A list of our favorite events around Annapolis, Eastern Shore and beyond for the month of July. Event dates may be subject to change.
Chesapeake Bay Paddle
Gear up for the 2023 Chesapeake Bay Paddle on July 22nd. The race will benefit Chesapeake Conservancy’s efforts to designate the Chesapeake Bay as a National Park, WaterKeepers Chesapeake to help keep the waters and rivers of the Bay healthy, and Oyster Recovery Partnership’s work to plant 10 billion oysters in the Bay. The paddle will consist of two races: a 33-mile solo and team race for surfskis, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes from Kent Island to Haven Harbor South in Rock Hall; and a second 12-mile solo race for surfskis, stand up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes. Find more information at visit baypaddle.org.
Photo by Scot Henderson
Annapolis Fourth of July
Take the day to celebrate Independence in Annapolis. On July 4th, the annual parade and fireworks will be taking place Downtown. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. with the best patriotic salute to our nation, including marching bands, fire engines old and new, cars and vans, service clubs, scouts, dancers, and more. The fireworks will start at 8 p.m. and launch from a barge in the Annapolis Harbor. Gather around City Dock, along the Naval Academy Bridge, and any of the street end parks facing Spa Creek for the best view. Find more information at visitannapolis.org and annapolis.gov.
2023 Independence Day Parade—Broad Stripes, Bright Stars, and Big Hearts
Severna Park’s ready for Independence Day! The Broad Stripe, Bright Stars, and Big Hearts parade will be from 10 a.m. to noon on July 4th hosted by Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce. Come see which floats will win best overall, best theme, and most patriotic! Find more information at gspaac.com.
Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
Prince George’s Cultural Arts Foundation’s biggest fundraising event is July 13th through 15th at Lake Arbor Community Center in Mitchellville. Lake Arbor Jazz Festival attracts more than 10,000 jazz lovers from across the region. The festival showcases nationally recognized jazz artists and some of the top jazz and R&B musicians from the greater Washington, D.C., and Baltimore region. Proceeds from the festival support the Prince George’s Cultural Arts Foundation’s Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships for books, tuition, room, and board, to deserving college-bound students seeking to continue their education at a four-year college or university. Find more information at lakearborjazz.com.
Speak Your Truth
The 7th Annual Speak Your Truth will be held on July 8th at ArtFarm in Annapolis. This is an emotional night to speak, listen, and be motivated through words and art. Since 2017, this night has been a way to talk about mental health in a way that is both entertaining and engaging. The evening will feature poetry, visual art, dancing, clothing design, and more. Find more information and get tickets at tylercalabrese.wixsite.com/speakyourtruth.
Photo by Ted Mueller
Plein Air Easton
Get ready for the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the United States. Plein Air Easton will be celebrating its 19th year July 14th through 23rd at throughout town, with culminating events at the Avalon Foundation in Easton. Fifty-eight artists will be juried in the competition. During last year’s Plein Air Easton, the event topped $462,000 raised, with 403 paintings sold during the course of the week. Find more information at pleinaireaston.com.
Big Band Night
In celebration of Independence Day, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels will host Big Band Night on July 1st, inviting guests to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River. The Shades of Blue Orchestra brings its signature sound starting at 7 p.m., and CBMM’s waterfront campus offers a great vantage point to enjoy the St. Michaels fireworks, which will begin at dusk that evening. The rain date for the concert and fireworks is July 2nd. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org.
Howard County Whispering Winds Pow-Wow
The 30th Annual Howard County Whispering Winds Pow-Wow and Show is scheduled for July 15–16 at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Pow-Wow, an American Indian owned and operated company will sponsor the event featuring American Indian dancers, singers, drummers, artists, and craft persons. The event will kick off with a parade of nations at noon and Native American Dancers in regalia will dance and drum throughout the day. For more information call 252-532-0821.
Fabulous Forgeries
“Fabulous Forgeries” opens July 7th at Troika Gallery and features select gallery artists exhibiting “copies” of their favorite Old Master paintings. Dr. Weiss, Past President & CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the judge. This unique and educational show runs concurrent with Plein Air Easton and offers the opportunity to appreciate the historical context and creativity of the masterworks. Photos of the original master painting hang next to the “forgery” as a reference. Awards will be given for Most Believable, Most Creative, People’s Choice, and Judges Choice. For more info visit troikagallery.com.
Heart of the Chesapeake Bike Tour
Join the Robbins Family YMCA’s Heart of the Chesapeake Tour on July 22nd. This 32-mile race will start at the YMCA in Cambridge to Ragged Point and back, all in memory of Bob Brannock, a member of the Y since it opened in 1985. Funds raised will go towards supporting the Robbins Family YMCA to ensure everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Sign up at bikesignup.com.
