join us on the shore.
Discover. Taste. Explore.
Step inside the beautifully restored Packing House and dive into a full day of outdoor adventure, hands-on learning, and Eastern Shore tradition. This high-energy, family-friendly expo brings together the region’s best in hunting, fishing, conservation, outdoor recreation, and local culture—all under one historic roof.
Stroll through dynamic exhibits, talk with outfitters and conservation groups, learn new skills from seasoned pros, and enjoy a day filled with music, food, and family-friendly fun. From wild game tastings to hands-on demonstrations, every corner of the Expo invites you to explore something new.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman, a casual explorer, or bringing the kids for a day of discovery, this immersive event offers something for everyone.
A DAY OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FEATURING:
Outdoor gear exhibits, vendor booths, and hands-on demos
Hands-on demos, workshops & clinics
Wild game culinary experience - Taste of the Shore
Local food & craft beverage vendors
Entertainment and family activities
Networking with outfitters, guides, and community organizations
Bucks, Bears & Stags official measuring event
This isn’t your typical festival fare —
it’s a Shore-style feast, fired up and full of flavor!
Kick things off at the Explore the Shore Tasting Bar, where wild game meets live-fire magic. Chef Patrick Morrow, a crowd favorite at major East Coast festivals, is bringing bold Chesapeake flavor with blue catfish tacos, juicy venison sliders, and wild boar burnt ends — smoky, savory, and seriously unforgettable.
From there, head over to Hambleton House, where Chef Jordan Lloyd and Chef Derek are serving up elevated Shore comfort food at its finest. Think pulled smoked duck, locally sourced BBQ proteins, and all the house-made sides you crave — creamy mac & cheese, braised collards, hearty baked beans, and golden heirloom cornbread.
And what’s an Eastern Shore celebration without oysters? Fresh Chesapeake Bay oysters will be grilled over open flame and topped with flavorful finishes by Madhouse Oysters and Blue Oyster Environmental — delivering bold taste with a side of Bay stewardship.
Rounding out the lineup is Shore favorite Hooked on Seafood, dishing out festival classics like crab cakes and fish sandwiches that keep folks coming back for more.
Come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to taste the Shore.
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Start your Explore the Shore day early with a scenic spin around Cambridge!
Join the Chesapeake Cycling Club for a flat, 16-mile guided ride through the historic downtown and along the scenic Choptank River.
Bring your own bike and meet at the Packing House at 8:45 AM. The ride rolls out at 9:00 AM.
Sign up by messaging ridec3.org or emailing ericgriffioen@icloud.com.
The first 10 riders to register will earn FREE entry to the Explore the Shore Outdoor Expo!
Bring the Family - Let the Outdoor Fun Begin!
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VENDORS
Explore the Shore’s vendor showcase features a dynamic mix of regional experts, outdoor brands, conservation partners, and specialty retailers. Wander the exhibit hall, ask questions, try something new, and meet the people who make outdoor life on the Shore unforgettable.
Albright’s Gun Shop
Apple Cracker Deer Products
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)
Bears, Bucks, & Stags
Bike Tours by Linda
Blackwater Adventures
Blue Oyster Environmental
Delmarva Trails
Drift & Dredge
Friends of Blackwater
Hambleton House
Hooked on Seafood
Ink & Annie
LOKD UP Waterfowl
Madhouse Oysters
Maryland AgriTrails (DNR and MDA)
Maryland DNR Angler Education
Maryland DNR Natural Resource Police, Hunter Education
Maryland DNR Park Service
Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League
Maryland Master Naturalist
National Wild Turkey Federation
Shore Rivers
T3 Duck Blinds
Thomas’s Fine Jewelry
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Learn. Try. Master Something New.
Our workshop series brings the outdoors to life with hands-on demonstrations, expert instruction, and practical skills you can take straight into the field. From hunting and fishing to foraging, cooking, and conservation, these sessions are designed for every level — curious beginners to seasoned outdoors enthusiasts.
9:00 AM: Scenic Spin around Cambridge / C3 Biking
Join the Chesapeake Cycling Club for a flat, 16-mile guided ride through the historic downtown and along the scenic Choptank River. Bring your own bike and meet at the Packing House at 8:45 AM. The ride rolls out at 9:00 AM.
Sign up by messaging ridec3.org or emailing ericgriffioen@icloud.com. The first 10 riders to register will earn FREE entry to the Explore the Shore Outdoor Expo!
All Day (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Bucks, Bears, and Stags Official
Measuring Event
Bring your Maryland Whitetail Deer, Black Bear or Sika Stag from any season to be measured for Maryland's Record Book. If your entry qualifies, you’ll receive recognition in the newest edition of “Maryland's Finest: The Records and the Legacy.”
All Day - every hour on the hour
Become a Birdwatcher on the Shore - Become a Birdwatcher on the Shore
The Friends of Blackwater table will be staffed by experienced birdwatchers throughout the day to help you learn more about bird watching, how to get started, and where to go. Whether you are simply curious, are just getting started, or are an experienced bird watcher, stop by to learn more about the history and fundamentals of birdwatching and receive individualized, hands-on demonstrations on essential equipment, techniques for field identification, and methods for tracking observations. Learn how to download and use apps to help you find and identify birds near you. Learn about the economic impact of birding in local communities, and the vital role public and private land conservation efforts, including Blackwater NWR, play in conserving migratory and breeding birds. Hear about bird watching events offered by your local bird club or other organizations that you can attend with friends and family.
10:00 AM: Learn to Hunt: Where to Start?
Interested in hunting but not sure where to begin? This session offers a quick overview of how to get started. Learn how to connect with Maryland’s hunting community and take your first steps with confidence.
11:00 AM: Wild Game Cooking: Beyond the Crockpot
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) will show you how to turn Maryland’s wild harvests into delicious meals. Learn tips and techniques for preparing local wild game while discovering how BHA works to protect public lands, waters, and wildlife habitat for future generations.
12:00 PM: Catfish Fillet Demo
Learn expert tips for cleaning and preparing blue catfish while discovering how harvesting the invasive fish helps protect our local waterways. Stop by to see the process up close and ask questions!
1:00 PM: Foraging 101: The Buffet in Your Backyard
Join local experts for an introduction to identifying and safely harvesting wild edible plants and fungi found right in your own backyard. Learn how to recognize seasonal favorites, practice responsible foraging, and discover the delicious possibilities nature provides, no grocery store required!
2:00 PM: Lure Crafting and Fishing Demo
Get hooked on the art of fishing! In this hands-on demo, you’ll learn how to craft your own fishing lures and pick up practical tips for casting, bait selection, and local fishing spots. Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, this session will help you reel in new skills and inspiration for your next day on the water.
3:00 PM: Intro to Camping with Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW)
Camping is in-tents, but it’s not too hard once you know the basics! This one-hour session, presented by Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW), will offer a hands-on overview of tent camping - including how to set up a tent and campsite, what to bring, and where to go - as well as a brief exploration of alternative options, like backpacking and car camping.
BOW is a program that helps participants gain confidence and skills in outdoor recreation. Open to everyone, this hands-on session offers a taste of the fun, supportive learning environment BOW is known for, no experience needed!
Additional Activities:
Scales & Tales - Get up close and personal with live animals and discover their stories with naturalists from Tuckahoe State Park!
Fishing Trailer - Discover your inner angler with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ mobile fishing booth! Staff will demo fishing equipment and provide guidance to help you cast, reel, and learn the basics of angling.
Maryland Park Service Table - Stop by the Maryland Park Service table to explore hands-on activities, pick up fun giveaways, and learn about outdoor recreation opportunities in Maryland’s state parks.
Got questions? Ready to sponsor or join as a vendor?
Fill out the form and our team will get you in on the fun!
