variety of wonderful food is available for purchase from vendors at the Festival. No grills are permitted on or near the Festival grounds.
It Looks Like It’s Going To Rain – Can I Get A Refund?
No. All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. This event is rain or shine. There will be a large Festival tent with several wineries and vendors featuring their wares. Each winery is under tent and has a covered area to sample wines. Tickets that are lost, stolen or unused cannot be replaced or refunded.
What Do I Need To Bring?
You will need to bring your photo ID as well as your ticke, if already purchased.
Will There Be Security At The Festival?
Yes. We work closely with the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Department. We reserve the right to request a security inspection of all bags including backpacks and handbags.
What Kinds Of Accommodations Are Available On Kent Island And Nearby Areas?
Queen Anne’s County has a range of hotel accommodations. Take a look at the Lodging section of our website.
Does The Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival Do Anything For Charity?
In addition to a portion of the proceeds going to the Foundation for Community Partnerships, donations will be made to The American Cancer Society and Special Olympics.
Should I Bring Something to Sit On?
YES. Beach chairs (low to the ground) and blankets for the ground are welcome.
What Type Of Shoes Should I Wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. The Festival is held in a 4-acre grass meadow with uneven areas. In addition, you may want to walk down to the beach overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
May I Smoke At The Festival?
Smoking is permitted in designated areas (on the paths on the outside of the Festival grounds.) As the Festival is in a meadow, please be aware of dry conditions when disposing of your cigarettes.
Are Tents Permitted?
No. Only official Festival tents are permitted on the grounds.
Is There A Special Rate For Designated Drivers?
YES. Please remember to bring a designated driver if you will be sampling wine. We have a special entry fee ($10) for designated drivers. Please drink responsibly.