Events & Attractions
From croquet matches and craft festivals to sailboat races and anniversary celebrations, Annapolis has something for everyone this spring.
Find an event: March | April | May
MARCH 2010
Grammy-Nominated Trumpeter Christian Scott
Friday, March 26
8:00 p.m.
Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, MD
Admission: $29.50
(410) 268-4545
http://tickets.ramsheadonstage.com
Star trumpeter Christian Scott's performance comes in advance of the release of his highly anticipated, all-new 10-song collection - Yesterday You Said Tomorrow. Scott has received significant accolades; he was quickly tapped as one of the faces to watch by Billboard, received a Grammy nomination and named one of Ebony’s “30 Young Leaders Under 30.” His style, sensibility and musical talent prove his appeal to both the hip-hop community and jazz purists.
Downtown Annapolis March Madness Sidewalk Sale
Friday, March 26 - Sunday, March 28
Participating Businesses in Downtown Annapolis
The Annapolis Business Association kicks off the spring season with its 3rd annual March Madness event, which is quickly becoming an Annapolis tradition. At this all-weekend-long affair, area stores feature sidewalk sales and restaurants offer enticing specials.
Colonial Gaming Night
Saturday, March 27
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
James Brice House, 42 East Street, Annapolis
Admission: $30 / $25 for HAF member. Reservations required.
410-267-8146
www.annapolis.org
Historic Annapolis Foundation invites you to experience a fun-filled evening featuring the games of the 18th century favored by American colonists. In this lively program, guests can snack on a variety of light fare, and sip rum punch and ales as interpreters in historical dress provide instructions for playing popular games of the day. Participants must be at least 21 years old.
APRIL 2010
"Little Rocks" Kids Club
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
10:00 a.m.
Zachary's Jewelers,100 Main Street, Annapolis, MD
Back by popular demand this Spring!! Our "little rocks" kids club will meet every 1st Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m., all are welcome to join us for musical play and story time adventures. And Moms, you deserve a little playtime too - we'll entertain the kids while you play "dress up" with diamonds and jewels!
Zachary's welcomes moms and kids of PMAH in April!
36th Annual Roedown Races
Sunday, April 11
Gates open at 10:00 a.m. / First race at noon
Roedown Farm, 3856 Wayson Road, Davidsonville, MD
Admission: $5 / general parking $20
410-798-5040
www.marlboroughhuntraces.com
The Marlborough Hunt Races at Roedown herald the start of spring in Maryland. The rolling meadows of the historic Anne Arundel County farm provide a stunning backdrop for thoroughbred steeplechase racing and the colorful festivities that attract more than 5,000 spectators, rain or shine.
"Expressions of Love" Contest Announcement Party
Friday, April 16, 2010
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Zachary's Jewelers, 100 Main Street, Annapolis, MD
When you express your love, you really can't lose. In fact, you just might win twice!
Enter Zachary's Jewelers' third annual Expressions of Love contest for a chance to win your share of more than $10,000 in diamond jewelry. Not a writer? No problem! This year we're accepting your expressions of love in whatever form you choose: video, photo, song, or even dance! And, for the first time ever, we've designated a special category for the most popular expression, determined by online vote.
Go to www.zacharysjewelers.com/love/ for contest details and to submit your entry. Contest deadline is April 10, 2010. Winners will be announced at the reception.
Annapolis in Love
Friday, April 16 - Sunday, April 18
Downtown Annapolis
www.annapolisinlove.com
Take a stroll down Lover's Lane and enjoy the romantic city of Annapolis. During this weekend-long celebration, city street names will be changed, and romantic events and specials will be offered by participating hotels, B&B's, restaurants, and merchants. There will be romantic contests that allow you to express your feelings, and have a blast with the one you love. Special events will include concerts, movie marathons and lingerie shows. Come share this adventure with the person you love.
28th Annual St. John’s / USNA Croquet Match
(Tentative April 17, 2010 / Rain date April 18, 2010)
St. John’s College Campus Front Lawn
60 College Avenue, Annapolis
Free
410-626-2539
www.stjohnscollege.edu/events
The “Johnnies” and the “Mids” meet in this annual rite of spring as they vie for the coveted Annapolis Cup. The St. John's - U.S. Naval Academy Croquet Match is one of the most unique sporting events and lawn parties in the region. It is also quite possibly the world's most popular croquet match, rivaling even the Croquet World Championships in its numbers of attendees. Spectators picnic on the lawn, swing dance, dress in Gatsby-like fashions, and listen to great music during this rain or shine event.
Bridal Open House
Saturday, April 17 (Rain Date: April 24)
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Annapolis Carriage "Farmette"
913 Melvin Road, Annapolis
Free
410-349-1660
Come meet the equine family at Annapolis Carriage and gather additional information on all things bridal in Annapolis.
Concerts at City Dock
City Dock, Annapolis, MD
Saturday 4/17
- 12:30-2:00 pm - Melody Page, fabulous local singer
- 2:15-3:45 pm - Jack the Penguin, duo that plays cover songs to originals.
- 4:00-5:30 pm - Petting Hendrix, Classic and Modern Rock Trio
- 5:45-7:00 pm - Alex Gordon, Jazz musician, singer songwriter
Sunday, 41/8
- 12:30-2:00 pm - Michael K, come hear songs from his recently released CD, “Songs from the Heart”
- 2:15-3:45 pm - Ebb & Flo, Singer, songwriting duo that met, courted and married in Downtown Annapolis – come hear how their love translates in original songs!
Spring Craft Festival
Saturday - Sunday, April 24-25
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Saturday) / 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Sunday)
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Hwy, Crownsville, MD
Admission: free
410-923-3400
www.aacountyfair.org
Come check out the hundreds of handmade crafts by area craftsmen and artisans. Bring the entire family and sample great food while browsing the wares. Free admission and free parking! Held rain or shine.
Annapolis “Spring Fling” Festival
Sunday, April 25
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
State Circle and Maryland Ave, Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://www.MarylandAve.com
Experience an old-fashioned street festival with local artists, boutiques, crafts and antiques. Stroll the streets and listen to live music, grab some delicious food and keep the kids entertained all day long. Enjoy FREE parking nearby at Bladen Street Garage on the corner of Calvert and St. John’s Street.
Wednesday Night Sailboat Races
Wednesday evenings, beginning April 28 through September 8
6:05 p.m. first gun
Annapolis Harbor
410-263-9279
www.annapolisyc.com
Grab a dockside seat for midweek sailboat races in the Annapolis Harbor every Wednesday night. Some 150 yachts race around several marks in the Bay then back into Spa Creek for the finish in front of the Annapolis Yacht Club. For many, the post-race party is the official beginning of the weekend.
MAY 2010
May Day
Saturday, May 1
Downtown Annapolis
Downtown Annapolis residents and merchants welcome spring by decorating their doorways with baskets of blooming flowers. Some 20 volunteers from the Garden Club of Old Annapolis-Towne judge the entries and winners are invited to the annual Garden Club Tea.
Maryland Maritime Heritage Festival
Saturday – Sunday, May 1-2
City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: free
www.mdmaritimefestival.org
Celebrate the Bay during these two days of free activities that abound at Annapolis’ Susan B. Campbell Park on the waterfront. Dozens of colorful exhibits celebrate life and culture on the waterfront. Entertaining and interactive, these exhibits and hands-on projects highlight those who work and play on the bay, while promoting educational and environmental awareness. You'll walk away better educated, entertained and ready to conserve our maritime heritage on the Chesapeake Bay.
USNA Commissioning Week
May 23-28
www.usna.edu
Each year 1,000 midshipmen graduate and receive their commissions from the U.S. Naval Academy. Witness the traditions and history of the week. Don’t miss the Herndon Climb at 1:30 p.m. on Monday when the Class of 2013 unofficially become Midshipmen. Watch the Blue Angels fly high over the Severn River Wednesday. Grab seats along the Academy seawall for this 2:00 p.m. show of military might that helps mark this annual rite of passage.
Chesapeake Bays Blues Festival
Saturday – Sunday, May 22-23
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (gates open at 10:30 a.m.)
Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
Gate Admission: $65 1 day / $115 2 days. Presale discounts available.
www.bayblues.org
The blues are back in town at Sandy Point State Park. This festival always features an all-star line-up that jams on the shores of the Chesapeake in the name of good fun and even better deeds. Begun in 1998, this festival has run seven out of the past 10 years and has raised $700,000 for local charities. This year, Chuck Berry and Buddy Guy headline. With these two legends, a great supporting lineup and a few new twists, this promises to be one of the coolest festivals yet.
Annapolis Nautical Flea Market
Saturday – Sunday, May 29-30
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Saturday), 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Sunday)
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis
Admission: $5/ticket, $5/parking
410-268-8828
www.usboat.com
Come have fun at the Annapolis Nautical Flea Market, a great way to spend the day with the family browsing the many vendor booths looking for that special treasure you can’t live without. . This "Boat for Sale by Owner Only" flea market offers up previously owned boats looking for a new home, as well as well-loved nautical items. This is a great way to practice sustainable boating. Plenty of refreshments to choose from and a “dress your dog” hotdog competition.
