4th of July weekend has come and gone…and what a weekend it was! Despite the touch and go moments with Mother Nature, the beaches were packed, local businesses were bustling, and the Eastern Shore was overflowing with patriotism. In addition to celebrating all things U.S.A., the 4th of July also seems to serve as a reminder that summer is here in all its glory. Summer events really heat up between now and Labor Day Weekend, as we collectively try to pack in as much fun as possible. This weekend is no exception, with several events happening from Easton down to Ocean City.

66th Annual Cottage Tour of Art

When: Tuesday, July 7 & Wednesday, July 8

Where: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

What: The Rehoboth Art League will hold the 66th Annual Cottage of Art Tour in early July, which includes a diverse selection of eight homes in the Rehoboth and Dewey areas. The two-day tour includes private homes and cottages, each featuring beautiful antiques, modern amenities, compelling architecture and beautiful landscaping. Tickets are $30. For more information, contact the Rehoboth Art League.

Bacil Family Night at the Salisbury Zoo

When: Friday, July 10, 6pm

Where: The Salisbury Zoo, Salisbury, MD

What: The Salisbury Zoo will hold their annual BACIL Family night for families with special needs children. In addition to a chance to explore the Zoo after hours, the evening will include activities such as yoga, Zumba, geocaching and more. Cost is $5 per family. Contact plewis@bayreacil.org for more information.

Taste of Cambridge

When: Saturday, July 11

Where: Downtown Cambridge

What: The annual crab cook-off and street festival is easily our favorite Cambridge events! Tickets for the crab cook-off are now on sale for $25 and include samplings from some of our favorite area restaurants as they battle it out in the Eastern Shore inspired cooking competition. The day also includes a free street festival, which boasts games, food, activities and live entertainment. Look for our full article on the event!

Running of the Bull at The Starboard

When: Saturday, July 11

Where: The Starboard, Dewey Beach, DE

What: When we think of Dewey Beach, we immediately think of The Starboard. The restaurant and bar never disappoints, whether you’re stopping in for a bite to eat or planning a full on Sunday Funday. One of their biggest days of the year at The Staboard is the Annual Running of the Bull, which is a sight to be seen. Expect the heralded running of the bull from The Starboard to the beach culminating in a bull fight in the parking lot along with much fanfare and celebrations all day and well into the night. And no worries, no bulls are actually hurt during this farcical celebration 😉

Plein Air Easton

When: July 11-19

Where: Easton, MD

What: Celebrating its 11th year, Plein Air Easton is one of the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competitions in the US. 58 competing artists will paint throughout Talbot County the week of July 11-19, culminating in a final exhibition of artists’ work. Art sales for last year’s event totaled 325 painting sold in just 2.5 days!

OC Greek Festival

When: July 10-July 13

Where: Ocean City Convention Center

What: Ocean City welcomes Delmarva’s largest Greek Festival for its 26th year! It’s all things Greek at the annual festival including LOTS of Greek cuisine available for both dine in and carry out. Lamb shank, keftedes, dolmathes, gyros, moussaka…the list of yummy options goes on and on. In addition to the culinary delights, there’s also vendors, live entertainment, dancing and more, including a fantastic lineup of Greek desserts to cap it all off. What’s more, admission is FREE from 12pm until 4pm each day and just $2 after 4pm.

Habitat for Humanity Warehouse Clearance

When: Saturday, July 11, 8am-1pm

Where: 7033 Worcester Highway, Newark, MD

What: We LOVE a good bargain here at ShoreBread, so we couldn’t resist sharing this with you all. Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County is looking to reduce their warehouse inventory with a major sale on gently used furniture, appliances, windows, doors, sinks, bathtubs and household items. It’s a great chance to save some money and score some household goods while supporting a great cause!

Captain Craig Swim

When: Saturday, July 11

Where: Downtown Ocean City

What: Think you’re a good swimmer? Put it to the test for the annual Captain Craig Swim in OCMD! Open to the public, competitors will swim a measure mile with the prevailing current to the finish line on 13th Street. For more information, contact Kristin Joson at kjoson@oceancitymd.gov.

J. Millard Tawes Clam Bake

When: Wednesday, July 15, noon-4pm

Where: Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield, MD

What: If you’ve never been to Crisfield, than you are certainly missing out! The small bayside town exudes Eastern Shore pride with a smattering of old Victorian homes, massive oak trees, boat harbors and crab shanties. The locals definitely know a thing or two about seafood, and celebrate it each year with the annual Clam Bake. Held on the third Wednesday in July at Somers Cove Marina, the Clam Bake is $45 and includes AUCE steamed crabs, clams (steamed, raw and fried), fresh fried fish, sweet potato fries, onion rings, French fries, corn on the cob, watermelon, soda, beer and water.