Bay Weekly

50 Ways to Leave Your Summer 2018

By Kathy Knotts

1 Eat Local, Eat Well 

  • Taste the Beaches, sample items from local restaurants and food trucks while you explore this beachfront town; plus local beer and wine, live music, prize drawings and Kids Zone featuring The Chesapeake Mermaid, live birds of prey, photo booth, games and the Fishmobile. Benefits Project Echo. Sept. 8, 1-5pm, Kellam’s Field, Chesapeake Beach, free admission: www.chesapeake-beach.md.us.
  • Taste of North County, dig into dishes from over 25 North Anne Arundel County restaurants and caterers, with beer, wine and live music. Oct. 2, 6-8pm, La Fontaine Bleue, Glen Burnie; $30, rsvp: web.naaccc.com/events.
  • Taste of South County, sample the dishes and drinks of local restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries; live music by Just Us. Oct. 11, 6-9pm, Historic London Town, Edgewater, $35, rsvp: ­www.tasteofsouthcounty.org.
  • Harvest Taste of Solomons, Oct. 13, 11am-4pm, Solomons Boardwalk: www.solomonsmaryland.com.

2 Enjoy Motown by Moonlight

       Break out the boogie shoes for an evening of dancing to the sounds of Masters of Soul Motown Revue, playing all your favorite songs from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and more. Beer, wine and food sold. Sept. 8, VIP gates open 5:30pm, cocktail hour 6-7:30pm, music 8pm, Jefferson Patterson Park, St. Leonard, $45-$100, rsvp: www.jefpat.org.

 

3 An Evening with Two Old Guys with Guitars

      Support the Calvert Marine Museum’s next exhibit, Solomons, A Water Community, by enjoying the music of Two Old Guys with Guitars (yes, that’s really their name) and light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Sept. 8, 6-8pm, Lotus Kitchen, Solomons, rsvp: 410-326-0486.

4 Fill Up on Seafood 

     Devour seafood, watch chef demos, rank crab soup in a cook-off and more at the 51st annual Maryland Seafood Festival (rain or shine). Sept. 8 & 9, Sa 10am-9pm, Su 10am-7pm, Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. $15 w/discounts: www.mdseafoodfestival.com.

5 Old Fashioned Fun at the Anne Arundel Co. Fair

        Enjoy a traditional county fair with livestock shows, beauty pageants, timber shows, pig races, pony and camel rides, woodcarvers, tractor pulls, variety and talent shows, live music, arts & crafts exhibits, hog calling, eating contests, bake sales and thrilling rides along the midway. Sept. 12-17: W 5-10pm, Th 9am-10pm, F 9am-10:30pm, Sa 9am-11pm, Su 9am-8pm, Anne Arundel Fairgrounds, Crownsville, $7 w/discounts: www.aacountyfair.org.

6 Sail or Celebrate Hospice Cup

      Raise sails, funds and awareness for hospice care at this charity ­regatta, now in its 37th year. Just there to cheer? Watch the race from the decks of a charter boat. After the races, join the sailors at the Shore Party with live music from The Shatners, food from Paul’s Homewood Café, an auction and cold drinks. Sept. 15, 11am-9pm, Bert Jabin Yacht Yard, Annapolis, $100 spectator boat (11am-4pm), $85 Shore Party (5-9pm), $150 for both, $50 Shore Party for sailors; rsvp: www.hospicecup.org.

8 Artsfest at Annmarie

       It’s the 25th anniversary of this fine arts festival. Stroll the gardens to see and shop in 160 artist booths and enjoy 30 performances on three stages; kids get into creative fun in the DiscoveryTent, Studio School and the Zany Zone; food and drink trucks on the grounds. Sept. 15 & 16, 10am-5pm, Annmarie Garden, Solomons, $7 w/discounts: www.annmariegarden.org.

7 Harvest Fall Flowers & Herbs 

       Autumn brings out the crafters in us thanks to nature’s bounty of beautiful fall flowers. Decorate a pumpkin with dried flowers, make a flower crown or design a harvest wreath with herbs and everlastings. Fall Harvest Wreath workshop Sept. 15, 10am-1pm, $55; Halloween Table Arrangement, Oct. 26, 6:30-8:30pm, $50; Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm, Severn: www.willowoakherbs.com

 

9 Get Lost in a Maze

  • Greenstreet Gardens is going ALL CAPS this fall with a five-acre maze cut in the shape of the Stanley Cup in honor of the Washington Capitals at their annual fall festival. Take hayrides, cow train ride, climb a giant spider web, visit the petting zoo, jump in the corn box and dine on Sandy Pony donuts. Fall festival kicks off Friday night, Sept. 21 with an outdoor movie showing; bring lawn seating and canned donations for SCAN and watch The Mighty Ducks. Sept. 22-Oct. 28, SaSu 10:30am-5pm, Lothian; $13: www.greenstreetgardens.com.
  • Montpelier Farms features a seven-acre Wizard of Oz-themed corn maze (with flashlight nights on Fridays and Saturdays and games to play inside the maze), a Spookley the Square Pumpkin maze for little ones, hay rides, pick-your-own pumpkin patch (fee), lots of fun and games (fee for some activities), plus food and farm market. Season passes available. Sept. 15-Nov. 4: F 5-11pm (Oct. only), Sa 10am-11pm, Su 11am-7pm, Upper Marlboro: $12 w/discounts, www.montpelierfarms.com.
  • Sunrise Farm celebrates its 13th birthday with unicorns in its eight-acre corn maze. New this year: get lost in the dark on Friday nights; BYO-Flashlights. Check out farmyard activities such as making butter, pumpkin picking, hayrides, petting zoo, and more. Sept. 22-Nov. 4: F 3:30-10:30pm, Sa 10:30am-7pm, Su 11am-6pm, plus Tu Oct. 23 10am-4pm, Gambrills: $11: www.MDCornMaze.com.

10 Watch Skipjack Races

      Skipjacks traditionally were laid up when not oystering and started sailing again in September to shake out rigging and get crews and boats ready for the upcoming season. Head to the Eastern Shore this September to see these now-endangered ships compete in the Choptank River at the Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race. Enjoy the pre-race festival and boat parade (9am) along with a radio-controlled skipjack regatta from the docks of Long Wharf during the middle legs. Sept. 22, 8:30am-2pm, Cambridge, www.skipjack-nathan.org/skipjack-race

11 Bid Farewell to Migrating Monarchs 

     Learn how your family can help monarch butterflies by learning from Calvert County naturalists, planting milkweed seeds and practicing netting and tagging techniques. Watch the thrilling film Flight of the Monarchs (2:30-3:10pm). Sept. 22, 1pm-3pm, Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Prince Frederick, $8 w/discounts, rsvp: www.calvertparks.org.

12 Bourbon, Bacon & Beer Festival 

     It’s the perfect combination: 10 bourbons, 10 breweries and bacon-themed food, plus cornhole tournament and Best Bourbon Cocktail Contest (ages 21+). Sounds like a great reason to head to Chesapeake Beach for the afternoon. VIP ticket holders get early entry, access to special seating and complimentary buffet. Sept. 22, 1-6pm, Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa, VIP $55; general admission $45 w/discounts, rsvp: ­www.cbresortspa.com.

13 Take an Equinox Hike 

      We pass from summer to fall with the autumnal equinox at 9:54pm on Sunday, September 23, when the sun spends equal time above and below the horizon, balancing light and darkness. Bid summer farewell as you breathe in the fresh air of a new season on a weekend hike. 5-7pm, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, $6 per vehicle, rsvp: 410-741-9330.

14 Sketchcrawl ­Annapolis 

     Try your hand at art while exploring the city at your own pace.

     Organized by the Annapolis Arts Alliance and Four Rivers Heritage Area Annapolis Sketchcrawl is an unpaced outdoor art event for artists of all levels and ages. Visit historic sites in Annapolis and let inspiration lead you. Meet at the Maryland State House for coffee and muffins (10am) then explore one or all the sites: the State House, Charles Carroll House gardens, The Hammond-Harwood house, the William Paca House, James Brice House and the Chase-Lloyd House.

     Bring your own supplies and snacks to explore downtown Annapolis with others who love art, history and creative expression. Sept. 23, 2:30pm reception at Chase-Lloyd House, Annapolis, free for active Annapolis Arts Alliance Members, $10 adults, $5 students, rsvp: www.annapolis-arts-alliance.com.

 

15 TrawlerFest

      Find your dreamboat at TrawlerFest, an in-water display of powerboats plus first-class boating courses, seminars and demos, new marine products and services and more as this event returns to Baltimore. Sept. 25-29, 10am-5pm, Harbor East Marina, Baltimore, $18 w/discounts; rsvp: www.passagemaker.com/trawlerfest

16 Maryland ­Renaissance Festival 

     Return to the 16th century at the village of Revel Grove as King Henry VIII, his sister Margaret, Queen Dowager of Scotland, Anne Boleyn and the royal court arrive. Come in costume or rent them on-site to immerse yourself fully in this annual favorite; special themed weekends keep things lively. A variety of performances on multiple stages entertain all ages, as do jousting matches, magicians, jugglers, crafters and of course, giant turkey legs. Huzzah! Weekends thru Oct. 21, 10am-7pm, Crownsville festival grounds, $25 w/discounts: www.rennfest.com.

17 Calvert County Fair 

     The Calvert County Fair is a hometown combination of carnival, midway, concert stage and agricultural exposition. See judged displays of home-canning, baking and crafts, with special events daily, including competitions for Calvert Idol, children’s contests, the crowning of Miss Tranquility and Lord Calvert, tractor pulls and concerts. Sept. 26-30, Barstow: www.visit

maryland.org/event/calvert-county-fair.

18 Twist and Stout Festival

     Sample fine wine and craft beer, browse local art vendors and fill your belly from food trucks at this new festival from the Anne Arundel Co. Dept of Recreation and Parks in association with the Maryland Wineries Association. Hear live music by Saved by Zero and The Groove-Spot Band in the amphitheater and watch plein air artists at work throughout the park (work available for purchase). Benefits the Quiet Waters Park Nature Center Campaign and the Capital Gazette Memorial Scholarship Fund. Sept. 29, 11am-5pm, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, VIP $75, $30 w/discounts, rsvp: www.twistandstout.org.

19 Raise a Stein for Oktoberfest 

  • Oktoberfest at The Old Stein Inn gets going Sept. 21-23 and continues thru October. Dine on traditional Munich Oktoberfest specials in the biergarten and hear German-inspired musicians, both traditional and progressive, such as Heidi & The Heimat Echo Band and Sylvia the strolling accordion player, almost every weekend. 1143 Central Ave., Edgewater: www.oldstein-inn.com.
  • The 28th West Annapolis Oktoberfest opens two blocks for German snacking, drinking and arts and crafts vendors with music from The Oom Pa Pa Band. Sept. 30, 10am-5pm, Annapolis St.: www.facebook.com/WestAnnapolisBiz.

20 Deale VFD Crab Feast 

     Devour your fill of steamed crabs, coleslaw, baked beans, corn, hamburgers, hot dogs, beer, soda, tea and lemonade; plus raffles, door prizes and crab races; all to benefit the volunteer fire department and rescue squad. Sept. 29, 5-10pm, Deale VFD, $55 w/discounts, rsvp: 443-822-9468.

21 Kunta Kinte Festival 

     Explore African-American heritage and culture at the 29th annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival with music, dance, arts and crafts, traditional foods and children’s tent. Sept. 29, 10am-7pm, Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis, free (donation suggested): www.kuntakinte.org.

 

22 Tour Artists’ ­Studios 

     Explore the rolling farmland hills and Chesapeake shores as you visit members of the Muddy Creek Artists Guild at work in their studios; a free tour booklet helps you plan your tour and learn artist information. Artists offer refreshments, demos and music. Sept. 29-30, 11am-5pm: 

www.muddycreekartistsguild.org.

23 Read One Maryland One Book Together

     Join thousands of readers across the state in a giant book club, with discussions both in person (at many libraries) and online. This year’s One Book selection is Bloodsworth: The True Story of the First Death Row Inmate Exonerated by DNA Evidence by Tim Junkin. The book won the Christian Science Monitor Noteworthy Nonfiction, 2004 and the Atlanta Journal Constitution Best Nonfiction of 2004. This true crime story reads almost like fiction, shocking you with Bloodsworth’s horrific ordeal as an innocent man fighting his way out of the justice system.

       See Tim Junkin and Kirk Bloodsworth at the Baltimore Book Festival Sept. 30, 1pm; author Junkin visits Bowie Library, Oct. 3, 11am; Leonardtown High School, Oct. 3, 7pm; additional stops: www.mdhumanities.org.

 

25 U.S. Sail Boat and Power Boat Shows 

     The annual U.S. Boat Shows in Annapolis are Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for boat lovers. Hundreds of boats, including the newest models of many top lines, are on display in the water, tethered along a mile and a half of floating docks, all contained in an area of roughly five acres. Many of the boats you can board and explore. On land are even more boats as well as every piece of equipment you could need — or imagine you needed. Demos and lectures; food and drink. Sailboat Show Oct. 4-8; Powerboat Show Oct. 11-14, Annapolis; $18 per day w/age discounts: ­www.annapolisboatshows.com.

 

24 Dress Up for Mental Health

     Break out the fancy dress for the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ inaugural gala event You Are Not Alone. Enjoy dinner, music and dancing, with special guest speakers. Oct. 6, 6:30-11pm, Crowne Plaza Annapolis, $75, rsvp: www.namiaac.org.

26 Pick a Pumpkin

     No need to spend the night in the pumpkin patch. 

  • Head to the Anne Arundel Co. Farmers Market’s Pumpkin Festival Oct. 20 & 21 to grab your gourds, sample free cider and popcorn, hear live music, and let the kiddos paint pumpkins to take home.
  • See a dazzling display of dozens of hand-carved illuminated pumpkins as you listen to haunted Halloween tales and roast marshmallows at the Great Jack O’ Lantern Campfire. Oct. 20, 7-8:30pm, Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Upper Marlboro, $5 (cash): 301-952-8010.
  • Learn to carve a creative pumpkin at the Extreme Pumpkin Carving demo, Oct. 27 noon-4pm, at Homestead Gardens’ Fall Fest, which also features a corn maze plus hay and pony rides; Pumpkin and Pollinator Express; jumping pillow, pipe slide, corn box and moon bounce, food and live entertainment. Sept. 22-Oct. 28, Sa 11am-6pm, Su 11am-5pm, Davidsonville, $12: www.homesteadgardens.com.
  • You can also choose pumpkins at most fall festival sites, including Greenstreet Gardens in Lothian, Knightongale Farm in Harwood and Montpelier Farms in Upper Marlboro.

27 Maryland Jousting Championship

     Watch riders aim their lances, six feet long and chiseled to the point of a needle, at a ring that may as well be a dust speck, in the official Maryland state sport. Oct 6, 10am, Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville: www.marylandjousting.com.

28 Riverside WineFest at Historic Sotterley 

     Delight in the harvest of the vineyards by sampling wines at the 16th annual Riverside WineFest, listen to live music and tour the grounds, buildings and gardens of this national historic landmark. Oct. 6-7, noon-5pm, Historic Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, $25 w/discounts: www.sotterley.org.

29 Patuxent River Appreciation Days 

      Share your love of the Patuxent with river-inspired exhibits and activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, boat building, live music, and free rides on the Wm. B. Tennison and Dee of St. Mary’s; food and drink sold. Oct. 6-7 with parade Su 2pm, Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, free: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/311/PRAD.

30 Poe Fest ­International

     It’s just not October without a nod to the Master of the Macabre. Poe Baltimore hosts the first International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards, Oct. 6 & 7. The two-day outdoor event on the anniversary of Poe’s death features Poe-themed performances, art, vendors and food, celebrating his influence on the arts. Additional events (fee) include VIP Death Weekend bus tours and The Black Cat Ball aboard the Raven steamship yacht at Inner Harbor. Proceeds benefit Poe Baltimore, a nonprofit created to fund, maintain and interpret The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum and to honor the legacy of one of Baltimore’s most famous residents. Sa 11am-5pm, Su 11am-4pm, Center/West development across from Poe House, 203 N. Amity St., Baltimore, free: www.poefestinternational2018.com.

 

31 Slurp Up Oysters

     With its cooler temperatures, October begins the season of the oyster in Chesapeake Country. For the next six months, oystermen resume their traditional labor, harvesting Crassostrea virginica in the wild. Thus, oyster festivals are in season, too. 

  • Holland Point Oyster Roast is a community feast of oysters raw, roasted and steamed, plus pit beef and sides (beer and wine $1). Oct. 13, 1-4pm, Loveless Center, Holland Point, $30 w/discounts: www.hollandpoint.org.
  • Captain Avery Oyster Festival makes a day of it with local restaurants serving oysters raw, fried, in a basket, on a platter or on a roll, and in stew, soup, sushi or shooters; plus local arts and crafts, bake sale, music, games, crab racing, touch tanks, pirate photos, face painting and the Choose It! auction of goods and services. Buy $5 tickets for the $5,000 raffle. Oct. 21, 12:30-5pm, Shady Side, $6 w/discounts: www.captainaverymuseum.org.
  • The U.S. Oyster Festival returns for its 52nd year to St. Mary’s County. Saturday, chefs vie to win the National Oyster Cook-off, and you get to sample the same dishes as the judges. Sunday brings the National Shucking Championship, whose winner goes to international competition in Galway, Ireland. Oct. 20 & 21, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 11am-6pm, County fairgrounds, Leonardtown, $10 w/discounts: www.usoysterfest.com.

32 Dine on the Harvest of a Sharing Garden

     Share in an evening of good food grown, prepared and served by neighbors who’ve bonded together over the last decade to preserve Goshen Farm the last farm on the Broadneck Peninsula. Harvest dinner with bread, side dishes, desserts and beverages. Oct. 13, 5-7:30pm, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Arnold, $10 w/discounts: http://goshenfarm.org/events/harvest-dinner.

 

33 Kinder Farm Fall Harvest Festival

     Take a hayride, visit the farm animals, square dance, make scarecrows, watch sawmill demos, browse displays, arts and crafts, snacks and more. Oct. 13, 10am-4pm, Kinder Farm Park, Millersville, free: www.kinderfarmpark.org.

34 Tuck into a Church Supper 

     Sit down to an old-fashioned fall supper of fried oysters, honey-baked ham, potatoes au gratin, green beans, homemade coleslaw, rolls and biscuits, beverages and pies ($2/slice); take out, too ($22); visit the bake and garden shops, and tour the historic church. Oct. 13, 1-5pm, St. James Parish, Lothian: 410-867-2838.

35 Survive the Ghosts of Sotterley 

     Visit Sotterley Plantation as the casualties of wars past, too young to die and too far from home, return to haunt the trails and woods during the annual Ghosts of Sotterley. Join as a recruit and travel the trails and woods after dark – if you dare. Oct. 19-20 & Oct. 25-27, 7-10:30pm, Historic Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, $15, rsvp: www.sotterleyplantation.com.

36 Hawktoberfest at St. Mary’s College

     One of St. Mary’s College’s most popular events, Hawktoberfest attracts over 1,000 visitors to the school’s waterfront campus for festive fall fun including Taste of Southern Maryland, the 19th annual Petrucceli 5K, The Liberal Arts in Action, cruises on St. Mary’s River, kids’ corner, bamboo boat races, crab feast and brunch buffet. Oct. 19-21, St. Mary’s College, details: www.smcm.edu/events/hawktoberfest

37 Savor Beer, Save Land 

     Enlarge your acquaintance with local brews while supporting a new campaign to preserve Holly Hill, the largest tract of unprotected land in Calvert County’s pristine Parkers Creek Watershed. Sip & Save with American Chestnut Land Trust and beer from four local and four state breweries. The jazz group The Junior Bryce Band plays, and Dream Weaver Café sells delicious local food. Take a butterfly walk and watch monarch tagging demos and tours of the farm and gardens; plus games, prizes and raffles. Oct. 20, 1-5pm, North Side Trailhead, Double Oak Farm, Prince Frederick, rsvp: www.acltweb.org.

 

38 American Indian Festival

     Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Native Americans at the 10th American Indian Festival, with live performances of traditional and contemporary music, dancing, drumming, singing and storytelling. Try your hand at beading, finger-weaving, flint-knapping, archery, crafts and games. Oct. 20, 10am-4pm, Patuxent River Park, Upper Marlboro, (fee for some activities, food sold): 301-627-6074.

39 Step into the Lost City

     Celebrate the spooky season at a costume party with trick-or-treating in the Town Center, a perfect backdrop for a family friendly G-rated event. Play games, talk to pirates, visit the fortune teller and have a frightfully good time. Oct. 20, Historic St. Mary’s City, 4:30-8pm, free (donation suggested): www.hsmcdigshistory.org.

40 Visit Quiet Waters Art@the Park 

     Over 70 artists show their work, along with live music, food, craft beer, specialty wines and demos. Benefits Friends of Quiet Waters Park programs. Oct. 20-21, 10am-5pm, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, $6 parking: www.fqwp.org.

 

41 Shudder at the Sounds of the Season

  • The Halloween/All Saints concert at the U.S. Naval Academy features organist Monte Maxwell, dancers and ghostly special effects. Oct. 26-27, 7pm, USNA Main Chapel, Annapolis, $36 w/discounts, rsvp: www.navyperforms.showare.com.
  • Hear Spooky Sounds, Haunted Harmonies played by the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra. Oct. 27, 3pm, Riva Trace Baptist Church, Davidsonville, $20 w/discounts: www.lso-music.org.

42 Trick or Treat in Chesapeake Country

  • Dress the kids (and grown-ups, too) for trick-or-treating on the wooded garden path, where friendly costumed spirits hand out candy or treats during daylight hours. Plus art activities, food and drink. Oct. 27, 10am-4pm, Annmarie Garden, Solomons, $2/person or $5 Fast Pass, to benefit local charities: www.annmariegardens.org.
  • Kids dress to delight or terrify at the Boo Bash in North Beach, Oct. 27, 3-5pm, at the Pavilion on the boardwalk; join the parade, then visit local businesses to demand your Halloween reward: www.northbeachmd.org.
 

43 Costume Your Dog

  • Hound of the Town: Calvert dogs dress up for a parade and costume judging. Oct. 27, noon-2pm, North Beach Boardwalk, $7 w/advance discounts; benefits Calvert Animal Welfare League: 410-535-9300; www.northbeach.org.
  • Howl-O-Ween Barkin Bash: Anne Arundel dogs don costumes and test their skills training to win contests; human companions enjoy demos, food, games, raffles and socializing. Oct. 28, 11am-3pm, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, free: 410-222-1777.

44 Historic Annapolis by Candlelight

     A crisp autumn evening is the perfect time to walk through Annapolis’ historic neighborhoods, and it’s even better when the doors to some of these magnificent homes are open for you to step inside. See how 21st century Annapolitans care for and live in buildings from the 18th, 19th and 20th century. Nov. 2-3, 5-9pm, Historic Annapolis, $40 w/discounts, rsvp: www.annapolis.org.

 

45 Eastport-Annapolis Tug of War XXI 

     Watch or lend a hand in the world’s longest International Tug of War over water — 1,700 feet — in the continuing rivalry between the Maritime Republic of Eastport and Annapolis. Nov. 3, 10am to join a team; festivities follow at City Dock and Chart House Restaurant. Tug heats start at the crack of noon on either side of Spa Creek Bridge: $25 to tug, free to cheer: themre.org.

46 Blue Tie Bountiful Harvest

     Join The Friends of The Light House to end homelessness in Anne Arundel County. Dress in blue and dine on food by local chefs and caterers, including The Light House Bistro, imbibe at the open bar, dance to live music and bid in the live and reverse auctions. Nov. 9, 7-10pm, Akerson Tower, Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Annapolis, $100-$150, rsvp: www.friendslhs.org.

47 Trash to Treasure Green Craft Fair

Explore local crafters and artists who create treasures made from at least 50 percent recycled, organic, fair trade or sustainably harvested materials in the 10th year of this event. Food vendors, face painting, kids crafts and more round out the lineup. Nov. 10, 10am-4pm, Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro, free: 301-218-6702.

 

48 Party Like a Pirate

    What is a privateer’s favorite thing to do? Why, pARRR’ty, of course! Join Historic London Town for its annual Privateer Party, benefiting their public programs, historic site and gardens. This event is an opportunity to enjoy food from several caterers, dance the night away, bid on amazing auction prizes, enjoy great drinks, and raise the sails for a good cause. Come dressed as a pirate or in cocktail attire and get ready for a fun evening against a garden backdrop along the South River. Nov. 2, 5:30-9:30pm, Historic London Town, Edgewater, rsvp: www.historiclondontown.org.

 

49 Honor a Veteran

     Celebrate those who serve or have served in the military. On Nov. 11, the original Armistice Day, join traditional Veterans Day ceremonies at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville and the World War II Memorial on Route 450 overlooking the U.S. Naval Academy Bridge and Severn River. Head to St. Mary’s County for one of our state’s largest parades (10am, Leonardtown), followed by a memorial wreath-laying ceremony. By Gov. Larry Hogan’s proclamation, bells will be tolled thruout the state at 11:00 am in remembrance of veterans of World War I.

 

50 Run for Fun and ­Fitness

     Race for good causes to win prizes, bragging rights and justify your share of Halloween candy, Thanksgiving stuffing and pies.

  • Work up an appetite at Camp Letts’ 19th annual Turkey Chase, which helps send kids to summer camp. Nov. 21, registration 7:30am, 10K race 9am, 5K walk 10:15am. Camp Letts Rd., Edgewater, $35-$40: campletts.org.
  • AACC Turkey Trot-Run 5K (and one-mile jaunt). Benefits AACC’s fitness scholarship. Bring canned goods for charity. Nov. 21, registration 10:30am, runs at noon. Siegert Field, AACC, Arnold, $25 5K; $20 one-mile w/discounts: aacc.edu/healthfitness/turkeytrot.cfm.
  • Join Project Echo’s 6th annual 5K Run/Walk, to support the 24/7 transitional and emergency shelter in Prince Frederick. Nov. 22, registration 6am, trot 7am. Prince Frederick, $30 w/discounts: www.projectecho.net/turkey-trot
  • Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K: Families run or walk with the Greater Annapolis Y thru the AACC campus. Dogs, kids and strollers welcome. Nov. 22, registration 7:30am, race 8:30am, AACC West Campus Drive, Arnold: $45 w/discounts; rsvp: ymdturkeytrot.org/events/Arnold.
  • Jug Bay Post Turkey Perambulation: Run 5K to benefit Recreation Deeds for Special Needs. Nov. 24, registration 8:30am, race 9:30am, Glendening Preserve, Lothian. $25 w/ discounts: www.active.com.