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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What days of the week and hours is the museum open?

The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests are able to preselect an entry time for their visit. Once you enter the museum, stay for as long as you like.

The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store are closed New Years’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We also close at 3 p.m. on Waterside Concert days for concert preparation. All closings are listed on our Calendar of Events and Plan Your Visit pages.

Calvert Marine Museum Calendar

2. Can we take pictures?

Yes! In fact, we encourage you to take as many photos as you would like so you can remember what a great time you had at the Calvert Marine Museum. During Waterside Concerts, you can take photos, but are not allowed to bring in cameras with detachable lenses or video cameras.

3. Can I buy tickets to ride the Wm. B. Tennison in advance or over the phone?

You can purchase tickets for the Wm. B. Tennison, online, up to 24 hours in advance of a cruise. Each day at 2 p.m., you will no longer be able to purchase tickets online for the following day. You can purchase tickets in person at the Admissions Desk in the lobby of the Calvert Marine Museum, the day of the cruise, while space is available. The Tennison accommodates 40 passengers and the tickets are first-come-first-served. If you want to check to see how many tickets are still available before driving to the museum, call 410-326-2042, ext. 8068 and ask the Admissions Desk Clerk. They will gladly help you.

The Tennison cruises are at 2 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, May through the end of October.

Click here to purchase tickets.

4. Are the otters on exhibit, outside, all year long?

Yes! Otters love cold weather, so even though you may want to stay inside, they can still be found frolicking in the water and having fun. During the hot summer months, they always have access to a behind-the-scenes indoor area that is air conditioned in case they want to cool down.

5. Do you have a restaurant or food vending machines on site?

Sorry, we do not have a restaurant or food vending machine on site. We do, however, have a conveniently located soda and water vending machine just outside of the museum. There are many wonderful restaurants in Solomons that are close by. Visit www.solomonsmaryland.com for a list of local restaurants.

Solomons Business Association Website

6. Can I bring a lunch and eat on the grounds?

Of course! Picnic tables are located on the grounds for your enjoyment and use. Some are under cover in the Corbin Nature Pavilion.

7. Are there nearby places for a quick lunch?

Yes! There are many wonderful restaurants in Solomons that are close by. Visit www.solomonsmaryland.com for a list of local restaurants.

Solomons Business Association Website

8. I am planning a day-trip for my family. What other things are in the area that we might enjoy?

Solomons is beautiful all year round and fun to explore by foot. Enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk and grab an ice cream cone during the warmer months. Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, May through September from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can visit the Cove Point Lighthouse, located approximately 10 minutes north of the Calvert Marine Museum. Annmarie Gardens (http://www.annmariegarden.org/) is about seven minutes away by car. They host many family programs and events throughout the year. Are you a fossil hunter? Check out our Paleontology page for recommended locations where you can put your fossil hunting skills to the test and walk away with cool fossils. You can even bring them back to the museum and ask one of the volunteers in the Paleo Prep Lab to help you identify them. The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum is just over the bridge in St. Mary’s County. Visit www.paxmuseum.com for more information. Visit www.Solomonsmaryland.com, www.choosecalvert.com and www.visitstmarysmd.com to search out more fun possibilities for your family trip.

Choose Calvert Tourism Website

9. Are there hotels nearby?

Yes, there are several hotels as well as Bed & Breakfast Inns nearby. Visit www.solomonsmaryland.com and click on “Lodging and Accommodations” for options.

Solomons Business Association Website

10. Are pets allowed in the museum?

Only service dogs are allowed in the museum.

11. I’m arriving by boat. Can I dock my dingy while I visit the museum?

Yes! But please call ahead and ask for permission to make sure there is space available. For permission, call 410-326-2042, ext. 8046. If you want to dock your boat during a Waterside Concert day, call 410-326-2042, ext. 8063, in advance.

12. Is there a public sandy beach in Solomons?

No, unfortunately there are no public beaches in Solomons. However, the boardwalk offers great views of the Patuxent River just before it empties into the Bay as you walk through Solomons. Flags Pond Park and Calvert Cliffs State Park are a little further north on Route 4 and you can hike to the beaches. Click the link below for more information and a listing of beaches in Calvert County.

Listing of Calvert County Public Beaches

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Waterside Music Series Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is the difference in ticket prices?

Premium seats are closer to the stage – the first 49 rows and are in the yellow, pink, and green section. A wide aisle separates the Premium and Reserved seating. The reserved section includes the orange and purple sections and tickets are less expensive in those sections. Higher priced tickets are closer to the stage.  Guests with General Admission/Standing Room Only tickets do not have a designated seat and can stand outside the seated area. Pit tickets are at the very front of the stage and do not have seats; this is a standing area.

2. Are any of the seats under cover?

No, all of our seating area is 'open-air' seating. There is no roof or pavilion covering the seating.

3. If I'm bringing my child or baby, do I need to buy them a ticket?

Yes, everyone entering the grounds for a concert needs to have a ticket. There are no discounts for children, even if they are sitting on your lap.

4. Are lawn chairs permitted?

No, lawn chairs are not permitted on site for any of the Waterside Music Series concerts at Motto Mortgage and ReMax Waterside Pavilion.  

5. What do I do if myself or friend/family member is handicapped?

If you are buying a ticket for a handicapped person, please call the museum at 410-326-2042, ext. 8063. There is a section designated for handicapped persons on the left side of the yellow section. Due to the restricted size of the handicapped section, tickets for that section are based on availability and a limited number of accompanying seats are available for those assisting handicapped ticket buyers. 

6. Where do I park if I have a handicapped tag?

A handicapped parking area is located in the Urgent Care Medical Building lot across from the museum's back gate. We encourage guests to bring the handicapped person to the back gate on Lore Road, drop them off, and park their vehicle in the Medical lot. Parking is limited, so we suggest arriving early.

7. Are pets permitted on the grounds?

No pets are allowed on the grounds unless they are "medical assistance" dogs, properly identified, and under the control of their owner(s).

8. Is food and drink available on the grounds during the concert?

Yes, a food court is set up on site for your enjoyment. A variety of food vendors will be serving American, BBQ, seafood, etc. Several beverage stands are also on the grounds. Soda, beer, wine, and water are available. If you are planning on drinking alcoholic beverages, please have your ID ready so you can receive your 21+ wristband as you enter the front or back gates. Beverage stands are cash only. ATMs will be on site.

9. Will we be able to see from the Reserved section?

Yes. Our venue holds 7,000 people and because it is slightly sloped to the stage, even the back row is a great seat! Please be aware that most people do choose to stand for the concerts and ushers will not require ticket holders to remain seated.

10. How many people does the seating accommodate?

The seating accommodates 5,500 people for an outdoor concert, in addition to 1,500 General Admission/Standing Room Only ticket holders.

11. How can I order tickets in advance of the public sales date?

As a Calvert Marine Museum member, you have the opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public. The number of pre-sale tickets permitted varies depending upon your membership level. Individual members– 4 tickets, Family members – 6 tickets, Sustaining members – 6 tickets, Associate members – 8 tickets, Patron – 8 tickets, Bugeye Society – preferred seating to each show with the opportunity to purchase up to 12 additional pre-sale seats. To become a member, please click here or call Lisa Howard at 410-326-2042, ext. 8063.

12. Where do I park for the concert?

Concert parking is available across the street from the museum in Glascock Field for $5 per vehicle, starting at 3 p.m. RVs and buses are not allowed. Additional parking available at Solomons public parking areas. Parking is not permitted in the parking lots of local businesses surrounding the museum. Violators will be towed.

13. Can I bring a cooler?

No coolers are allowed on the grounds. This is a fundraiser for the museum, so all funds raised from beverage purchases benefit the museum and its educational programs and exhibits.

14. What happens if it rains?

All of our concerts are rain or shine events. Concerts are often held during inclement weather. Since performer is under cover, but the seats are not, the show will go on if it rains. We ask our patrons to dress appropriately, bring a raincoat, and enjoy the evening. No umbrellas will be permitted into the venue. If severe weather occurs, we will ask patrons to return to their vehicles until the severe weather has passed. In the event a show is cancelled due to weather, it is up to the performer to try to reschedule the event. If the performer is unable to reschedule, then ticket buyers may claim the purchase as a tax-deductible donation to the museum. We will not issue any refunds, even in the event of a cancellation.

15. I bought my ticket and can't use it. Can I return it?

There are no refunds or exchanges on tickets. Tickets are transferable, so you may give or sell your ticket to someone else.

16. I ordered my tickets the week before the concert and haven't received them in the mail. What should I do?

Tickets ordered 7 or fewer days before the concert are placed in Will Call instead of being mailed. These tickets may be picked up the day-of the concert beginning at 10:00 a.m., only by the purchaser with a valid photo ID. Tickets are also available for you to pick-up after the gate opens the evening of the performance.

17. I ordered my tickets before the mailing deadline and haven't received them or I lost my tickets. What do I do?

Tickets ordered 7 or more days before the concert are mailed. If you did not receive your ticket, please call 410-326-2042, ext. 8063, 8064, 8066, or 8067 and we will be happy to assist you.

18. Can I bring a camera?

Each performer has different restrictions on camera usage. If you would like to bring a camera, please check the ticket purchasing website the week prior to the event for camera guidelines. Typically, small personal pocket-sized cameras are permitted. Cameras with interchangeable lenses are not allowed. No audio or video recording is permitted.

19. Can I bring a purse or backpack?

The Calvert Marine Museum staff has worked closely with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Department to increase concert security, and have instituted a “Bag Policy”. The goal of the policy is to keep you safe, but we understand that you may need to bring in cell phones, IDs, credit cards, money, and other miscellaneous items. If you are carrying a small bag (a clutch, wristlet, or crossbody) it will be permitted. Small clear bags that can be seen through by our security will also be permitted. If you must carry a baby bag or a bag that is medically necessary, then it will be subject to search by a Sheriff's officer, who will determine if it is permitted .
  
 Our gate security will use their judgement when it comes to the size of the bag and its potential contents. If there is a question, they will either ask to search your bag or for you to return your bag to the car.

20. How do I sponsor the concerts?

The Waterside Music Series is a fundraiser for the museum and is sponsored annually by a variety of generous businesses and individuals.  If you would like to receive additional information, please contact Bonnie Barrett at 410-326-2042 x 8065 or via email.