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July
ANNAPOLIS IRISH FESTIVAL
The Annapolis Irish Festival returns on Friday, July 12th. Get excited for two days of live music and entertainment on three stages—headlined by Gaelic Storm. Also enjoy Gaelic games and more than 60 vendors offering Irish crafts, foods, clothing, and jewelry. The festival is held at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville, and benefits Hospice of the Chesapeake and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Tickets are $20. Visit Annapolisirishfestival.com or call 410-980-7971 for more information.
TASTE OF CAMBRIDGE CRAB COOK-OFF
One of the most delicious days of the year—and the biggest event in downtown Cam idge—the Taste of Cam idge Crab Cook-Off will take place Saturday, July 13th. The free street festival, situated on Race and Poplar streets, features fun for the whole family, with music, kids' activities, souvenirs, gallery openings, late shopping, and more, all from 5 to 10 p.m. Note: while the festival is free, $25 tickets are required to taste the crab cook-off. Visit Cam idgemainstreet.com or call 443-477-0843 to reserve tickets and get the full schedule of events.
9TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR—EASTON! COMPETITION & ARTS FESTIVAL
On July 15th, Easton will kick off one of its main event attractions, and the nation's premier plein air festival, the 9th Annual Plein Air—Easton! Competition & Arts Festival. This nationally renowned, weeklong artfest produces some of the best representational artwork in the nation. Most events are free. For a full schedule, visit Pleinaireaston.com or call 410-822-7297.
CHINCOTEAGUE WILD PONY SWIM
Looked forward to annually since its start in 1925, the Chincoteague Wild Pony Swim will take place Wednesday, July 24th. The exact time will be announced Tuesday, the 23rd, subject to tidal conditions. For more information, visit Assateagueisland.com/ponyswim.
[TITLE OF THE SHOW] AT ANNAPOLIS SUMMER GARDEN THEATRE
[title of the show]—the actual name of the second ASGT production of the summer—is on stage now through July 20th. Called “a love letter to the musical theater,” the story line is themed around two aspiring writers who set out to write an original show for a new musical theatre festival just three weeks away. [title of the show] was nominated for the Best Book of a Musical at the 2009 Tony Awards, and is being directed by Rachael Murray, in her directing debut with ASGT. For tickets and show times, visit Summergarden.com.
MLL CHAMPION BAYHAWKS CLOSE OUT REGULAR SEASON
The 2012 Major League Lacrosse Champion Chesapeake Bayhawks will play three games in July and August at Navy- Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Boston Cannons will come to town July 18th, looking to avenge last years' Championship Semi-Finals loss to the Bayhawks. The Bayhawks play host to the Rochester Rattlers August 3rd, and end their regular season against the Charlotte Hounds August 10th. Visit Thebayhawks.com for more information or call 866-994-2957.
August
O.A.R. COMES TO MERRIWEATHER
The band that got their beginnings in high school—in the basement of drummer Chris Culos' house in Rockville— will return home to Maryland on Thursday, Aug. 1st, for a show at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia on their The Sounds of Summer Tour. Doors open at 5 p.m. Visit Merriweathermusic.com for information.
MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
The Maryland RennFest is back in action beginning Aug. 24th at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville. Saturdays and Sundays through September, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., get your pageantry on with costume rentals, artisans of all kinds, and live music and entertainment. For a full schedule and list of themed weekends, visit Rennfest.com or call 410-573-1508.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS AND BALTIMORE ORIOLES ENJOY RIVALRY MONTHS AT HOME
The NL East Champion Washington Nationals will face a tough six-game stretch in August (5th to 11th), when they host Jason Heyward, the Upton others, and the rest of the Atlanta Braves, followed up by Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, Ryan Howard, and the rest of the Philadelphia Phillies for three games apiece. Visit Washington.nationals.mlb.com or call 202-675-6287 for more information. The Baltimore Orioles host the New York Yankees heavyweights of Alex Rodriguez, Ichiro Suzuki, and Robinson Cano from Sept. 9th to 12th. The orange and black end their regular season against David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, and the rest of the Boston Red Sox Sept. 27th to 29th. Stop by Baltimore.orioles.mlb.com or call 888-848-2473 for more information.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND JAY-Z COME TO BALTIMORE
On their ultra-exclusive, 12-stop Legends of the Summer Tour, Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z visit M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore Thursday, Aug. 8th. With more than 23 Grammy Awards, 67 million albums sold, and two Emmys combined, they make a duo that shouldn't be missed.
2ND ANNUAL KEGS AND CORKS BEER AND WINE FESTIVAL
The 2nd Annual Kegs and Corks Beer and Wine Festival invites you to taste craft beers and micro ews, international wines, and local favorites from 12 to 8 p.m. Aug. 24th at Anne Arundel Fairgrounds in Crownsville. Food vendors will be on site with oysters, crab cakes, and more, making it a must-attend festival for foodies and beer and wine connoisseurs alike. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate, with various discounts available. Visit Kegsandcorksfest.com or call 410-739-6943.
THE MONTY ALEXANDER JAZZ FESTIVAL
Jazz lovers unite! The Monty Alexander Jazz Festival and Chesapeake Chamber Music invite you to cele ate Grammy-nominated jazz legend Monty Alexander as he headlines this annual Jazz Festival in historic Easton on Aug. 30th. Don't miss out—visit Chesapeakechambermusic. com or call 410-819-0380 for tickets and a full schedule of events.
10TH ANNUAL 12 OUNCE REGATTA
On Aug. 17th, the Eastport Democratic Club in Annapolis will host the 10th Annual 12 Ounce Regatta. The event is open to the public and fun for competitors and spectators alike. Skippers exercise ingenuity to create model sailing vessels from common household items and at least one empty beer can (soda can for kids class). All proceeds benefit Annapolis Community Boating. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. and conclude at 7 p.m. Visit Chesapeakeoutdoor.org or call 410-533-1542 for more information.
September
THE 46TH ANNUAL MARYLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Seafood foodies, gather ‘round! The 46th Annual Maryland Seafood Festival is set to take place Sept. 7th, and there is plenty to look forward to. A family event with ongoing live entertainment, kids beach activities, and arts and crafts, the two-day festival also includes a crab soup cook-off, chef demonstrations, craft beer tasting, and more—all conveniently located at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Visit Mdseafoodfestival.com or call 410-353-9237 for more information.
CHESAPEAKE FILM FESTIVAL
From Sept. 20th through 22nd, movie lovers can unite throughout Easton to enjoy three fun-filled days of the fi nest in narrative, documentary, and short film at the Chesapeake Film Festival. The films are oadly focused to illuminate both the diversity and the universality of the human condition. Call 410-822-3500 or visit Chesapeakefilmfestival.com for more information.
7TH ANNUAL SUMMER SENDOFF: BLUES, BREWS, AND BBQ
Send summer off in style—and for free—with food, ews, live music, entertainment, and sidewalk sales at the 7th Annual Summer Sendoff: Blues, Brews, and BBQ on Sept. 14th in Cam idge. Catch the Main Street Mile, in which teams of local businesses and organizations relay race. The event will take place from 4 to 10 p.m at Race and Gay streets in Cam idge. Visit Cam idgemainstreet.org for more information.
7TH ANNUAL ST. MICHAELS CONCOURS D' ELEGANCE
For a weekend of entertainment like no other, head to the 7th Annual St. Michaels Concours d' Elegance on Sept. 27th through 29th. This year's event will feature coach-built and other significant award-winning motorcars from the Golden Age of Motoring, as well as a unique collection of automobiles from the post-war sports and racing era from 1948 through 1963, and more. General admission tickets are $35, and VIP tickets are available for $100. Visit Smcde.org for more information, including a full schedule of events.
TASTE OF THE SASSAFRAS
Taste of the Sassafras, on Sept. 13th, features food from area restaurants and caterers, beer and wine samplings, live entertainment by the Kristen Thein Band, a cash bar, and a raffle. Tickets are $45 per couple or $25 for a single ticket, and the event will take place at the Kitty Knight House Inn & Restaurant in Georgetown. Visit Srbcinc.org for more information.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FAIR
The Fair is back in town! From Wednesday, Sept. 11th, through Sunday, Sept. 15th, head on over to Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds to cele ate 60 years of fair fun! Chock full of activities for the whole family, the county fair includes contests, rides, games, exhibits, vendors galore, the Poultry Princess and Arundel Idol competitions, and so much more. Visit Aacountryfair.org for more information and a full schedule of events.
9TH ANNUAL BOATYARD BEACH BASH
On Sept. 21st, the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Boatyard Bar & Grill present the 9th Annual Boatyard Beach Bash. Enjoy live music by Coral Reefer steel guitar great Doyle Grisham, along with the John Frinzi Band from Florida, Jim Morris, Peter Mayer, and Scott Kirby from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Annapolis. For tickets and more information, visit Amaritime.org or call 410-295-0104.
2013 NATIONAL CONTINENTAL CONGRESS FESTIVAL
Held at the Masonic Lodge, the Second National Continental Congress Festival, “Prelude to Philadelphia: The 1786 Annapolis National Convention,” explores the importance the city of Annapolis played as a idge between the end of the Revolutionary War and the Constitutional Convention. There will be panels with politicians, local professors and historians discussing the challenges that exist on the local, national and worldwide level. This free event runs from September 11th- 14th. Check out Annapolisccs.org/festival or call for more details.
TASTE OF THE CHESAPEAKE GALA
On Thursday, September 9th, enjoy local music, food, and drinks as this special event showcasing important Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay projects and programs that play a vital role in engaging communities, creating environmental stewards, and healing the Bay waterways. At Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis. Tickets available at Allianceforthebay.org or by calling 443-949-0575.
October
TILGHMAN DAY
On Oct. 19th, cele ate Tilghman Island at Tilghman Day, the highlights of which include a rowboat race, boat docking contest, workboat race, crab picking, and oyster shucking contests, a live auction, and a trophy presentation. Fun for the whole family, proceeds from the event benefit the Tilghman Volunteer Fire Company, and activities take place throughout the Island. Visit Tilghmanmd.com for more information.
15TH ANNUAL ROCK HALL FALLFEST
Rock Hall hosts its 15th Annual FallFest Oct. 12th, cele ating Rock Hall heritage by paying homage to the oyster. Rock Hall Fallfest, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street, is a fun family festival with a kids court, craft booths, and live music. Visit Mainstreetrockhall.org for more information.
ANNAPOLIS SAILBOAT & POWERBOAT SHOWS
The United States Powerboat Show (October 3-6) and the United States Sailboat Show (October 10- 14) are two of the premier events Annapolis has to offer. Both shows have operated for over 40 years and will ing in about 90,000 visitors. Visitors will not only see the top boats in the country, there will also be a wide selection of marine equipment, electronics, gear and much more. Visit Usboat.com or call 410-268-8828 for more details.
NAVY VS. AIR FORCE FOOTBALL
It's no Army vs. Navy, but the Navy- Air Force matchup on Saturday, Oct. 5th, will fulfill the military football appetite for those not willing to drive two hours to Philadelphia in mid-December. The defending Commander in Chief's Trophy winners will take on the Air Force Falcons at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at 11:30 a.m. on the 5th. Visit Navysports.com for more information.
TASTE OF KENT NARROWS
Taste of Kent Narrows, benefiting the Kent Narrows Development Foundation, is a family friendly event that features samples from area restaurants, live entertainment, wine tasting, arts and craft vendors, children's activities, and more. The event will be held from 12 to 5 p.m. Oct. 12th at the Chesapeake Exploration Center in Chester. For tickets and other information, visit Marylandtasteofkentnarrows.org or call 410-739-6943.
November
WATERFOWL FESTIVAL
On Friday, Nov. 8th through Sunday, Nov. 10th, Waterfowl Festival in historic Easton will feature nature and wildlife paintings, sculpture, carvings, duck stamps, photography, books, antique decoys, and more to benefit waterfowl and wildlife habitat preservation, conservation, and education projects. For more information, visit Waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567.
SULTANA PROJECTS DOWNRIGGING WEEKEND
In its 13th year, the Sultana Projects Downrigging Weekend, held in Chestertown Nov. 1st through 3rd, is one of the largest Tall Ship and wooden boat festivals on the East Coast, packed with: watercraft, live musical performances, lectures by nationally recognized authors and filmmakers, and opportunities to sail with the Tall Ships. For more information, visit Sultanaprojects.org.
RAVENS AND STEELERS BATTLE ON TURKEY DAY
Enjoy a feast of a football game when Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, and the new-look defending Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens take on their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers Thanksgiving night (Nov. 28th, 8:30 p.m.) at M&T Bank Stadium. Visit Baltmoreravens.com or call 410-261-7283 for more information on what is sure to be an entertaining game.
HISTORIC ANNAPOLIS' “ANNAPOLIS BY CANDLELIGHT”
Tour some of the state capital's fi nest architecture along Duke of Gloucester, Conduit, Market, and Acton Place with a crisp candlelight tour, running Nov. 1st and 2nd from 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for members and volunteers, and $35 after Oct. 28th. Visit Annapolis.org or call 410-267-7619 for more details.
OYSTERFEST
Pack up the kids, and the dog, and head on over to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels Nov. 2nd to enjoy live music, food, activities, boat rides, chef demonstrations, and an oyster stew competition. While you're there, check out the recently restored skipjack Rosie Parks. Fun for the whole family, Oysterfest runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15/adults; $12/seniors; and $6/kids 6 to 17. Visit CBMM.org for more information.
December
CHRISTMAS ON THE CREEK
Venture to Oxford Dec. 6th through 8th to enjoy Christmas on the Creek, featuring the Lighting of the Dock Trees, Santa, wreath workshops, caroling, book signings, holiday bazaars, inn and restaurant specials, holiday teas, and more, sprinkled all over town. For a complete listing of events, visit Tourtablot.org or email Christmasonthecreek@yahoo.com.
CHRISTMAS IN ST. MICHAELS
Beginning Dec. 13th, Christmas in St. Michaels offers both ticketed and free events—including a tour of homes, holiday gala, eakfast with santa, and the largest holiday parade on the Eastern Shore. The event benefi ts local nonprofits. Held through Dec. 15th in St. Michaels. For more information, visit Christmasinstmichaels.org.
FIRST NIGHT TALBOT 2014
On Dec. 31st beginning at 6 p.m., gather in Easton to ring in the New Year! Entertainment will fill the downtown area, including plenty of family friendly fun and activities. Visit Easternshore.com/firstnighttalbot for more information.
REDSKINS FACE OFF AGAINST COWBOYS
Last season was a delight for any Redskins fan, especially when their two games against the Dallas Cowboys are taken into consideration. The first featured Washington's first Thanksgiving Day win in Dallas, and the second was the season finale that clinched the Redskins' first NFC East title since 1999. This season, the Redskins and Cowboys face off at FedEx Field in Week 16 on Dec. 22nd at 1 p.m. Visit Redskins.com or call 301-276-6050 for more details.
