September 2015 Major Events in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay

The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) wants to make it easy for individuals to enjoy the many exciting events and activities that will be taking place in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay throughout September 2015. To assist individuals who are making advance plans for business or vacation travel, the AAACCVB has put together a September 2015 Major Events Calendar. For a more comprehensive overview of events large and small, visit VisitAnnapolis.org.

September

Brown Bag Lunch ToursTuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
12:30 p.m.
Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: $5
http://hammondharwoodhouse.org/
410-263-4683 

Enjoy a 20-minute guided tour of the "Jewel of Annapolis," an 18^th-century Anglo-Palladian house that contains one of the finest collections of 18^th-century fine and decorative arts in the nation. Tours will address a different topic each week, including decorative arts, social history and architecture. Following the tour, participants are encouraged to enjoy their lunch in the beautiful Hammond-Harwood garden. 

Wednesday Night Sailboat RacesWednesday, September 2
First Gun: 6:10 p.m.
Annapolis Harbor
www.annapolisyc.com410-263-9279

Grab your favorite dockside seat in America’s Sailing Capital to watch midweek races where some 150 boats sail around several marks in the Bay before heading back to Spa Creek for a finish in front of the Annapolis Yacht Club. For many, the post-race party is the official beginning of the weekend.

Navy vs. ColgateSaturday, September 5
U.S. Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/navy-m-footbl-sched.html

Watch Navy play its home opener against the Patriot League’s Colgate Raiders at U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Tours Saturdays, September 5 and 12 and Sunday, September 27
9:00 a.m. and noon cruises
Tours Depart Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second Street, Annapolis
Admission: $70
www.uslhs.org415-362-7255

The two-hour tour includes 30-minute boat rides to and from the lighthouse aboard the vessel, Sharps Island, and a docent led tour of the restored interior of the National Historic Landmark built in 1875. The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is the last screwpile lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay still in its original location. Seating is limited. Early reservations are encouraged.

Maryland Renaissance FestivalWeekends and Labor Day, September 5 through October 25
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis
www.rennfest.com800-296-7304

The region’s premier outdoor event and second largest Renaissance Festival in the country is celebrating its 38th season at Revel Grove. Travel back in time as you immerse yourself in the culture of a 16th-century English village, complete with King Henry VIII and his court. The festival includes 200+ entertainers, ten stages, a 3,000-seat jousting arena, 122 craft shops, 48 food and beverage emporiums, games, attractions and 85 acres of complimentary parking. Let merriment abound!

48^th Annual Maryland Seafood Festival Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
Admission: general admission, $15; seniors and active military, $10; Kids 12 and under, free; VIP individual, $65; VIP Couple, $120;
www.mdseafoodfestival.com410-353-9237

Highlights of this year’s festival include: the 25^th Annual Crab Soup Cook-off featuring Annapolis area restaurateurs and chefs in a classic Maryland Showdown, Xpogo professional pogo stick demonstrations, cooking classes, free stand-up paddle board and SUP yoga demonstrations and an inaugural Paddle for Betterment event. The family-friendly paddle competition follows the format of a poker run, where competitors paddle to checkpoints to collect playing cards. The best hands of poker win prizes. Enjoy mouth-watering food, entertainment by local and soon-to-be-discovered bands, kids’ activities and competitive beach volleyball for adults.

First Sunday Arts FestivalSunday, September 6 (and every first Sunday through October)
Noon – 5:00 p.m.
First block of West and Calvert Streets, Annapolis
Admission: Free
www.firstsundayarts.com410-263-4012

Enjoy live entertainment as you stroll along the first block of West Street and Calvert Street next to Whitmore parking garage and peruse the work of 100 local and regional artists. 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.

17^th Annual Arts Alive
Friday, September 11
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
Tickets: $150
https://www.marylandhall.org/410-263-5544 or 410-280-5640

"Swing with the Arts" at Arts Alive 17. The event kicks off in Maryland Hall’s "tent under the stars" where guests can mix and mingle, enjoy great food and wine and bid on silent auction items. The action then moves inside to Maryland Hall’s theatre for a live auction and classic swing and jazz tunes by the Craig Gildner Big Band. The orchestra pit will be turned into a dance floor for the evening’s festivities. Proceeds benefit Maryland Hall.

National Treaty of Paris FestivalFriday and Saturday, September 11-12
Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Treaty of Paris Center, Crown and Crab Room, Maryland Inn, 16 Church Circle, Annapolis – and at various sites throughout Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://www.treatyofpariscenter.org/202-436-5909

Enjoy a weekend of exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, films and presentations highlighting events of national significance that took place between 1783 to 1787, the years between the end of the Revolutionary War and the start of the Constitutional Convention. Host locations include: Maryland Inn, St. John’s College, U.S. Naval Academy Museum, Maryland State House, Chase-Lloyd House, Callahan House, Brice House, Capital Teas, Capital Cakes and Cream, Season’s Olive Oils and Vinegars, Mills Fine Wine & Spirits, Treaty of Paris Restaurant, Harry Browne’s Restaurant, Vida Taco Bar, Clay Bakers, Annapolis Collection Gallery and McBride Gallery.

4^th Annapolis Craft Beer and Music FestivalSaturday, September 12
Noon to 6:00 pm
U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: Tasting Ticket, $40; Non-tasting, $20; Youth ages 12-20, $10; Kids under 12, free
www.theannapoliscraftbeerandmusicfestival.com410-263-4012

Choose from more than 120 beers produced by more than 45 regional and national craft breweries during the area’s largest craft beer event. Attend educational seminars on topics including craft beer 101 and cooking with craft beer. Enjoy live music ranging from smooth jazz, to island music, rock and roll, classics, R&B, country and more. Pair your beer with a wide selection of cuisine and check out the festival shops. Bring your own chair.

Ann Arrundell County Historical Society’s Flea Market/Craft FairSaturday, September 12; rain date: Sunday, September 13
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Historic Benson-Hammond House, Aviation Blvd. and Andover Road, Linthicum
http://www.aachs.org/ 
410-956-4809

In search of a great treasure? Check out the Ann Arrundell County Historical Society’s annual event on the grounds of the historic Benson-Hammond House.

Anne Arundel County Fair Wednesday, September 16 through Sunday, September 20
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville
www.aacountyfair.org410-923-3400

For more than 62 years, the Anne Arundel County Fair has been amusing visitors of all ages with fun contests including hog calling and watermelon eating! Booths feature everything from homemade wine and home-brewed beer to furniture and one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations. Kids will enjoy the amusement rides, illusionist show, 4H Club animals and interactive car racing. There’s something for everyone!

Navy vs. East CarolinaSaturday, September 19 
3:30 p.m.
U.S. Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/navy-m-footbl-sched.html

Watch Navy play its first American Athletic Conference in-conference game against the East Carolina Pirates.

11^th Annual Boatyard Beach BashSaturday, September 19
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second Street, Annapolis
Admission: General Admission, $75; Very Important Parrot Heads, $125
www.amaritime.org410-295-0104

Event founding sponsor, Boatyard Bar & Grill, and title sponsor, KeyW, have put together a star-studded lineup that includes five of the original Coral Reefers – Michael Utley, Jim Mayer, Peter Mayer, Brendan Mayer and Doyle Grisham. Other featured world-class musicians include John Frinzi and Scott Kirby. They’re all scheduled to perform on a waterfront stage at the Annapolis Maritime Museum.

Maryland Avenue/State Circle Fall FestivalSunday, September 20
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Maryland Avenue and State Circle, Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://www.mdave.com/

Enjoy an old-fashioned street festival with merchants and vendors offering art, antiques, jewelry, fashion, home décor, crafts, food and activities for the entire family. Galway Bay and Harry Browne’s offer bistro dining, and Galway Bay provides outdoor live music from noon until 5:00 p.m. Take advantage of free parking at the state garage located at Calvert and St. John’s Streets.

Art Sherrod, Jr. in ConcertSunday, September 20
4:00 p.m.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
Admission: Non-Member, $25; Member, $20
https://www.marylandhall.org/
410-263-5544 or 410-280-5640

Enjoy a special performance by national recording artist and smooth jazz saxophonist, Art Sherrod, Jr. The concert celebrates the release of Sherrod’s new gospel jazz album, "Intervention."

Blazers, Bourbon and CigarsThursday, September 24
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis
Tickets: Host committee, $500; VIP admission, $150/$175 beginning 8/15; General admission, $50/$75 beginning August 15
www.annapolis.org410-267-7619

Area residents and visitors are invited to enjoy an evening with blazers, bourbon and cigars. Established last year, the event is a premier gentlemen's evening in Annapolis, complete with tempting foods, drinks, cigars and clothiers from near and afar. Be a part of this gathering of the "who's who" in Annapolis, that includes local residents as well as individuals from surrounding areas.

26^th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage FestivalSaturday, September 26
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://kuntakinte.org/
Enjoy this celebration of African-American heritage that includes cultural music and dance, world foods and a marketplace of African and Afro-centric wares. Highlights include an Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps procession, musical performances by KARMA Showcase Band, DiVine of Annapolis and Tribes R&B Band. Dance enthusiasts will enjoy performances by Capoeira Social Project of Baltimore, Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company, Carr’s Beach Hand Dance Club and an African dance demonstration by Lauren Kelly-Washington of BIiS Moves. The Chesapeake Children’s Museum offers many activities at the children’s tent, including craft-making and African dress-ups.

Sixth Annual Classic Wooden Sailboat Rendezvous and Race Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. warning signal
National Sailing Hall of Fame Dock, City Dock, Annapolis
http://www.nshof.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=746&Itemid=260
Don’t miss this fun gathering of classic wooden sailboats that showcases their history and elegance and provides an informal opportunity to compete in a low-key race against similar vessels. Any boat under 65 feet in length whose hull is built from wood and whose design dates prior to 1970 may participate. This includes newer wooden boats built to pre-1970 designs. Festivities begin on Saturday with a public boat display, dinghy rowing races, demonstrations and talks. The warning signal for Sunday’s race will sound at 11:00 a.m.  

25th Annual West Annapolis OktoberfestSunday, September 27
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
West Annapolis – Annapolis Street from Taylor Avenue to Melvin Avenue
410-956-7278