UMD Celebrates Maryland Day 2026

COLLEGE PARK, Md - The University of Maryland will host its 28th annual Maryland Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 am to 4 pm EDT. The beloved campus-wide event will feature over 400 free, family-friendly activities, including sporting events, tours and demonstrations. 

Guests can explore UMD’s expansive campus and history through touring its five Learning Neighborhoods: Ag Day Avenue, Terp Town Center, Art & Design Place, Science & Tech Way and Sports & Rec Row. Each neighborhood on campus will offer interactive events with endless possibilities for learning and fun. Highlights at this year’s event include:

• Maryland Soccer Autographs - Meet Terp student-athletes in person and gain an inside look at one of the nation's most storied Big Ten soccer programs.
• Celebrating America’s 250th - From “Mobilizing the Vote” to trivia, take part in activities that explore democracy, civic engagement, history and more in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 
• Where’s Testudo? - Get a chance to meet your favorite mascot for high-fives and selfies! Look for the Testudo image on the interactive map to find him at the event in real time. 
• Cupcake Lab - Go on a delicious journey into the world of exotic flavors and innovative baking with The Food Science Club. They’ll combine their expertise with a passion for experimentation to bring you a lineup of homemade baked goods with nontraditional and creative flavors.
• Fire Tornado - Visit the Department of Fire Protection Engineering's burn lab to see a 10-foot-tall fire tornado.
• Insect Petting Zoo - Imagine tarantulas, exotic insects, scorpions, bees and millipedes longer than your hand for you to look at and touch - if you dare.
• Drone Discovery - Kids of all ages can assemble their own propeller-free drones and pilot them inside a netted tent, learning basic engineering and flight skills in a safe, supervised environment.
• Touch an (Electric!) Truck - Visit Lot 11 to explore vehicles used in transportation, construction and emergency services - including a new electric bus. Climb aboard!
• The “Magic” of Fermentation - Interact with active kefir, wine and beer fermentations. Experience the unique aromas and life on display under the microscope’s lens.
• Broadway Today - Students in UMD's Musical Theatre Workshop perform scenes from the best of today’s Broadway. 
• The Buzz on Aquaponics - Explore how aquaponics integrates fish and plants in a closed-loop system to produce fresh food while conserving water sustainably. From lab to plate, learn how students use these systems for hands-on research and education, and how the UMD aquaponics greenhouse supplies fresh basil to Dining Services as a living example of sustainable food systems
   

Maryland Day will take place rain or shine. Besides free on-campus parking, the university is also accessible by Metro’s Green and Yellow Lines via the College Park–University of Maryland station. Additionally, Shuttle-UM bus transportation will service main parking lots and garages.

Visit marylandday.umd.edu for a complete list of activities and more information. Show your support on social media using #MarylandDay.