A list of our favorite events around Annapolis, Eastern Shore and beyond for the month of February. Event dates may be subject to change.
Momentum: A Mixed Bill
Ballet Theatre of Maryland is springing forward with “Momentum: A Mixed Bill” at Maryland Hall in Annapolis on February 23rd and 24th. This show will have world-premiering works by choreographers near and far, in the exploration of everything that classical and contemporary ballet have to offer. Reserve tickets at balletmaryland.org.
Revisit/Reimagine
This year, with Black History Month coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act being signed into law, the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis will launch the year-long special exhibition REVISIT/REIMAGINE: The Civil Rights Era in Maryland and Parallels of Today. The exhibition features historical photographs from the Afro Newspaper archive that chronicle the African American experience, civil rights leaders, and activities in Maryland. Artwork from Maryland Black artists are included to interpret the themes of the photographs. An opening reception will be held February 24th, from 12 to 4 p.m. Visit bdmuseum.maryland.gov for more information. Photo of Thurgood Marshall courtesy AFRO Charities and Banneker-Douglass Museum.
Live Arts Maryland POPS Gala
Enjoy an evening with Paul Shaffer (pictured) as he shares symphonic renditions of his favorite pop, R&B, and jazz tunes at Live Arts Maryland POPS Gala. The event is on February 17th at Maryland Hall in Annapolis. Shaffer, David Letterman’s longtime musical director, will take you on a fascinating journey with his stories and anecdotes. Conducted by J. Ernest Green, the show will feature special guest vocalists joining the stage. Find more information at marylandhall.org.
Photo by Stephen Buchanan
Annapolis Restaurant Week
The 15th anniversary of Downtown Annapolis Partnership’s Annapolis Restaurant Week will be February 24th through March 3rd. Participating restaurants will offer prix fixe menus for you to enjoy: two-course breakfasts, lunches, and three-course dinners. Many restaurants will have wine-lovers’ specials, and so much more. Support your local businesses and see live music all week. Visit downtownannapolispartnership.org for a full list of participating restaurants, music schedules, and more.
The Home Owners Expo
Your local everything-home expo will be held at the Byzantium Event Center in Annapolis on February 24th and 25th. Local and regional contractors and service companies will be on hand to help you imagine and start planning your dream home. Find inspiration and participate in educational seminars with local and national home experts, including renowned author and plant expert Hilton Carter (pictured). Find more information at thehomeownersexpo.com.
Photo courtesy Special Olympics MD
Maryland Polar Bear Plunge
This chilly winter tradition continues on February 3rd at Sandy Point State Park to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland and unified teammates. Jump into the ice-cold Chesapeake Bay for a great cause at the 28th Annual Polar Bear Plunge. The week’s festivities and plunges will end with the large Maryland Plunge on February 3rd, which follows the Cool Schools plunge on February 1st and the Police and Corporate plunges on February 2nd. Donate or learn how to plunge at plungemd.com.
Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero
Discover your hero within at Disney on Ice this February! On February 8th through 11th, see Elsa and Olaf, Moana and Maui, and more of your favorite Disney characters take the ice at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. Disney stories will come to life through world-class ice skating. Find show times, character experience times, and buy tickets at cfgbankarena.com.
Photo by Tony Lewis, Jr.
Naptown Brass Band’s Mardi Gras Celebration
Naptown Brass Band is taking the stage at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis with their Mardi Gras Celebration on February 13th. The Naptown Brass Band is a New Orleans style street band that is taking Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., by storm. Naptown Brass Band blasts out high energy grooves for dancing in the street or wherever they are performing. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets and fine more information at ramsheadonstage.com.
Timonium International Motorcycle Show
From February 9th through 11th, the Timonium International Motorcycle Show will be held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. The country’s most complete motorsports show will feature hundreds of bikes, on and offroad motorcycles and ATVs, flat truck point series races, beer, music, stunts, and so much more. Find more information, visit motorcycleswapmeets.com/timonium-international-motorcycle-show.
Hansel and Gretel
What will happen when two hungry children lost in the woods stumble upon a house made of gingerbread? Come find out on February 10th at 11 a.m. when Annapolis Opera puts a sweet twist on this beloved fairytale at Maryland Hall. Enter an enchanted forest where fairies and angels appear, and a delicious candy-adorned house is just what two children dream of. Tickets available for Hansel and Gretel at annapolisopera.org.
Mother/Son & Daddy/Daughter Valentine Ice Skate
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about love for a significant other, but also love for our children. On February 7th and 8th, Talbot County Community Center will host Valentine Ice Skating with refreshments, party music, door prizes, and a complimentary photo shoot. Find more information at talbotparks.org.
High Voltage AC/DC Tribute Band
High Voltage is an upbeat five-piece veteran musician rock band that performs many of the classic AC/DC hits. They perform on February 3rd at the Avalon Theatre in Easton. The show starts at 7 p.m. Get your tickets at avalonfoundation.org.
Eastern Shore Outdoor Show
The Eastern Shore Outdoor Show will be coming to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury on February 9th from 4 to 9 p.m. and on February 10th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will have vendors and entertainment for all ages throughout the weekend. Explore hunting, fishing, shooting, archery, boats, RVs, outfitters, demonstrations, seminars, and more to improve your knowledge of the hobbies you love! Find more information at easternshoreoutdoorshow.com.
OC Seaside Boat Show
The 41st Annual OC Seaside Boat Show will be at the Ocean City Convention Center on February 16th through 18th. The show will have 350 boats, including cruisers, sport fishing boats, performance boats, and more than 140 exhibitors, including firearms trainers, pro fishing shops, marinas, insurance, fishing gear, cleaning systems, and more. For more information, visit ocboatshow.com.
Stews + Brews
Sponsored by Friends of the Easton VFD, the 4th Annual Stews & Brews at Easton Volunteer Fire Department will be held February 17th from 12 to 4 p.m. The day will have stew samples, beer and wine tastings, small bites, vendors, and more. There will be 30-plus craft brewers, wineries, and distillers for festival goers to enjoy. For tickets, search “2024 Stews & Brews” on eventbrite.com.
Frederick Douglass’ Birthday Celebration
February is Black History Month and the birth month of famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass. His Eastern Shore descendants are planning the 206th Birthday Celebration at Avalon Theatre in Easton on February 17th at 3 p.m. To honor Douglass’ life and legacy, the Bailey-Groce Family Foundation is hosting a day of live performances, music, and art. To kick off the day, actor Phil Darius Wallace will come to the stage to perform his original one-man play, Frederick Douglass: Lion of Thunder. Find more information at avalonfoundation.org.
Photo by Michael Roe
Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival
The most anticipated festival on the shore will be in Downtown Easton this President’s Day weekend. On February 16th and 17th, see dozens of ice sculptures spread throughout the historic district. The Friday night block party will have free live music and fire performances, outdoor ice skating, and the unveiling of the weekend’s ice sculptures with a self-guided tour and light display. The weekend will feature live ice carving demos, family fun activities, seasonal shopping, and more. Find more information at discovereaston.com.