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Annapolis, MD USA Mar 21, 2015: The dome and pediment of the Maryland State House dominates State Circle, a high point in the colonial town of Annapolis. The building was the nation’s capitol for 11 months in 1783.
Things to do around Annapolis & Anne Arundel County in April
ANNAPOLIS, MD – As the temperatures warm, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) encourages visitors to head outdoors and explore all the region has to offer with a focus on outdoor activities this month. From the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show to National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April is the perfect time to plan an outdoors adventure and get on the water. April also marks the beginning of summer hours for many attractions, the beginning of recreational crab season, and visitors must experience a Wednesday Night Sailboat Race in the Sailing Capital of the World!
April 2-6: Art in Bloom: Spring Art Show and Sale
April 3-13: Cirque de Paris
April 4-6: Fiesta, with Dali String Quartet
April 5: The Annapolis Cup – St. John’s vs. USNA Croquet Match
April 6: USNA Trident Brass Ensemble in the Paca Garden
April 8 & 26: Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime
April 8: Profs & Pints Annapolis - The Shores of Tripoli
April 12: Mutt March
April 12: Revolutionary Walking Tour with Glenn E. Campbell
April 12: Yoga in the Paca Garden
April 12: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festival
April 13: The 37th Annual Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition
April 19: Federal Furniture Demonstration with Bob Van Dyke
April 22: Earth Day
April 25-27: Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
April 26: Aloft and Element Arundel Mills Family Reunion Expo
April 26: Colonial Games Day at Hogshead
April 26: Walk for the Woods
April 27: 80th Annual Four Rivers Garden Club Flower Mart
April 27: Culinary Herb Workshop in Paca Garden
April 27: Naptown Vinyl & Vintage Market
LAST CHANCE: Now is your last chance to see the “Nature’s Readymades” exhibit at the Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Art Museum at St. John’s College, which ends on April 6. In celebration of National Poetry Month (April), the Mitchell Art Museum will host a poetry event on April 4 at 5:30 p.m. featuring Annapolis Poet Laureate Jefferson Holland and selected poets from the “Gongshi Poetry” challenge as part of the special exhibit.
Two Lights for Tomorrow (April 18-19)
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we invite every household, business, and government office in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County to join in a unique celebration of American history: the Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative, commemorating Paul Revere’s famous ride and America’s fight for liberty and independence. This initiative, sweeping across the nation as part of the America 250 celebration, honors the legendary moment when Paul Revere signaled the approach of British troops with lanterns in Boston’s Old North Church. It represents the spirit of unity, vigilance, and the enduring quest for freedom. To participate, we encourage households, businesses, and government offices to display two lights, candles or lanterns in windows on the evening of April 18 to commemorate the historic ride in our nation’s history. We also encourage participants to share on social media with #TwoLightsForTomorrow. Visitors can start planning their America 250 adventure in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County by visiting the following page to see the most current events and happenings: www.visitannapolis.org/america-250-annapolis.
Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (April 25-27)
The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show will take place April 25-27, at the Annapolis City Dock. The internationally acclaimed show displays catamarans, monohulls, racing boats, and inflatables - with more than 100 new and brokerage yachts. Visitors can check out the vessels and spend some time shopping for the latest equipment, including electronics, clothing, and other accessories.
With the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show gliding into town, here are some additional ways visitors and residents can venture out on the water this month:
Annapolis Harbor Cruises (begins April 7)
Darling Charters – Private Sunset Cruise (April 23-28)
Darling Girls Cruises (begins April 11)
Schooner Woodwind (begins April 12)
Sailor’s Delight Cocktail Cruise (April 25)
Cruise to the WineFest in St. Michael’s (April 26)
As the Sailboat Capital of the World, there are many ways visitors and residents can set sail or find a watersport on the Chesapeake all season long. We recommend checking out these local boating, sailing, fishing charters, watersports, and tour options:
Annapolis Electric Boat Rentals
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park - Skipjack Tours
Annapolis Sailing Cruises: Schooner Woodwind
Captain Mike’s Full Moon Adventures
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB)
Cruises on the Bay by Watermark
Down Time Sportfishing Charters
J World Performance Sailing School
Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake
Z Flight Parasail and Watersports
Public Beaches and Parks on the Water
Annapolis Harbormaster (Annapolis City Dock)
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 20-26)
Celebrated annually during the third week of April, National Volunteer Appreciation Week is a special opportunity to thank and recognize the selfless efforts that volunteers commit through time, talent, voice and support not only Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, but to local businesses, cause-driven events, and nonprofit organizations. Every time a guest enters our Visitors Center; they are greeted by one of our many wonderful and informative volunteer specialists. Our hospitable volunteers can also be found at local events, trade shows, VAAAC mobile Visitors Center and the Visitors Center booth at Annapolis City Dock to help direct guests on their next journey in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. We would like to thank all our amazing volunteers for their hard work and dedication to ensuring we are a welcoming destination all year long.
About Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is a nonprofit, partnership-focused destination marketing and management organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming destination and promoting tourism for visitors, partners, and the community. The tourism and hospitality industry in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County significantly impacts Maryland's economy. In 2023, visitor spending injected $4.1 billion into the state economy, attracting more than 6.8 million visitors, and sustaining more than 26,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly), according to the 2023 Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland Report. For more information, please visit www.VAAAC.org.
