First Friday Fourth at the Wharf
First Fridays open up Leonardtown, MD, for a one-of-a-kind shopping and entertaining evening, and invite visitors to join in some fun July 4 at the Leonardtown Wharf from 3 to 7pm for an afternoon of contests, activities, yard games, food vendors, and a free concert featuring The Copper Pennies.
Fourth at the Wharf will be brought to you by the Town of Leonardtown, Leonardtown Business Association, and with the support of sponsors, Jimmy Hayden of RE/MAX 100, Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Edward Jones, and Balanced Paws Pet Care. Eats, treats, and beverages will be available for purchase.
At the North End Gallery, check out the July show “Midsummer Dreams,” which will run until July 27. The opening reception will be 5 to 8pm Thursday, July 3.
Art aficionados are encouraged to immerse themselves in local art at The Craft Guild Shop, New View Fiber Works, and the St. Mary’s Arts Council Gallery and Gift Shop, and, if you’re feeling extra artsy, stop by The Yellow Line or Board & Brush to create your own masterpiece.
Join the Arts Council on First Friday July 4 for an audience participation drum circle from 5 to 6pm for July, August, and September 2025. These free events are open to all ages and skill levels. Bring your percussion instrument or use one of theirs. Location: lawn adjacent to the council’s office at 22660 Washington St. Find the SoMar Drummers indoors in the event of rain or excessive heat. Stay for the whole time or drop in as you like.
If you’re in the mood to shop, get lost among the many treasures at Shepherd’s Old Field, the stacks of books, music, and more at Fenwick Street Bookstore, or at any of the other unique local shops.
When you get hungry, Leonardtown offers an array of distinct dining establishments where you can wine and dine your past weeks’ worries away, from the upscale casual vibe at Sweetbay to the historic hometown hospitality of the Front Porch. And if wine is your jam, check out Antoinette’s Garden or the Port of Leonardtown Winery, where they often host live music and local food trucks. Check out the changes at The Rex on the Square. The town welcomed a new seafood restaurant in February, T&J’s Cove at 41565 Park Ave.
Go to the Leonardtown First Fridays Facebook page for details about specific events in downtown, midtown, and uptown as they are announced.
Visit www.VisitLeonardtownMD.com for a listing of shops and restaurants. Visitors are advised to contact desired locations for specific hours and event information.
The St. Mary’s County Historical Society is the repository of a unique collection of Maryland memorabilia and museum pieces displayed on the first floor of Tudor Hall and in the Old Jail Museum at 41625 Courthouse Drive in Leonardtown. The 18th-century Tudor Hall also serves as headquarters of the society and houses the Historical Society’s Research Center.
To learn more about the St. Mary’s Historical Society, visit its Leader member page.
