A list of our favorite events around Annapolis, Eastern Shore and beyond for the month of February. Event dates may be subject to change.
The Home Owners Expo
The Home Owners Expo will be in Annapolis at the Byzantium Event Center on February 25th and 26th. This home show offers a wide variety of exhibitors for all areas of the house. This is your one stop to get ideas to remodel your kitchens, baths, exterior, flooring, heating and air, blinds and window treatments, lawn and landscape, and more. Plus meet special guest Matt Blashsaw, pictured, of HGTV (Yard Crashers, Build It Forward), who’ll present at the event. Learn more at thehomeownersexpo.com.
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Performs Beethoven
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks series continues this February with Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto. The performances will be held on February 3rd and 4th at 8 p.m. at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, as well as on February 5th at 3 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. The show will be a powerful evening of music that speaks of war and peace, slavery and freedom, and courage and heroism. Get tickets today at annapolissymphony.org.
Polar Bear Plunge
The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge & Plungefest will be February 2nd through 4th beginning at 9 a.m. each day. Held at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, the event raises money for Special Olympics Maryland. Just as last year, plungers will have the option to plunge virtually or in-person this year. Bear the cold and join the fun, with live music, entertainment, and the big plunges into the Chesapeake Bay. Register for the 27th Annual Plunge at plungemd.com.
SOUPer Bowl Lunch for the Light House
The 17th Annual SOUPer Bowl Lunch for the Light House will be in-person for the first time in two years! The much-anticipated event will be February 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church in Annapolis. Representatives from the Light House Best Culinary Arts job training program will ladle soups prepared by locally renowned Chef Zachary Pope. Since 2007, this has been a treasured tradition to raise money for the Light House Homeless Prevention Center in Annapolis. Admission is free, but donations are requested to benefit the Light House and can be made online at heritageloves.com/onlinegiving and selecting “SOUPer Bowl” when prompted.
Peter and the Starcatcher
The Children’s Theatre of Annapolis will be performing Peter and the Starcatcher this February. Performances will be held at: 7 p.m. on Fridays (February 3, 10, and 17); 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays (February 4, 11, and 18); and at 2 p.m. on Sundays (February 5, 12, and 19). Peter and the Starcatcher tells the story of how an orphan comes to be “The Boy Who Would Never Grow Up,” or who we know as Peter Pan. Be sure to get your tickets now at childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Annapolis Restaurant Week
Gather your family and friends for some great food in Annapolis. February 25th through March 5th is Annapolis Restaurant Week. More than 40 participating restaurants will offer specials, pre-fixe menus, two-course breakfast, lunch, or three-course dinners. Select locations will also offer carry-out deals. Treat yourself and support your community. Find more information and participating restaurants at downtownannapolispartnership.org.
Navy Men’s Lacrosse Home Opener Weekend
Lacrosse season is back, and the Naval Academy is hosting two games in one weekend to kick off the 2023 season. Their true home opener will be on February 3rd at 5 p.m. against Mount St. Mary’s. Friday night’s game will be followed by a 12 p.m. game on Sunday, February 5th against Queens University of Charlotte. Also keep an eye out for the women’s team who has their home opener on March 3rd. Get your head in the game and tickets online at navysports.com.
“Wonderland of Art” Exhibition
Over 20 gallery artists have submitted a wide variety of mediums to enlighten winter with a “Wonderland of Art” show. This exhibition continues through February 26th at Artists’ Gallery in Ellicott City and features many pieces of original artwork by the gallery’s member artists. The gallery reception will be held on February 12th from 2 to 5 p.m. Pictured: Karen Wallace’s Vanilla Mint Wonderland Bowl. Find more information online, as well as pieces for sale at artistsgalleryec.com.
Birdland Caravan
Baseball season is coming up and Orioles players are travelling the region, making special appearances February 2nd through 5th. They’ll be at Bowie State University’s Student Center on February 4th to sign autographs. Buy tickets online for autograph sessions with various players including Ramón Urías, Heston Kjerstad, Adley Rutschman, and Terrin Vavra. Bring a jersey, photo, bat, or card to get signed. Find more information about all the events and appearances at mlb.com/orioles/fans/caravan.
Adventure Awaits Camp Fair
Stop by Severna Park High School on February 4th from 10 a.m. to noon for a camp fair, showcasing all that Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks has to offer this summer. There will be representatives from many camps, including the Summer Fun Centers, day camps, adaptive camps, specialty camps, dance, adult programs, and more. Registration will open at midnight on February 4th for families to login and register! Find more information at aacounty.org.
2023 Teen Writing Contest
The Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore invites high school students between the ages of 14 and 19 to participate in a writing contest. The last day to submit your piece is February 14th. To enter, write an essay or poem about a time when you experienced kindness and the impact it had on you. These submissions of 1,000 words or less must be an original piece and submitted either online or by dropping a printed copy off to any Pratt Library location. Prizes awarded to first-, second-, third-places, and honorable mention. Find more information at prattlibrary.org.
Sweetheart Family Dance
Howard County Recreation & Parks is hosting a Sweetheart Family Dance for a parent (or special adult) and their little sweetheart (ages 4–11). Enjoy dancing with a DJ, light refreshments, crafts, a souvenir photo, and more. The dance will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on February 25th at the Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City. Find more information and buy tickets at horwardcountymd.gov or by emailing Danielle Bassett at dbassett@howardcountymd.gov.
Boyz II Men
Iconic R&B/pop group, Boyz II Men, continues to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across all generations. The band has penned and performed some of the most celebrated classics of the past three decades. The group performs at The Theater at MGM National Harbor on February 19th at 8 p.m. For details and ticket information, visit mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.
Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival
The two-day, spectacular, family-friendly, ice carving festival is back on February 17th and 18th throughout Downtown Easton. The festival features larger-than-life sculptures made of solid ice, music, and a free outdoor skating rink. Many restaurants are also getting involved with tastings. There will also be children’s activities and live ice carving demonstrations. The festival will be open 5–9 p.m. on Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday. New this year is a Fire Trail map, featuring tasting spots for festival-themed food and spirits, as well as a Snow Trail treasure hunt. Find more information at discovereaston.com/fireandice.
From the Ground Up: An Archaeologist’s Perspective on Native Chesapeake Foods
Join local archaeologist and food historian Henry Ward for a culinary exploration of recipes that celebrate indigenous foods and native cuisine of the Chesapeake Bay region. This speaker series event will be held February 1st at 3 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. Ward will share his unique perspective on this cuisine and how his archaeological investigation inspired the development and preparation of these recipes. Find more information and register for this event at cbmm.org.
OC Seaside Boat Show
The OC Seaside Boat Show is returning for its 40th annual show. The weekend show will be held February 17th through 19th at the Ocean City Convention Center starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sunday). You’ll see 350 boats on display, more than 140 exhibitors, bass boats, accessory specials, and so much more. Find more information at ocboatshow.com.
Stews & Brews
Your cure for the winter blues is here. The 3rd Annual Stews & Brews at Easton Volunteer Fire Department will be on February 18th from noon to 4 p.m. Stews & Brews is a can’t-miss beer festival featuring 30-plus craft brewers, wineries, and distillers, as well as unlimited tastings from 10 restaurants and caterers who will be offering samples of their stews. Find more information on Easton Beer Fest’s website, eastonbeerfest.com.
Chesapeake Music Concert
Chesapeake Music presents “Stars of the Next Generation” interlude concert at Ebenezer Theatre in Easton on February 5th at 2 p.m. Violinist Randall Goosby, violist Natalie Loughran, and pianist Zhu Wang will perform varied works, ranging from Mozart’s iconic Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola to Florence Price’s recently rediscovered Two Fantasies for violin and piano. Order your tickets at chesapeakemusic.org.
Mother/Son & Daddy/Daughter Valentine Ice Skating
Tradition continues! Talbot County Community Center will host the annual Mother/Son Valentine Ice Skate (February 6th), as well as the Daddy/Daughter Valentine Ice Skate (February 8th and 9th). All events start at 6 p.m. The tradition will include refreshments, ice games, door prizes, photos, and more. Register at talbotparks.org.
Fall in Love with St. Michaels
Valentine’s Day comes quickly and if you don’t have plans or a gift to give your significant other yet, perhaps plan to Fall in Love with St. Michaels with this promotional getaway. On February 12th through 14th, you can plan a romantic getaway to a bed and breakfast or hotel in St. Michaels. Local boutiques and restaurants will also make your stay memorable. Find more information about promotions and options at tourtalbot.org.
