ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND—What’s happening in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County in November 2016? Plenty! To make it easier for you, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is highlighting five celebrations you won’t want to miss! For a more complete listing of events large and small, visit our online calendar of events at VisitAnnapolis.org.

November

First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare Tuesday, November 1 - Sunday, December 4 St. John’s College, Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Gallery, 60 College Avenue, Annapolis Admission: Free www.sjc.edu 410-626-2556

In partnership with the Annapolis Shakespeare Company (ASC), St. John’s College is Maryland’s host location for the national tour of “First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare”. The first complete collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays was published in 1623, seven years after his death. Compiled by two of Shakespeare’s fellow actors, it preserves 36 of his plays. Without it, 18 of the Bard’s works would have been lost, including “Macbeth,” “Julius Caesar,” “Twelfth Night,” “The Tempest,” and “Antony and Cleopatra.”

The opening program on November 5th will feature Shakespeare-inspired performances directed by Donald Hicken and ASC’s Sally Boyett. Highlights of the celebration include a St. John’s theater troupe performance of “As You Like It” in Francis Scott Key Auditorium November 18-19 and ASC’s performance of “Twelfth Night” at its Studio 111 in Annapolis from October 14 through November 20.

25th Annual Annapolis by Candlelight Friday-Saturday, November 4-5 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Historic Homes in Downtown Annapolis $35 general admission; $30 for members and volunteers All tickets $40 beginning October 31. Advance reservations encouraged. www.annapolis.org 410-267-7619

Let Historic Annapolis introduce you to some of the city’s finest architecture in its annual self-guided walking tour of private homes. Luminaries will lead the way to houses from the 18th through the 20th century. All of them are within walking distance of one another. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Historic Annapolis website or by calling 410-267-7619. On evenings of the event, tickets will be on sale at the Historic Annapolis Museum and Store at 99 Main Street.

Maritime Republic of Eastport’s Tug o’ War Saturday, November 5 Crack o’ noon Eastport & Annapolis City Dock Admission: Free www.themre.org

Drawing on a decades-old rivalry, the annual charitable event features the longest tug-of-war over a body of water in the world, pitting downtown Annapolitans against the rebels of the mock-breakaway Maritime Republic of Eastport. Dubbed the ‘Slaughter across the Water’, it features a 1700-foot rope, 450 tuggers and 1000 spectators. A festival-like atmosphere overtakes downtown Eastport and Annapolis beginning at 11:00 a.m. Tugging begins promptly (more or less) at the crack o' noon.

First Sunday Arts Festival – the Holiday Edition! Sunday, November 6 Noon to 5:00 p.m. First block of West and Calvert Streets, Annapolis Admission: Free www.firstsundayarts.com 410-263-4012

Enjoy live entertainment as you stroll along the first block of West and Calvert Streets and peruse the work of 100 local and regional artists in search of unique holiday gifts. Local restaurants set up outside cafes that are perfect for people watching and an afternoon bite to eat. Free parking for the family-friendly event is available at the state parking garage on the corner of Calvert and Bladen Streets.

Lights on the Bay Tuesday, November 22 – Sunday, January 1 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. nightly, weather permitting $15, car; mini-bus, $30; $50, bus Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis www.lightsonthebay.org Don't miss this spectacular drive-through holiday lights show beside the Chesapeake Bay. The event features more than 60 animated and stationary displays, including traditional Maryland-themed favorites, holiday and children’s displays. Proceeds benefit Anne Arundel Medical Center.

VAAAC is a nonprofit, membership-based destination marketing organization that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world.

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