Fall Fun Guide
Summer 2019 was then. We hope you enjoyed many days packed with fun in the sun and on the water.
Autumn 2019 is now — or so we hope, tempted forward by a taste of days wrung dry of summer’s humidity and blanket-cool nights.
With autumn, we expect light air, blue skies and leaves full of color. It may be Chesapeake Country’s most splendid season.
This issue of Bay Weekly shows you how to sweetly kiss summer goodbye and welcome the wonders of fall. Here is our Fall Fun Guide, 50 Ways to Leave Your Summer, a chronology of fun, fare and festivals stretching from early September through Thanksgiving.
1. Anne Arundel County Fair
Enjoy old-fashioned fun at 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 and crafts exhibits, hog-calling, bake sales and thrilling rides along the midway. Sept. 11-15: W 4-10pm (Scouts in uniform free), Th 10am-10pm (ages 55+ free before 3pm), F 4-11pm, Sa 9am-11pm, Su 9am-8pm, Anne Arundel Fairgrounds, Crownsville, $10 w/discounts (does not include carnival rides): www.aacountyfair.org.
2. Eat Local, Eat Well
Taste the Beaches: Sample food from local restaurants and food trucks, plus local beer and wine; enjoy live music, raffle prize drawings, a Kids Zone featuring The Chesapeake Mermaid, live birds of prey from Raptor’s Eye, a photo booth, games and the Fishmobile. Benefits Project Echo House. Sept. 14, noon-5pm, Kellam’s Field, Chesapeake Beach, free admission: www.chesapeake-beach.md.us.
Taste of South County: Sample the dishes and drinks of local restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries; live music. Oct. 10, 6-9pm, Historic London Town, Edgewater, $35, rsvp: 410-867-3129.
Harvest Taste of Solomons: Sample the many eateries in this waterfront community. Oct. 12, 11am-3pm, Solomons Boardwalk. tickets $5: www.solomonsmaryland.com.
Taste of North County: Sample from 25-plus north Arundel restaurants and caterers, with beer, wine and live music. Oct. 17, 6-8pm, Michael’s Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie; $40 w/discounts, rsvp: web.naaccc.com/events.
3. Chesapeake Music Festival
Celebrate the Bay’s rich heritage in a festival dedicated to Chesapeake folk music and storytelling with the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices, Janice Marshall of Smith Island, Magpie, Jeff Holland & That West River Band and more— all amid the ruins of an 18th century mansion overlooking the Rhode River; food, craft beer and soft drinks sold. Sept. 14, 2-6pm, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, $30 w/discounts: www.serc.si.edu/
chesapeake-music-festival.
4. Maryland Food Truck Festival
Foodies descend on Herrington Harbour North for the Maryland Food Truck Fest, featuring 18 to 20 food trucks, beer, wine and spirits, a kids area, live music and vendors. Food trucks offer BBQ, burgers, Caribbean, creole, Greek, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, pizza, seafood and more; sponsored by the Southern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce. Sept. 14, 11am-7pm, Herrington Harbour North, Tracey’s Landing, $12 w/discounts:
www.marylandfoodtruckfestival.com.
5. Maryland Renaissance Festival
Return to the 16th century at the village of Revel Grove as King Henry VIII, who has separated from his wife Queen Katherine, is determined to secure a divorce and marry Lady Anne Boleyn. Watch as the royal court arrives with the Boleyn and Howard family. Come in costume or rent them on-site to immerse yourself fully in this annual favorite. 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. 20, 10am-7pm, Crownsville festival grounds, $27 w/discounts: www.rennfest.com.
6. Sketchcrawl Annapolis
Capture city views in the company of other artists of all levels and ages in the Annapolis Arts Alliance’s 4th annual Annapolis Sketchcrawl. Meet inside Gate 1 of the U.S. Naval Academy at noon for the leisurely 1- to 1.5-mile crawl, beginning at the naval wall for a water view of Annapolis Harbor, onto the chapel, out of Gate 3 and along a charming back street. Bring supplies and snacks. Sept. 15, noon-4pm, 3:15pm show-and-tell reception at Chase-Lloyd House, Annapolis, free for active Annapolis Arts Alliance Members, $10 w/discounts, rsvp: www.annapolis-arts-alliance.com.
7. Take an Equinox Hike
We pass from summer to fall with the autumnal equinox at 3:30am on Monday, Sept. 23, when the sun spends equal time above and below the horizon, balancing light and darkness. Bid summer farewell as you look for signs of the changing season on a weekend hike. Sept. 21, 5-7pm, Glendening Nature Preserve, Lothian, $6 vehicle fee, rsvp: 410-741-9330.
8. Solve a Murder Mystery over Dinner
Dress in gangster and flapper style to help the actors figure out who dunnit in Do or Die Productions’ One of the Gang, a tale of humor and death during the Roaring ’20s. This dinner theater production supports the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maryland. Sept. 21, doors open 6pm, dinner 6:30pm, show 7:15pm, 9021 Dayton Ave., North Beach, $40/person or $60/couple, rsvp: 410-257-0007.
9. Mi Casa es Su Casa: Flight Fest
Many of our local birds migrate to Central America. Join Prince George’s Audubon Society and College Park Aviation Museum for a celebration of all things birds and flight with films, exhibits, activities and more. Sept. 21, 1-4pm, College Park Aviation Museum, free: 301-864-6029.
10. Artsfest at Annmarie
Stroll the gardens to see and shop among 160 artists and enjoy 30 performers on three stages in the 26th year of this fine arts festival. Kids get into creative fun in the Discovery Tent, Studio School and the Zany Zone. Food trucks on site and wine and beer sold. Sept. 21 & 22, 10am-5pm, Annmarie Garden, Solomons, $7 w/discounts: www.annmariegarden.org.
11. Get Lost in a Maze
Greenstreet Gardens invites you to get lost in its five-acre corn maze paying tribute to boy wizard Harry Potter. Fall festival fun includes a hayride, cow train, giant spider climbing web, petting zoo and corn box. Sandy Pony donuts on sale. Fall festival kicks off Friday night, Sept. 20 with an outdoor movie; bring lawn seating and canned donations for SCAN (7pm). SaSu 10:30am-5pm, Sept. 21-Oct. 27, Lothian; $13: www.greenstreetgardens.com.
Navigate the corn maze during Homestead Gardens’ Fall Fest, with hay and pony rides; fun and games, food and live entertainment. Sa 11am-6pm, Su 11am-5pm, Sept. 21-Oct. 27, Davidsonville, $12: www.homesteadgardens.com.
Montpelier Farms features a seven-acre Angry Birds-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, lots of fun and games, plus food and farm market. F 5-11pm (Oct. only), Sa 10am-11pm, Su 11am-7pm, Sept. 14-Nov. 10: Upper Marlboro: $12 w/discounts, www.montpelierfarms.com.
Sunrise Farm’s eight-acre corn maze features a certain beloved wizard flying on his broomstick to his school of magic. Friday nights bring a flashlight to find your way in the dark (6:30-10:30pm). Check out farmyard activities such as the bouncepad, pony rides, Sorting House, butter making, corn pit, slingshots, pedal carts, pumpkin picking, hayrides, petting zoo and games. F 6:30-10:30pm, Sa 10am-7pm, Su 11am-6pm, Sept. 21-Nov. 3 plus Oct. 15 & 16 10am-4pm, Gambrills: $12: www.MDCornMaze.com.
12. Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race
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 to see these endangered ships race along 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. 21, 8:30am-2pm, Cambridge, www.skipjack-nathan.org
13. Calvert County Fair
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, World of Wonders shows, pig racing, chainsaw sculpture, wild wheels thrill area, tractor pulls and concerts. Sept. 25-29, Barstow: www.calvertcountyfair.com.
14. TrawlerFest
Find your dreamboat at TrawlerFest, an in-water display of powerboats with first-class boating courses, seminars and demos, new marine products and services and more. Sept. 24-28, 10am-5pm, Harbor East Marina, Baltimore, $18 w/discounts; rsvp: www.passagemaker.com/trawlerfest
15. Movies Under the Stars
Bid summer adieu with an outdoor movie from SOFO, the Annapolis Small Business group on the South Forest Drive corridor. Festivities start two hours prior to the movie. Snack on movie-themed food from Grumps Café, free popcorn, ice cream from Brewster’s and a beer and wine garden presented by Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits. Live music plays until showtime. Sept. 27: Mutiny on the Bounty (7pm); Oct. 25: The Nightmare Before Christmas (6:15pm). Eastport Library: www.sofoannapolis.com/events.
16. Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival
Explore African-American heritage and culture at the 30th annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival with music, dance, arts and crafts, traditional foods and a children’s tent. Sept. 28, 10am-7pm, City Dock, Annapolis, free (donation suggested): www.kuntakinte.org.
17. RetroFest on the Potomac
RetroFest on the Potomac takes you from the ’40s thru the ’70s. Dance to live Rockabilly music by the Wanderers; cruise vintage vendors and exhibits; see hot rods and classic cars; special guests from the Baltimore Hon Hive; a travel exhibit from the National Capital Radio and Television Museum; SoMD Pin-up for Paws; plus food trucks and beer wagon; benefits Piney Point Lighthouse and Historic Park. Sept. 28, 11am-5pm, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park, $5, rsvp: 301-994-1471.
18. Twist and Stout
Sample fine wine and craft beer, browse local art vendors and fill your belly from food trucks at the second year of this festival from the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks in association with the Maryland Wineries Association. Hear live music by the Naptown Brass Band, The Groove-Spot Band and Vertigo Red and watch plein air artists at work throughout the park (work available for purchase). Benefits the Quiet Waters Park Nature Center Campaign. Sept. 28, noon-6pm, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, $30 w/discounts or VIP $75, rsvp: www.twistandstout.org.
19. Bid Farewell to Migrating Monarchs
Celebrate the fall migration tagging and releasing monarchs, meeting Scales & Tales creatures, taking hayrides and guided hikes, enjoying face painting and making crafts. Sept. 28, 10am-2pm, Merkle Wildlife Natural Resources Management Area, Upper Marlboro, Free: 443-510-9920.
20. Tour Artists’ Studios
Visit members of the Muddy Creek Artists Guild at work in their studios; a free tour booklet helps you plan your trip. Refreshments, demos and music. Sept. 28 & 29, 11am-5pm: www.muddycreekartistsguild.org.
21. Annapolis Italian Festival
The sixth annual event honors Santa Madre Cabrini (Frances Xavier Cabrini), an Italian-American religious sister who helped Italian immigrants settle in the U.S. Enjoy delicious pasta, pizza, sausage, eggplant, calamari, mussels, meatballs, porchetta, cannoli, gelato, zeppole and Italian beer, wine and cordials. Exotic Italian cars, cooking demos, music and shopping round out a full day. Sept. 29, 10am-6pm, Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge 2225, 620 Ridgely Ave., Annapolis: www.annapolissonsofitaly.com; www.festaitaliana-annapolis.com.
22. Raise a Stein for Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest at The Old Stein Inn gets going Sept. 20. Dine on traditional Munich Oktoberfest specials in the biergarten, and hear German-inspired musicians almost every weekend. 1143 Central Ave., Edgewater: www.oldstein-inn.com.
The 29th West Annapolis Oktoberfest opens two blocks for German snacking, drinking, dancing and singing, plus artists and crafters. Sept. 29, noon-5pm, Annapolis St.: www.facebook.com/WestAnnapolisBiz.
23. Take a Day Trip for Apple-Picking
Nothing quite says fall like fresh apples. Pick your own (and pumpkins, too) at Blades Orchard in Caroline County on the Eastern Shore. Make a day of it with a picnic, hayride and cider sampling. Sa 9am-4pm, Su noon-4pm thru October, Blades Orchard, Federalsburg: www.bladesorchard.com.
24. 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. 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, workshops and lectures, food and drink. Powerboat Show Oct. 3-6, Sailboat Show Oct. 10-14, Annapolis; $35 first day of Sailboat Show, $18 other days w/age discounts: www.annapolisboatshows.com.
25. Blessing of the Fleet
A time-honored Southern Maryland tradition in its 52nd year, this year’s event includes concerts by Nashville recording artist Nathan Osmond and Maryland’s own Robbie Boothe (Sa). Take tours of St. Clements Island, Blackistone Lighthouse & St. Clement’s Island Museum; ride on a boat, sample Southern Maryland food and wine; plus activities for children and fireworks. Oct. 5 & 6, Sa noon-10pm, Su 11am-5pm, St. Clement’s Island Museum, Coltons Point.
26. Riverside WineFest at Historic Sotterley
Delight in the harvest of the vineyards by sampling wines (and beer) at the 17th annual Riverside WineFest. Listen to live music and tour the grounds, buildings and gardens of this national historic landmark. Oct. 5 & 6, noon-6pm, Historic Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, $30 w/discounts: www.sotterley.org.
27. Lifeline 100 Community Ride
Now in its 6th year, this ride draws hundreds of cyclists to raise funds for nonprofits. Choose to bike 100 miles or 65 miles with views of the Severn River, Chesapeake Bay, historic Annapolis and more. The 30- and 15-mile routes traverse flat paved trails great for riders of all ages and abilities (discounts for special needs or adaptive bike riders). The free Children’s Bike Rodeo (ages 4-10) with PedalPowerKids and Anne Arundel County Police Bike Patrol includes bike safety check, helmet instruction and safe riding tips with an obstacle course (12:30-2:30pm, rsvp: www.lifeline100.com/rodeo).
Oct. 6, Kinder Farm Park, Millersville, times and registration details: www.lifeline100.com.
28. Dining in the Field
Join 100 or so companions at one long rustically appointed table to dine al fresco in fields along the Patuxent River at this elegant feast featuring all local products from local farms, chefs, wineries and brewers. Proceeds benefit the Calvert County Future Farmers of America. Oct. 10: cocktails 4:30pm, dinner 6pm, Tyverne Creek Farm, Owings, $165 w/early discounts, rsvp: https://dininginthefield.wixsite.
com/dininginthefield
29. Colonial Witchcraft, Murder and Mayhem
Explore the darker side of the colonists in a world of superstition and suspicion in this adult tour of Historic St. Mary’s City (ages 18+). Oct. 12, tours at 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, & 6:30pm, The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary, $20 w/discounts, rsvp: www.hsmcdigshistory.org
30. 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. 12, 10am-4pm, Kinder Farm Park, Millersville, free: www.kinderfarmpark.org.
31. Dine on the Harvest of a Sharing Garden
Share an evening meal grown, prepared and served by neighbors who’ve bonded over the last decade to preserve Goshen Farm, the last farm on the Broadneck Peninsula. Pasta dinner with bread, sides, desserts and beverages. Oct. 13, 5-7:30pm, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Arnold, $10 w/discounts: http://goshenfarm.org/
events/harvest-dinner.
32. Eat Chesapeake 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.
Celebrate the launch of Pearly Girl oysters, the brand created by the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center at a party Oct. 3 at Harris Seafood Restaurant in Grasonville. Ticket includes dinner buffet and live music. 5:30-8pm, $75, rsvp: www.bayrestoration.org.
Holland Point Oyster Roast is a community feast of oysters raw, roasted and steamed, plus pit beef and sides; beer and wine $1. Oct. 12, 1-4pm, Loveless Center, Holland Point, $30 w/discounts: www.hollandpoint.org.
The 22nd Annual Captain Avery Oyster Festival makes a day of it with local restaurants serving oysters raw, fried, in a basket, on a platter, in 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. 20, 12:30-5pm, Shady Side, $10: www.captainaverymuseum.org.
The U.S. Oyster Festival returns for its 53rd year. 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. 19 & 20, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 11am-6pm, St. Mary’s County fairgrounds, Leonardtown, $10 w/discounts: www.usoysterfest.com.
33. Pick-a-Pumpkin Festivals
While you choose your gourds at the Anne Arundel County Farmers Market’s Pumpkin Festival Oct. 13 (10am-1pm), kiddos get their faces painted and paint a pumpkin to take home; music by GUAVA JELLY: 410-349-0317.
At the Great Jack O’ Lantern Campfire, see a dazzling display of dozens of hand-carved illuminated pumpkins as you listen to haunted Halloween tales and roast marshmallows, eat popcorn, sip hot cider and go on a pumpkin hunt. Oct. 19, 7-8:30pm, Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Upper Marlboro, $5 (cash only): 301-952-8010.
34. 14th Annual Bay-CSS Golf Tournament
Tee off to support the mission of Bay-CSS, helping people with disabilities live purposeful lives and strive for independence. Start off with complimentary hot breakfast at the clubhouse (7:30am), followed by a Mega-Putt tournament (8:40am), then a shotgun start (9am) scramble style golf tournament, with unlimited beer from Ruddy Duck and a Nacho Bar from Glory Days Grill at the turn. After the tournament, golfers enjoy a dinner reception in the Grove Restaurant clubhouse. Oct. 18, Oak Creek Golf Club, Upper Marlboro, rsvp: www.baycss.org/golf
35. Bountiful Harvest
Join Friends of The Light House in contributing to end homelessness in Anne Arundel County. This year’s theme is a masquerade. Enjoy small plates by local chefs and caterers, including The Light House Bistro, imbibe at the open bar, dance to live music by Misspent Youth and bid in auctions. Oct. 18, 6-11pm, Westin Annapolis, $125, rsvp: www.friendslhs.org.
36. Survive the Ghosts of Sotterley
Greenbeard, the scourge of the seven seas, has been ambushed and with his dying words has summoned a sea demon to avenge him. Head to Historic Sotterley to solve the mystery of the death of Greenbeard the pirate. As you walk through the wooded trails under the veil of darkness, you will witness several pirate crews plundering and pillaging. But stay alert and listen for clues to help solve the mystery of how Greenbeard met his untimely death. Those who solve the mystery by the end of the tour will be richly rewarded with pirate gold from Greenbeard’s own treasure chest. Oct. 18 & 19, Oct. 24-26, 7-10pm, Historic Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, $15, rsvp: www.sotterley.org.
37. American Indian Festival
Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Native Americans at the 11th annual 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. 19, 10am-4pm, Patuxent River Park, Upper Marlboro, free, (fee for some activities): www.pgparks.com/
709/American-Indian-Festival.
38. Trick or Treat in Chesapeake Country
For a not-too-scary historic haunting, visit St. Mary’s City for trick or treating, face-painting, games and spirited family fun. Oct. 19, 5-8pm: www.hsmcdigshistory.org.
Dress the kids (and grownups, 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. 26, 10am-4pm, Annmarie Garden, Solomons, $2/person or $5 Fast Pass, to benefit local charities: www.annmariegardens.org.
Kids are invited to dress to delight at the Boo Bash in North Beach, Oct. 26, 2:30-5pm, at the Pavilion on the boardwalk; join the parade and then visit local businesses to demand your Halloween reward: www.northbeachmd.org.
39. Halloween on the Avenue Fall Fest
Enjoy the longest-running street festival in Maryland, with early Halloween fun for all ages: live music, street entertainments and vendors and lots for little ones including Frolic the Fox, Pirate Joe and Flora and the Fairy Harpist, all with stories and music. Pets parade for prizes for the best Halloween costume. Oct. 20, 10am-5pm, all along Maryland Ave., Annapolis: [email protected]
40. Quiet Waters Art @ the Park
Over 70 artists show their work, along with live music, food, craft beer, specialty wines and art demos. Benefits Friends of Quiet Waters Park programs. Oct. 20 & 21, 10am-5pm, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, $6 vehicle fee: 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 that draw record-breaking crowds. Oct. 25 & 26, F 7pm & 10pm, Sa 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, Key Auditorium, St. John’s College, Annapolis, $20 w/discounts: www.lso-music.org.
42. Meet True Party Animals
Hound of the Town: Calvert dogs dress up for a parade and costume judging. Oct. 26, noon-2pm, North Beach Boardwalk, $7 w/advance discounts; benefits Calvert Animal Welfare League: 410-535-9300; www.northbeach.org.
Howl-O-Ween Paw-ty: Meet adoptable pets, and trick-or-treat at this family event with games and activities for kids, costume parade, live music and K-9 demos. Oct. 26, 10am-2:30pm, Anne Arundel County Animal Control, Millersville, free: 410-222-8900.
5th Annual Howl-o-ween Parade: See members of the Annapolis Corgi Club strut their short-legged stuff with costumes and personality along City Dock. Oct. 26, noon-2pm, Susan Campbell Park, Annapolis: www.facebook.com/annapoliscorgiclub.
Halloween Barkin’ Bash: Anne Arundel dogs don costumes and test their skills training to win contests; human companions enjoy demos, food, games, raffles and socializing; hosted by Wings of Love, Kuwait. Oct. 27, 11am-3pm, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, free: 410-222-1777.
43. Get Spooked at St. Anne’s Cemetery
Take a cemetery tour to get to know citizens who lived here before us, including residents at historic Hammond Harwood House. Stories of love, tragedy and insanity are unearthed in this hour-long tour through the winding hills of the burying ground. Oct. 31, noon-3pm, St. Anne’s cemetery entrance (corner of West Washington and Northwest St.), Annapolis, $15 w/discounts: www.hammondharwoodhouse.org.
44. Eastport-Annapolis Tug of War XXII
Watch or lend a hand in the world’s longest Tug of War over water — 1,700 feet — in the continuing rivalry between the Maritime Republic of Eastport and Annapolis. Nov. 2, 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.
45. Wet and Wild 40th Birthday Bash
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is turning 40, but that’s far from over the hill. Celebrate at the Wet & Wild live and silent auction party to support work in environmental education, habitat restoration and recreation programs. Enjoy cocktails, dinner and live music by Wheelhouse Rock Band. Nov. 8, 6:30pm, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Stevensville, $150, rsvp: www.bayrestoration.org.
46. 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 its public programs, historic site and gardens. Enjoy food, drinks, dance, amazing auctions and rum tastings by Lyon Distillery — and raise the sails for a good cause. Come dressed as a pirate or in cocktail attire. VIPs get early admission and auction preview. Nov. 8, 5:30-9:30pm, Historic London Town, Edgewater, $100 w/discounts, VIP $150 w/discounts, rsvp: www.historiclondontown.org/
privateerparty.
47. 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. 8 & 9, 5-9pm, Historic Annapolis, $40 w/discounts, rsvp: www.annapolis.org.
48. Trash to Treasure Green Craft Fair
Explore local crafters and artists who create treasures from at least 50 percent recycled, organic, fair trade or sustainably harvested materials in the 11th year of this event. Food vendors, face painting, kids crafts and more. Nov. 9, 10am-4pm, Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro, free: 301-218-6702.
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. Or head to St. Mary’s County for one of our state’s largest parades (10am, Leonardtown), followed by a memorial wreath-laying ceremony.
50. Run for Fun and Fitness
Work up an appetite at Camp Letts’ 20th annual Turkey Chase, which helps send kids to summer camp; strollers welcome. Nov. 28, registration 7:30am, 10K race 9am, 5K fun run 10:15am: Camp Letts Rd., Edgewater, $35-$40: campletts.org.
Project Echo’s 8th Annual Turkey Trot: This 5K Run/Walk supports the 24/7 transitional and emergency shelter in Prince Frederick. Nov. 28, registration 6am, trot 7am; strollers welcome. Prince Frederick, $35 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. 28, registration 7:30am, race 8:30am, AACC West Campus Drive, Arnold: $45 w/discounts; rsvp: ymdturkeytrot.org/events/Arnold.
Jug Bay Post Turkey Trail 5K: Run to work off Thanksgiving dinner and benefit Recreation Deeds for Special Needs. Nov. 30, registration 8:30am, race 9:30am, Glendening Preserve, Lothian. $25 w/ discounts: rsvp [email protected].