Seafood Soirees

Few things go together better than seafood and summertime in the Land of Pleasant Living. If you’re looking for more than a basic backyard crab feast, check out these six scrumptious events to get your fish fix.

13TH ANNUAL CRABARET
July 9: Gertrude’s, 10 Art Museum Dr. 6:30-10 p.m. $100-125. 410-554-8448. This annual benefit is back with delicious delicacies—everything from traditional crab cakes to Asian-inspired crab lo mein—by noted chef John Shields (see page 57), plus Heavy Seas beer and hopping tunes by the Swingin’ Swamis.

28TH ANNUAL OCEAN CITY TUNA TOURNAMENT
July 10-12: 12940 Inlet Isle Ln., Ocean City. Weigh-ins from 3-7:30 p.m. 410-213-1121. If you prefer to catch your own bounty, head downy ocean to tackle some of the Atlantic’s biggest and best fish. From land, watch the catches come in off the boats and get weighed for cash prizes, with music, food, and drinks on the docks.

TASTE OF CAMBRIDGE CRAB COOK-OFF
July 11: Downtown Cambridge. 5-10 p.m. Free-$30. 443-477-0843. Celebrate the tidewater tradition of crabbing as local restaurants compete to win titles like “Best Crab Cake” and “Best in Show,” followed by live music and family activities in the streets of this historic waterfront town.

POTOMAC JAZZ & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
July 11: St. Clement’s Island Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Rd., Colton’s Point. 12-9 p.m. Free-$65. 301-769-2222. Head south to St. Mary’s County and get stuffed with rockfish, crab cakes, oysters, and shrimp from local restaurants. While you’re there, listen to lots of live jazz by established musicians like Nick Colionne, Elan Trotman, and Oli Silk.

J. MILLARD TAWES CRAB & CLAM BAKE
July 15: Somers Cove Marina, 715 Broadway, Crisfield. 12-4 p.m. $45. 410-968-2500. Your seafood dreams come true at this all-you-can-eat feast with steamed crabs, fried fish, clams, corn on the cob, watermelon, beer, and more. Named for Maryland’s 54th governor, this annual event attracts thousands of people—nearly double the tiny Eastern Shore town’s entire population!

UNION CRAFT BREWING’S 3RD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
July 25: Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 7 p.m. Prices vary. 410-467-0290. Enjoy fresh shucked oysters from The Local Oyster and craft drafts from UCB as the Woodberry brewery celebrates its third birthday with special beers, musical guests, and other local food favorites.