Fall may mean it’s back to school, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Whether looking to enjoy time with the family, or for a little time to yourselves, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained this fall. Check out this list for a few fall festivals to celebrate Annapolis and Anne Arundel County's unique culture and cuisine.
Maryland Renaissance Festival August 25 – October 21
Take a stroll through a 16th-century village, complete with King Henry VIII and his court. Enjoy more than 250 performers on ten stages, 130 craft shops, 42 food and beverage emporiums and a host of games and attractions. Festivalgoers are also encouraged to fully participate in the festival by dressing in full garb and speak like they belong back in the renaissance.
Maryland Seafood Festival September 8 & 9
On the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, experience an array of delicious seafood dishes, interactive cooking demonstrations, exciting competitions, kids’ activities, and more. PLUS, the ever-popular crab soup cookoff will commence yet again for its 51styear.
Anne Arundel County Fair September 12 – 16
The 66thAnnual Anne Arundel County Fair is here. Attendees are able to learn the trade from 4H Club members, master the art of hog calling, and cheer on their favorite sow in the pig races. From camel rides, amusement rides and interactive car racing, to homemade wines, home-brewed beers and wood carving demonstrations, the Anne Arundel County Fair is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to celebrate the county’s rich agricultural heritage.
Amps and Ales Craft Beer and Music Festival September 15
Amps and Ales is back for its second year with a premier collaboration of music, beer, wine and spirits, and food. Held at the Arundel Mills Entertainment District, the festival will feature unlimited samples of more than 40 craft beers from 14 area breweries, including DuClaw, Flying Dog, Heavy Seas, Jailbreak, and Monument City. Live music from Black Alley, Jah Works, and Kanye Twitty will keep you jamming all day long. And, NEW to 2018 – a wine garden, providing the best variety of wines from Linganore Wine Cellars and the “World’s Largest Flip Cup Game.” So, come on out, get your drink on, enjoy live music, participate in breaking a world record, and enjoy some great eats from popular food trucks.
Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival September 29
Alex Haley Memorial
Come out an celebrate the history and heritage of individuals of African-American, African, and Caribbean descent. With live music and dance, as well as delicious ethnic food, the 29thannual event focuses on the life and times of Kunta Kinte, the Gambien slave whose story is captured on the pages of author Alex Haley’s book, Roots: Saga of an American Family.
Annapolis Italian Festival September 30
It is time to celebrate and honor Santa Madre Cabrini, an Italian- American religious sister who helped Italian immigrants settle in the United States. In its fifth year, this event features delicious Italian food and desserts, “exotic” Italian cars, “how to” demonstrations, continuous music, and a host of shopping opportunities.
Greenstreet Gardens Fall Festival September 22 – October 28
Experience family fun on the farm! Get lost in a six-acre corn maze, experience the underground slide and explore the new woodlands. Hop aboard the cow train and enjoy the beauty of a hay ride through the fall countryside. Jump on a pillow and into the corn box. Get your face and hair painted, check out the tire tower and more.
16th Annual Oyster Festival October 21
Enjoy food, live music by local artists, unique crafts, face painting and demonstrations highlighting the vital role oysters play in maintaining the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Seafood lovers are invited to feast on raw and fried oysters, oyster stew, fried oyster roll sushi, cream of crab soup, Maryland crab soup, and much more.
Images courtesy of VisitAnnapolis.org
