Fun Fact: Which County Holds an Annual Tea Party Festival?

When you hear “tea party,” you might picture a calm gathering with assorted teas and finger sandwiches—but in Kent County, Maryland, the Tea Party Festival takes on a more rebellious tone. Each year, the community reenacts the 1774 protest against British laws banning the sale of tea, bringing colonial history to life with dramatic flair and patriotic spirit.

Image courtesy of Chestertown Tea Party Festival.

Each year, Chestertown in Kent County, Maryland hosts the Tea Party Festival to honor the town’s defiance during British rule in the 1770s. In May 1774, in solidarity with Boston after Parliament closed its port, Chestertown residents adopted “Resolves” that banned the import, sale, and consumption of tea. As local legend has it, townspeople then marched from the center of town down High Street to the brigantine Geddes, anchored in the Chester River, and threw its tea cargo overboard. Today, a lively reenactment of this bold act is the highlight of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival.

Our mission is to provide a greater understanding of the area’s history, which strengthens our local sense of identity and offers a meaningful perspective on our unique past. Throughout the years, thousands of schoolchildren have been inspired to investigate the nation’s roots because of the reenactment of the Chestertown Tea Party. – Chestertown Tea Party Festival History

This year’s Tea Party Festival in Kent County will take place from May 23–25 and promises a full weekend of celebration. Highlights include the iconic Tea Toss Reenactment, a Colonial Parade, lively Block Party, Raft Race, street performances, and strolling musicians. Guests can also enjoy colonial crafts, local food vendors, and a 5K and 10-mile run. With a mix of entertainment, history, and hands-on activities, the festival offers something for the whole family to enjoy!

All Festival events take place along the Chester River and in the historic district of 18th-century Chestertown, Maryland. There is no admission charge to the Festival. For more information on schedule of events please visit Chestertown Tea Party Festival. 

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.