A list of our favorite events around Annapolis, Eastern Shore and beyond for the month of March. Event dates may be subject to change.
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Photo by Corrigan Sports Enterprise
Annapolis Running Festival
The Annapolis Running Festival will take place in our capital city on March 9th, starting at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The fair, yet challenging, race will end with medals and a fun post-race party. There will be a half-marathon, 10K, and 5K available and the event will raise money for the Annapolis Police Foundation. Find more information and sign up at annapolisrunfest.com.
Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning
Celebrate the spring equinox and the beginning of boating season with one of the most unique traditions in Annapolis. On March 23rd, from 12 to 4 p.m., Annapolis Maritime Museum is hosting the Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning at its Annapolis campus. Burn those nasty winter socks in a tradition that dates back to the late 1970s. The event will include live music, all-you-can-eat oysters, a shucking contest, and more all to benefit the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s award-winning education programs. Attendees can savor the best oyster dishes from renowned Annapolis restaurants through the exclusive “People’s Choice” ticket. The gathering radiates community spirit, bringing together locals and visitors to revel in the vibrant atmosphere of the changing season. Find more information and get tickets at amaritime.org.
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Annapolis Restaurant Week
Kick off March at local restaurants throughout the area during the annual celebratory week of dining specials and prix fixe meals. Participating restaurants will offer menus for you to enjoy with friends and family through March 3rd. Depending on the restaurant, there will be wine lovers’ specials, lunch selections, dinner specials, and so much more. Find a full list of participating restaurants to enjoy as a part of Restaurant Week at downtownannapolispartnership.org.
Shamrock the Dock
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to have a two-day music and cultural arts festival in Annapolis. On March 16th and 17th, visit City Dock to enjoy a wide range of activities for all ages. Enjoy live performances by local bands playing traditional Irish tunes to dancing performances by Irish dance groups. Even try playing traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle or bodhran yourself! This lively event brings together the community for festivities and fun, all centered around the iconic symbol of Ireland, the shamrock. Find more information and get tickets at stpatricksweekend.com.
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Annapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Annapolis’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be at 1 p.m. on March 17th. The parade will feature a vibrant display of Irish music, dance, and traditional costumes. Bagpipers, marching bands, and Irish dance troupes fill the streets with lively performances, creating a festive atmosphere. The parade route runs through the historic downtown area, showcasing the city’s charming architecture and vibrant community spirit. Wear green so you don’t get pinched and celebrate the holiday in the neighborhood! Local organizations, businesses, and community groups come together to showcase their Irish pride and heritage. It is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the state, drawing thousands of spectators each year. Find more information at stpatricksweekend.com.
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Photo by Maximillian Franz
Maryland Day Celebration
Mark your calendars to celebrate all things Maryland! Beginning March 23rd and continuing through the weekend, immerse yourself in the wonder of the Old Line State throughout Annapolis in celebration of Maryland Day. Explore Historic Annapolis properties, including the William Paca House and Garden, Hogshead, the Waterfront Warehouse, and discover the diverse history of our capital city at the Museum of Historic Annapolis. Find more information at annapolis.org.
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Annapolis Junior Rowing’s One G-OAR-Geous Evening
On Saturday, March 2nd, join Annapolis Junior Rowing at Annapolis Maritime Museum for an evening of food, libations, and fun to support the local nonprofit. The event promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, laughter, and great company as well as a silent auction, and live music by Sly 45. AJR gives 7th through 12th graders access to a sport that teaches lifelong skills such as confidence, teamwork, and leadership while rowing out of Camp Woodlands in Annapolis. Find more information and get tickets at eventbrite.com.
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Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20th through April 14th along the tidal basin and National Mall in Washington, D.C. The festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to our nation. This festival, like the trees, celebrate the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. During these four weeks, enjoy the natural beauty of spring and enjoy the Blossom Kite Festival, Opening Ceremony, a parade, and much more. Find more information and full details about individual events at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
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Maryland Home and Garden Craft Show
Inspiration for spring cleaning, home renovations, outdoor living, and easy entertaining begin at the Spring Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show, March 2nd to 3rd and 8th through 10th at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. More than 400 exhibitors will offer tips and products for any home project. Ten professionally-designed “Baltimore Backyard Parties” gardens overflow with lush plantings and dramatic water features. More than 150 crafters feature one-of-a-kind creations for Spring gifting and personal enjoyment. The Maryland Orchid Society annual show highlights spectacular flowers (3/8–10). Special presenters include Kevin O’Connor, the host of PBS’ This Old House (3/2–3) and Netflix’s Hack My House host Ati Williams (3/8–9). Find more information and a full list of exhibitors at mdhomeandgarden.com.
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Photo by The Five Arrows Media
Casey Cares Gala
The Casey Cares Totally ’80s Gala is not just an opportunity to relive the past—it’s a chance to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. On March 9th, Casey Cares Foundation will have their annual gala at American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s programs and activities that serve critically ill children and their families. Guests will enjoy premium open bar, cocktail hour, seated dinner, live music, silent and live auctions, and more! Find more information at caseycares.org.
Peep Diorama Contest
Check out the first Peep Diorama Contest at Marley Station Mall, with displays from March 22nd through March 24th! One can find handmade crafts, a mall wide scavenger hunt for Bunnies, and the Peep Diorama Contest. Dioramas will be created by families, kids, teens, groups, and businesses. The festival promotes a sense of unity and raises funds for one local individual each year through an auction, gift shop, and people’s choice vote. For more details check out the founding organization at gbgingerbreadfestival.com.
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Photo by Maximillian Franz
American Craft Made Baltimore Marketplace 2024
The American Craft Made Baltimore Marketplace returns to the Baltimore Convention Center on March 15th through 17th. Immerse yourself in the world of craft and hands-on activities to celebrate all things handmade. The marketplace brings together more than 350 artists from across the country to help you find your next handmade treasure. Attendees will enjoy meeting the creators of some of their favorite pieces while exploring various mediums such as ceramics, glass, jewelry, clothing, furniture, basketry, and more. Find more information and get tickets at craftcouncil.org.
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Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show
The 56th Annual Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show will be at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds on March 16th and 17th. The show will feature dealers from around the country with fossils, jewelry, beads, minerals, shells, slabs, books, equipment, carvings, and so much more. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Find more information at glmsmc.com.
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade
On March 17th, head to the charming downtown of Easton for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade followed by the crowd favorite, St. Patrick’s Day Potato Race. The potato race is a relay in which racers carry hard potatoes on wooden spoons to the finish line! The fun tradition brings the town together each year. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Find more information at discovereaston.com.
The Urban Oyster: Building an Open-Minded Approach to Oysters
Gather at Van Lennep Auditorium at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on March 26th at 5:30 p.m. for “The Urban Oyster: Building an Open-Minded Approach to Oysters” lecture. Baltimore-based Chef Jasmine Norton (The Urban Oyster/The Urban Burger) turned her love of seafood into a culinary movement focused on making a regional staple food accessible to new audiences. Norton’s menu features chargrilled and fried oysters in creative combinations. During this lecture, Chef Norton will share her innovative culinary perspective on building new audiences for an essential Chesapeake food tradition. Find more information at cbmm.org.
St. Michaels Chocolate Festival
The 6th Annual St. Michaels ChocolateFest will be held March 2nd and will feature local chefs/restaurants creating amazing, delectable chocolate-inspired dishes and desserts. The Chocolate Crawl will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until sold out throughout the Town of St. Michaels at participating businesses and restaurants. Chocolate lovers will enjoy shopping throughout town and sampling amazing artisan chocolates, desserts, wine, beer, and spirits. More details at stmichaelsmd.org/chocolatefest.
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Chesapeake Music Interlude Concert: ensemble 132
An American collective of soloists and chamber musicians of the highest caliber, ensemble 132 reimagines the chamber music landscape. On March 10th, ensemble 132 will perform at The Ebenezer Theater in Easton. The group consists of violist Luther Warren, pianist Sahun Hong, cellist Zackary Mowitz, violinist Abi Fayette, and violinist Stephanie Zyak creating and premiering new standards in the chamber music repertoire with its artist-crafted arrangements. Find more information at pragerarts.com.
Chefs for Habitat Gala
The 13th Annual Chefs for Habitat Gourmet Gala is set for March 2nd at 7 p.m. at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury. This year’s gala is a Mardi Gras Masquerade themed celebration, fundraising for Habitat for Humanity. Twenty-two chefs from local restaurants and catering companies will cook incredible small dishes for the gala guests. The night will have musical entertainment by Lou Wright, dancing, a silent auction, and a celebrity fundraiser competition. All proceeds will go towards the mission of ensuring everyone has access to safe, decent, affordable homes. Find more information at chefsforhabitat.org.
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Annual Easter Egg Hunt
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Talbot County Courthouse grounds will be held March 31st. Thousands of eggs will be spread across the grounds for kids to collect. The family event will have free face painting and an appearance by the Easter Bunny himself on a fire truck at 10 a.m. The egg hunt will start at 10:15 a.m. for infants through age 4, and 10:30 a.m. for ages 5 through 10. Find more information at discovereaston.com/easter.