There are so many things to see and do in the Anne Arundel county area! In addition to arts and attractions available on a daily basis, many venues hold monthly and annual special events. I am happy to provide a connection to both.

Click on the hot button below for a monthly calendar of local events. Also enjoy this alphabetized "at-a-glance" sampling of special regional treats featured here. You can preview a summary of each event on this page or click on the name of any activity to see a more detailed web page.

4th Of July - Annapolis, MD

In Annapolis an old-fashioned parade begins at 6 PM. It marches down West Street and  around Church Circle. The parade then proceeds down Main Street to the City Dock. A spectacular waterfront fireworks display begins at 9:15 at the dock. United States Naval Band performs just prior to the fireworks. Call 410-263-1183 or click on the website link in the title of this section for more details.

Annapolis by Candlelight
Historic Neighborhoods Of Annapolis, MD

November 2 & 3, 2007
 
Historic Annapolis Foundation hosts candlelight tours of homes that were built in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore beautiful architecture from the past and experience firsthand the importance of historic preservation.

These curator-led tours cost only $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12. Admission is free for children younger than six, foundation members and volunteers. No reservations required. Click on the website link in the title of this section or call 410-267-8146 for more details.

Annapolis Secret Garden Tour
Hammond Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD.

June 3, 2007 from 1-5 PM

“Stop and smell the roses!” Every summer the historic Hammond-Harwood House sponsors the Annapolis Secret Garden Tour. This wonderful and unique tour is an opportunity to visit 15 privately-owned gardens in the neighborhood surrounding Annapolis’ City Hall.. The tour is conducted in gardens on streets such as: Charles, Conduit, Duke of Gloucester, Green and Market. It costs $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the tour. Group discounts are available. For more information call 410-263-4683 or visit the website link in the title of this section.

Annapolis Wine, Jazz and Arts Festival
Saint John’s College, Annapolis, MD

Late June

This summer festival is held at Saint John's College and usually occurs in late June. Listening to jazz is a great way to enjoy sampling Maryland’s best locally produced wines. Browse and shop for unique arts and crafts or take in the antique car display.

This festival is not just for adults, however. Children are delighted by an area specially designed for them. This festival also includes sailing demonstrations.

Click on the website link in the title of this section or call 410-268-8828 for this year’s festival dates and other details.

Anne Arundel County Fair
1450 General's Highway (Route 178), Crownsville, MD

September 12-16, 2007

Come and enjoy end of summer fun at the Anne Arundel County Fair. Young children love the pony rides. Kids of all ages (even grown-up “kids”) enjoy the carnival rides and  games. The monster truck rides are a real gas!

Test you skills in one of the many competitions, such as the pie eating contest or the tractor pull. Enjoy the farm animal exhibits including the fun of pig races. Learn to make a scarecrow or win  delicious homemade pastry in the 4H cake auction.

The five-day schedule also includes a talent show and different music and other live entertainment daily. Let the Anne Arundel County Fair provide your entire family with years of happy fun and memories! 

Call 410-923-3400 or visit the website link in the title of this section for directions to the fair and all other details.

Back To The Beach—Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
4150 Honeysuckle Dr., Edgewater, MD

May 5, 2007

Is it restored or tricked out? It is time to show off your prized possession! Win trophies and cash awards. Enjoy food, refreshments and music at the Back To The Beach Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show.

Grounds open at 9 AM for pre-registered vehicles. Vehicle registration at day of show is $20.00. Gates open for general admission at 10 AM, and the fee is $5.00. Children 10 and under are free. Visit the website link in the title of this section or call 410-956-6944 for details.

Bowiefest
Allen Pond Park 3330 Northview Dr., Bowie, MD

June 2, 2007, 11AM-6PM. (Rain date: June 3, 2007).

In early June Bowie holds a large summer festival in Allen Pond Park. This is a very popular event with an attendance of over 10,000 people. Festival revelers can enjoy a variety of fair food while shopping for unique, arts & crafts. This is a juried show, which means artists and crafts people must be specially selected to offer their wares. Juried festivals ensure the highest quality artwork.

In addition to general festivities the Greater Bowie Chamber Of Commerce sponsors a huge expo with booths from many area businesses. This part of the festival is held in the Allen Pond Ice Arena within the park grounds. Visit the Chamber Of Commerce website via the link in the title of this section for more details.  

Bowie Summer Concerts In The Parks
Town Green Park and Allen Pond Park, Bowie, MD

Saturdays and Sundays Throughout The Summer

Saturday Afternoon Summer Concerts are held in Town Green Park in Old Town Bowie. On Sunday evenings Allen Pond Park holds Sunday Sunset concerts. Town Green Park is a rather smaller community gathering place in historic Old Town Bowie. Allen Pond Park is a larger venue. It is an 85-acre multi-use park. Find our more about both parks and their summer concerts by visiting the city of Bowies Park and Recreation web page. The link to this page is in the title of this section.  

Eastport Yacht Club Parade Of Lights
Annapolis City Harbor, MD

Early December, 6-8 PM
 
During the Christmas Season you can tour historic homes by candlelight or look at holiday displays along the Chesapeake Bay. Another annual festive enjoyment is the East port Yacht Club’s Parade Of Lights. Club members adorn over 70 power boats and sailboats with lights and other holiday decorations.

This fun-filled parade occurs in Annapolis City Harbor one evening in early December. Parking is limited in many places near the harbor, but a free shuttle runs between downtown and a large parking lot.

Here are a few of the best spots to view the Parade of Lights
• Annapolis City Dock and Ego Alley
• Eastport Bridge
• Fawcett Boat Supplies Parking Lot - 110 Compromise St.
• Naval Academy
Visit the website link in the title of this section or call 410-267-9549 for this year's exact date and other details.

First Night Annapolis
Downtown Annapolis, MD

December 31 every year

A new way to celebrate New Years Eve began in Maryland’s capital 17 years ago. Annapolians of all ages now usher out the old and ring in the new with the joyous interactive arts and theatre experiences of First Night.

 The easygoing atmosphere and spirited indoor performances often spill out into the streets. These lighthearted festivities carry right into the “March to Midnight”, Annapolis’ fireworks finale held at the waterfront.

First Sunday Arts Events
West Street—The Annapolis Arts & Entertainment District

First Sunday Of Each Month Year-Round, Noon-8PM

Set aside the first Sunday of each month year-round to enjoy a variety of arts and entertainment in many shops, restaurants and art galleries on West Street—The Annapolis Arts & Entertainment District.. First Sunday events are held from noon until 8 PM.

Regular participants include: 49 West Coffeehouse,  A La Mode,  ARTFX Annapolis Gallery Of Fine Crafts & Arts,  Free State Press, Garden Architects,  Ramshead, Sean Donlons, and Tsunami.

From May-October First Sunday includes special festivals and monthly events. These are held at West Street Market, the popular outdoor art market on the first block of West Street. 

May - Spring Fest (Season Opener)
June - Annapolis Artworks Festival
July  - Independence Day Weekend
Aug  - Anniversary of First Sunday Arts
Sept - Labor Day Weekend
Oct - Oktoberfest (Season Finale)

Call 410-990-4540, visit the website link in the title of this section, or check the Capital newspaper the Friday before each First Sunday for details including locations and times of the many events offered.

Kiwanas Club Pancake Breakfast
Commodore Mayo Kiwanis Hall on Carrs Wharf, Edgewater, MD

1st Sunday Of Every Month, 8-11 AM

Help the Kiwanis help the community. Join us for breakfast on the first Sunday of every month. We serve up pancakes, eggs cooked to order, sausage, orange juice and coffee.  Reorders are available (one per person).  Adults $5 & Children (under ten) $2. Click on the website link in the title of this section for details.

Lights On The Bay
Sandy Point State Park, Route 50, Annapolis, MD

Mid-November – January 1, 5-10 PM

For the last ten years Anne Arundel Medical Center has sponsored a magical Christmas light show along the Chesapeake Bay. Bring your family to Sandy Point State Park and drive along the shore to tour more than 60 fun and beautiful stationary and animated light displays. Only $12 per car. Visit the website link in the title of this section or call 410-481-3161 for more details.

Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage
London Town and Gardens, Edgewater, MD

May 19, 2007 10AM - 5PM

Historic London Town and Gardens is a twenty-three acre park located on the South River in Edgewater, Maryland. The remains of the 17th – 18th century town named “London” are located on this Anne Arundel County park’s grounds. The town is being excavated by archaeologists from the Lost Towns Project.

The park is managed by the London Town Foundation, a non-profit foundation. The foundation also hosts a tour of historic homes and gardens throughout southern Anne Arundel County every spring.

The tour starts at London Town and Gardens where you can purchase tickets. The proceeds of the tour benefit the gardens at London Town. Click on the website link in the title of this section for more details. Support a good cause while enjoying local beauty and history!

Maryland Seafood Festival
Sandy Point State Park, MD

September 7, 8, 9, 2007

This delightful family-friendly festival marks the unofficial end of  summer on the Chesapeake Bay. It is a celebration of both the Bay and Maryland’s love affair with the seafood She provides.

Local non-profit groups offer a variety of  delicious seafood dishes and other festival fare with the proceeds going to the charities they represent. In addition to culinary delights, local artists and crafts people display and sell their photography, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, clothing and more!

In addition to eating and shopping visitors of all ages can learn a lot about the Chesapeake Bay and local wildlife and marine life. The festival features a variety of educational display.

Lastly what festival would be complete without music! Continuous live music pours off of three different stages. Over the course of the festival a wide variety of genres is played, so that there is something to please everyone’s musical taste.

Come and enjoy the end of summer with us!

For more information, please call: 410-266-3113
Email: lmarshall@aaaccc.org

May Day On Main Street
Main St. At South River Colony, Edgewater, MD

A weekend toward the end of May, 11-4 PM

Come and enjoy our festival with Arts & Crafts, free entertainment and children’s activities. The kids will enjoy the little train, pony rides and jumbo slide. The face painter and balloon artist also offer spring fun. Email Joy Hutter at joyeden@yahoo.com for details.

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Rte. 178, Crownsville, MD

August 11, 10AM-8PM
August 12, 11AM-7PM

This family-oriented festival began 20 years ago, inspired by Alex Haley’s epic book and mini-series Roots. Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of people of African, African-American and African-Caribbean descent with traditional food, music and other entertainment.

Enjoy jazz, R & B and gospel performances or take in African drumming and dance. Enrich your understanding of history by listening to storytellers and educational seminars. Express your creative side with mask making. Ethnic arts & crafts and traditional food vendors abound. Call 410-349-0338 or visit the website link in the title of this section for more details.

Old Town Bowie Spring Fling Street Fest
8606 Chestnut Ave., Bowie, MD

April 29, 2007

Old Town Bowie is the historic part of Bowie—the core of where the town was founded. Originally called “Huntington City” the town was renamed in the 1880s for Maryland Governor Oden Bowie. It flourished when Pennsylvania Railroad built a branch line to Washington.

Over the 20th century, as Bowie grew and modernized, the core of the town at first declined, but was later revitalized and preserved with its historic sense of charm. Step back to a simpler time and celebrate Bowie’s heritage at the Spring Fling.

This is an arts & crafts fair with the added flair of including antiques in its market place.  Enjoy Town Green Park and Huntington Railroad Museum while you are there. Visit the website link in the title of this section for more details.