This presentation will use a single case study methodology to describe strategies for improving the sustainability of an upcoming event in Salisbury, Maryland. The City of Salisbury, Maryland, is situated on the Eastern Shore near the Chesapeake Bay and the Wicomico River. It hosts multiple large-scale events throughout the year, such as the National Folk Festival, which draws thousands of people to the Eastern Shore. This event produces large amounts of waste, consumes large amounts of energy, and contributes to local waterways pollution. For the past three years, Salisbury University student researchers have worked towards the goal of making the National Folk Festival a zero-waste event. This presentation builds upon their work, identifying opportunities to implement innovative programs and processes to improve the event’s aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and culture of the community. Many of these opportunities lie in making changes to waste management practices, transportation, sourcing, and incorporating the local community. An emphasis is placed on solutions that incorporate local businesses and consider the ecology of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, such as local fishing and farmer’s markets, green business certifications, and incentives for active transportation. This research will provide a practical guide for National Folk Festival event planners to support an environmentally sound and locally oriented event around the local context of Salisbury, Maryland.