U.S. Sailboat Show 17 Jun 2016
Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, MD 2016 Major Annual Events

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County CVB

20TH ANNUAL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Saturday, January 30
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On-Site Registration
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
Admission: Free to spectators. Plungers must raise $75 in pledges.
www.plungemd.com
410-242-1515

Experience the coolest event of the year. For just $75 in donations, plunge participants take a chilly dip in the Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland. Not ready to bare it all? Then join in the festivities—fully clothed—under a huge heated tent that includes vendor booths, live entertainment, zoo animals, food court, carnival amusements, sandcastle building, a “kids' zone” and more.

7th ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS RESTAURANT WEEK
Monday-Sunday, February 22-28
Participating restaurants in Historic and Greater Annapolis
www.AnnapolisRestaurantWeek.com

Foodies enjoy a week of deals and savory dishes at dozens of Annapolis and Annapolis-area restaurants.  Take advantage of the opportunity to try that little-known restaurant you've been meaning to sample or indulge at one of your favorites. Includes two-course fixed price breakfasts and lunches and three-course fixed price dinners.

ANNAPOLIS IRISH WEEK
Sunday, March 6 to Thursday, March 17
Various locations in downtown Annapolis
www.AnnapolisIrishWeek.com
443-822-5871

The 12-day Annapolis Irish Week celebration kicks off with an Irish Parade, complete with Irish Pipe Bands, on Sunday, March 6, at 1:00 p.m. Other festivities include a Hooley (Irish party), Irish history dinners, Irish coffee competitions, Perfect Pint O'Guinness contests, Guinness glass engravings, and more.

MARYLAND DAY CELEBRATION
Friday-Sunday, March 18-20
Sites throughout the Four Rivers Heritage Area
Admission: Free or nominal $1 entry fee
www.marylandday.org
410-222-1805

Rediscover Maryland's history with family and friends during a fun-filled festival highlighting the uniqueness of the Four Rivers Heritage Area. Local cultural and heritage sites offer special activities and tours. Stroll through downtown Annapolis or visit Historic London Town and the Annapolis countryside to enjoy educational tours, costumed re-enactors, art exhibits, kids' activities, and more.

FOURTH ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS FILM FESTIVAL
Thursday through Sunday, March 31-April 3
Citywide – St. John's College, Maryland Hall, St. Anne's Parish Hall, among others
Admission: TBD
www.annapolisfilmfestival.net
410-263-3444

This year's Film features more than 65 narrative and documentary films in all genres; Q&A sessions with internationally acclaimed filmmakers and visiting celebrity guests; special panels and showcases; and great parties!

4TH ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS BEER WEEK
Friday, April 1 to Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 16
Various times throughout the week
Various Locations in and around Annapolis
Admission: Visit website
http://www.annapolisbeerwk.co  
410-353-9237

Join us for a fun week of beer-related events and support area charities at the same time. Dozens of unique brands of beer will be available – including some beers offered exclusively during Beer Week. Highlights include: 4th Annual Beer Run (4/2), 4th annual Beer and Bands (4/3), beer dinners, craft beer pub crawl and more. On Saturday, April 16th, the 3rd annual Maryland Chicken Wing & Beer Festival takes place at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Taste some of the area's best chicken wings at this family-friendly event.

34TH ANNUAL ST. JOHN'S / USNA CROQUET MATCH
Saturday, April 16; rain date, Sunday, April 17
St. John's College Campus Front Lawn, 60 College Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: Free
www.sjc.edu
410-626-2539

The “Johnnies” and the “Mids” vie for the coveted Annapolis Cup during this annual rite of spring. The croquet match brings together two starkly different institutions for an event Sports Illustrated says has “no parallel in intercollegiate sports.” Attendees dress “Great Gatsby”-style while enjoying a lavish lawn party that includes serenades by the St. John's Freshman Chorus and swing music provided by the Naval Academy's Trident Brass Band.

5TH ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS SPRING SAILBOAT SHOW
Friday-Sunday, April 22-24
City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: $12-$19
www.usboat.com
410-268-8828

The Spring Sailboat Show is the first opportunity of the year for experienced and novice sailors to shop for the latest in equipment, electronics, clothing and boating accessories at the show's 100+ on-land nautical exhibits and on-site pro surf shops. The show will feature Cruisers University (April 21-24) and more than 80 new and previously-owned sailboats of all types and sizes – including catamarans, mono hulls, racing boats, inflatables and day sailors.

MARYLAND AVENUE/STATE CIRCLE SPRING FESTIVAL        
Sunday, May 1
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Maryland Avenue and State Circle, Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://www.shopmarylandavenue.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.

60TH ANNUAL MAY DAY BASKET COMPETITION
Sunday, May 1
Downtown Annapolis

Considered to be one of the most beautiful days in historic downtown Annapolis, May Day greets visitors with door after door of flower-filled baskets. Come with camera in hand to capture the handiwork of downtown Annapolis residents and merchants who welcome spring by decorating their doorways with blooming flowers. Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne volunteers judge the entries and invite winners to join them at an annual Garden Club Tea.

6TH ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS OYSTER ROAST & SOCK BURNING
Saturday, March 19
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second Street, Eastport, Annapolis
Admission: $25, general admission; $55, People's Choice Tasting  
www.amaritime.org
410-295-0104

Welcome spring with a family-friendly feast celebrating the spring equinox and the arrival of boating season. Festivities include a sock burning, live music, shucking and cooking demonstrations, an oyster shucking contest, and exhibits highlighting the area's unique maritime heritage and the role oysters play in the health of the Bay. Feast on oysters any way you like them – raw, steamed, fried or grilled. The People's Choice ticket includes tasting the best oyster dishes from several area restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Annapolis Maritime Museum.   

14th ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS BOOK FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 16
The Key School, 534 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
www.keyschool.org/annapolisbookfestival
410-263-9231

The festival celebrates the beauty, power, passion and excitement of the written word. It includes a full day of discussions with prominent authors, a family-friendly comic-con for children and teens, children's activities, book signings, live music and new and used book sales. The event attracts more than 3,000 attendees annually.  

3rd Annual Arts in the Park Festival
Saturday, April 23
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  
Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park
Admission: Free
www.Chesapeakearts.org   
410-636-6597

Join in this family-friendly festival of art, music, dance, theatre and food that includes activities for kids of all ages.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SAILBOAT RACES
Wednesday evenings, April 27 through August 31
First Gun: Approximately 6:10 p.m.
Annapolis Harbor
www.annapolisyc.com
410-263-9279

Grab your favorite dockside seat in America's Sailing Capital to watch some 130 crews compete in midweek races that involve sailing around several marks in the Chesapeake 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.

6TH ANNUAL NAPTOWN BARBAYQ
Friday-Saturday, May 6-7
Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10:00 p.m.  
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville, MD
Admission: $15; kids 12 and under, free
www.barbayq.com

Enjoy the live music of more than 40 bands performing on three stages, abundant food, cooking demonstrations, a barbeque competition, arts and crafts vendors and more during the family event sponsored by Parole (Annapolis) Rotary Foundation. The barbeque cooking contest is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

MARITIME REPUBLIC OF EASTPORT'S 16TH ANNUAL .05K BRIDGE RUN
Saturday, May 7
Crack o' noon
Spa Creek Bridge, Eastport
Admission: $20 for runners; free for spectators
www.themre.org

Described as "the least challenging athletic event ever conceived" by Runner's World magazine, the .05K (yes, point-zero-5K) extreme sports event is a grueling test of mental and physical toughness. Some competitors have taken as long as five minutes to complete the course that begins on the Annapolis side of the Spa Creek Bridge. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Fleet Feet at 318 6th Street in Eastport. Proceeds benefit local charities.

USNA COMMISSIONING WEEK
Friday May, 20 to Friday May, 27
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis
www.usna.edu
410-293-2292

Each year, approximately 1,000 midshipmen graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy and receive their commissions as officers in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. On Monday, cheer on members of the class of 2018 as they attempt to climb the Herndon Monument. Traditionally, the Blue Angels' flight rehearsal is on Tuesday and the flight demonstration is on Wednesday. On Thursday, catch the Color Parade at Worden field.

CHESAPEAKE BAY BLUES FESTIVAL
Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22
Gates open at 10:30 a.m.; Music from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday; Music from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday
Admission: Advanced Pricing: Saturday only, $65; Sunday only, $75; Regular pricing, TBA; Children under 12, free, with paying adult.
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
http://www.bayblues.org/
410-257-7413

Enjoy John Mayall, Sonny Landreth, Mud Morganfield, Danielle Nicole, Canned Heat, Tab Benoit, Heritage Blues Orchestra, Dan Fuchs, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Michael McHenry Tribe and more in concert. Event includes a large crafter village and a wide variety of food and drink. Bring your own chair for the lawn seating.

PAINT ANNAPOLIS
Monday, May 30 to Sunday, June 5
Streets and countryside of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
www.mdfedart.com/
410-268-4566

Peek over the shoulders of artists capturing the beauty of light and shadow on canvass during a five-day juried plein air painting competition hosted by the Maryland Federation of Art. Thirty juried artists from across the country will paint in Annapolis's Historic District and the surrounding countryside from May 31 to June 3. On May 31, all interested artists are invited to participate in painting along Main and West Street after sunset in a Nocturne painting event. The Dueling Brushes painting event will take place in Annapolis's Historic District on Sunday, June 5, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. All interested artists are invited to participate. The Maryland Federation of Art will exhibit the work of Paint Annapolis's professional artists at Circle Gallery from June 4, (opening reception) through June 12.

FIRST SUNDAY ARTS FESTIVAL
Sunday, May 1 (and every first Sunday through November)
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 and the works of 100 local and regional artists as you stroll along the first block of West and Calvert Streets. Local restaurants set up outside cafes perfect for people watching and an afternoon bite to eat. Free parking is available at the state parking garage on the corner of Calvert and Bladen Streets.

ANNAPOLIS GREEK FESTIVAL
Thursday-Sunday, June 2-5
Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis
www.annapolisgreekfestival.org
410-573-2072 or officeschannapolis@gmail.com

Capture a taste of Athens here in Annapolis when you join in the fun at this annual family-friendly event. Enjoy Greek dance performances, sample Greek cuisine, savor Greek music, tour the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church and more.

7TH ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS ARTS, CRAFTS AND WINE FESTIVAL
Saturday-Sunday, June 4-5
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: Adult (age 21 and up) wine sampling kit, $30.00; General admission and children, $12.00. Prices subject to change.
www.annapolisartscraftsandwinefestival.com
410-263-4012

View the works of over 200 of the region's best artists and craftsmen employing a variety of media including painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, jewelry, fiber art, glass, wood, leather, metal and photography. Sample wines from more than 25 Maryland wineries in our wine pavilions. Purchase a bottle of wine and relax while listening to smooth jazz all day long. Bring the children, too, for activities in the Kids' Art area including theatrical, dance, and musical performances on stage.

11TH ANNUAL BANDS IN THE SAND
Saturday, June 11
5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Philip Merrill Environmental Center, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: $100 per person or limited VIP tickets
www.cbf.org/bandsinthesand
410-268-8816

Featured bands will have you dancing in the sand. Check your shoes at the optional “shoe dock” and enjoy an evening of cool drinks, groovin' live music, tasty food, and to-die-for raffle items on the beach. It's a party to save the Bay. 2015's headliner, the Bacon Brothers, entertained 1500 guests, with Misspent Youth closing out the night.

25TH ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 11
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Historic Benson-Hammond House, 7101 Aviation Blvd., Linthicum
www.aachs.org
410-626-1437

Celebrate all things strawberry at a festival honoring Anne Arundel County's agricultural heritage. Event features craft vendors, demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills, family entertainment and strawberry treats.

11TH ANNUAL EASTPORT HOME AND GARDEN TOUR
Sunday, June 12
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine
Admission: $20 until June 5; $25 thereafter
http://www.eastportcivic.org/home---garden-tour.html
410-271-3420

The 11th Annual Eastport Home & Garden Tour takes participants on an entertaining walk through well-appointed, sometimes historic, and always comfortable homes and gardens owned by Eastport residents.

2nd Annual Annapolis Italian Festival (Festa di Santa Madre Cabrini)
Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, rain or shine
Time: TBD
Knights of Columbus Hall, 2590 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater
Admission: TBD  
http://www.annapolissonsofitaly.com/

Celebrate all things Italian at this two-day event of music, food and fun honoring Saint Mother Cabrini. Proceeds benefit local charities and Annapolis Sons of Italy Lodge 2225's scholarship fund.

ANNAPOLIS IRISH FESTIVAL
Friday-Saturday, July 15-16
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 General's Highway, Crownsville
www.annapolisirishfestival.com
410-980-7971

Celebrate everything Irish at the only festival of its kind in the region. Enjoy traditional Celtic music and Irish rock bands on three stages, along with workshops and exhibits. When you get hungry, try some delicious Irish beef stew and other Irish favorites. Little Leprechaun Land provides crafts, face painting and other free activities for the kids.

71ST ANNUAL ROTARY CLUB OF ANNAPOLIS CRAB FEAST
Friday, August 5, rain or shine
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Tickets: Adult, $60; Child, $20
www.annapolisrotary.org
410-295-3201

Crustacean lovers feast on the Chesapeake Bay's bounty at this all-you-can-eat and drink event that is arguably the largest crab feast in the world. Nearly 2,500 individuals are expected to finish off 345 bushels of #1 crabs (that's nearly 40,000 of the big ones!), 3,400 ears of corn, 100 gallons of crab soup, 1,800 hot dogs, 150 pounds of beef barbeque, and hundreds of gallons of beer and soft drinks. Proceeds of the Crab Feast benefit local community and cultural organizations.

40TH ANNUAL MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Weekends and Labor Day, August 27 through October 23
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis
www.rennfest.com
800-296-7304

The region's premier outdoor event and second largest Renaissance Festival in the country is celebrating its 40th season at Revel Grove. 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!

2ND ANNUAL ART IN ACTION ANNAPOLIS DESIGN DISTRICT FESTIVAL
A Saturday in September TBD
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Edgewood Avenue in the Annapolis Design District
Admission: TBD
http://annapolisdesigndistrict.com/

Experience the Annapolis Design District during a festival filled with the works of local artisans, live music, an oyster and beer garden, a kids' zone, festival food – and the unveiling of fabulous new street art.

49TH ANNUAL MARYLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Saturday-Sunday, September 10-11
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 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.com
410-353-9237

Highlights of this year's festival include: the 26th Annual Crab Soup Cook-off featuring Annapolis area restaurateurs and chefs in a classic Maryland Showdown, cooking classes, mouth-watering food, entertainment by local and soon-to-be-discovered bands, kids' activities and competitive beach volleyball for adults.

ANNAPOLIS FRINGE FESTIVAL
Tentative Dates: Wednesday-Saturday, September 21-24   
First Block of Historic West Street, between Church Circle and Calvert Street, Annapolis  
Admission: TBD  
http://www.fringefestivalannapolis.com
410-280-1414

Enjoy four astonishing days in the NEW Annapolis Arts District. Opening ceremonies are likely to include a Hi-Heel race! The event is filled with live entertainment, dozens of street performers, el fresco dining at your favorite historic West Street restaurants, and so much more!

MARYLAND AVENUE/STATE CIRCLE FALL FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 18  
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  
Maryland Avenue and State Circle, Annapolis
Admission: Free
www.shopmarylandavenue.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.

27TH ANNUAL KUNTA KINTE HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 24
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: Free
http://kuntakinte.org/

Take a quick trip to Kunta KInte's homeland for a celebration of west African heritage. Enjoy live performances, including traditional drumming and dancing. Try your hand at mask making and other crafts in the children's tent. Come dressed in your most vibrant colors, or treat yourself to a new outfit from the marketplace of African wares.   

U.S. SAILBOAT SHOW
Thursday-Monday, October 6-10
10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: Adult, $18-$48; Child, $5; 6 and under, free
www.annapolisboatshows.com
410-268-8828

Now in its 47th year, the nation's oldest and largest in-water sailboat show featuring exclusively new boats attracts more than 50,000 boating enthusiasts from around the world to America's Sailing Capital. The event is recognized worldwide as the premier sailing showcase for seminars, boating attire and accessories, and boats of all sizes.

U.S. POWERBOAT SHOW
Thursday-Sunday, October 13-16
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
City Dock, Annapolis
Admission: Adult, $18-48; Child, $5; 6 and under, free
www.annapolisboatshows.com
410-268-8828

Now in its 45th year, the nation's oldest and largest in-water powerboat exhibition features everything from luxurious motor yachts and trawlers to high-performance boats and offshore fishing machines. The show includes family cruisers, center consoles, inflatables and the world's largest power catamaran section.

OYSTER FESTIVAL
Sunday, October 16
12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Captain Avery Museum, 1418 East West Shady Side Road, Shady Side
Admission: Adults, $6; children under 12, $2
www.captainaverymuseum.org
410-867-4486

Enjoy food, live music by local artists, crafts, face painting, and demonstrations showing the vital role oysters play in the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Seafood lovers feast on raw and fried oysters, oyster stew, fried oyster roll sushi, cream of crab soup, Maryland crab soup, and more. Hamburgers and hotdogs will also be available.

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

The First Folio is the first complete collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623 seven years after his death. Compiled by two of Shakespeare's fellow actors, it preserves 36 of Shakespeare's plays. Without it, we would not have 18 of those plays, including “Macbeth,” “Julius Caesar,” “Twelfth Night,” “The Tempest,” and “Antony and Cleopatra.”

25TH ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS BY CANDLELIGHT
Friday-Saturday, November 4-5
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Historic Homes in Downtown Annapolis
$30 general admission; $25 for members and volunteers
All tickets $35 after November 1
www.annapolis.org
410-267-7619

Historic Annapolis introduces you to some of the city's finest architecture in its annual walking tour of private homes. This year's tour focuses on historic neighborhoods in the vicinity of Prince George and King George Streets. Highlights include the Bordley-Randall House, a grand five-part colonial mansion; the Charles Carroll the Barrister House, an 18th-century building that Historic Annapolis moved in 1955; and the Patrick Creagh House.

MARITIME REPUBLIC OF EASTPORT'S TUG O' WAR
Typically, the first 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. The Slaughter across the Water features a 1700-foot rope and 450 tuggers. A festival-like atmosphere overtakes downtown Eastport and Annapolis beginning at 11:00 a.m. Tugging begins at the crack o' noon.

LIGHTS ON THE BAY
Typically the third Saturday in November to January 2
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. nightly, weather permitting
$15, car; $50, bus; mini-bus $30
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. It features more than 60 animated and stationary displays, including traditional Maryland-themed favorites, holiday and children's displays.

CHOCOLATE BINGE FESTIVAL
A Sunday in December TBA
Time: TBA
First block of West Street in downtown Annapolis
Admission: $5.00 suggested cash donation
www.annapolischocolatefestival.com

If you like chocolate, you won't want to miss this festival featuring chocolate and holiday vendors galore! Specialty restaurant candy events include a chocolate fountain, candy apples, candy floss, “chocolate sushi”, and more. Enjoy live music, a marshmallow roast, an ugly sweater contest, a moon bounce and other kids' activities. The evening wraps up with a grand lever pull to illuminate the sky above the first block of West Street.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS HOLIDAY SHOPPING I
Thursday, December 1
6:00 p.m. to midnight
Downtown Annapolis
Admission: Free

Lights, garland, action! Historic Annapolis shops throw open their doors in a glorified block party that is open to all. Enjoy musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores as you stroll along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, inner West Street, and State Circle in search of that perfect gift.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS HOLIDAY SHOPPING II
Thursday, December 8
6:00 p.m. to midnight
Downtown Annapolis
Admission: Free

Lights, garland, action! Historic Annapolis shops throw open their doors in a glorified block party that is open to all. Enjoy musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores as you stroll along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, inner West Street, and State Circle in search of that perfect gift.

34TH ANNUAL EASTPORT YACHT CLUB LIGHTS PARADE
Saturday, December 10
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek  
Admission: Free
www.eastportyc.org

Brightly decorated boats parade around the Annapolis waterfront in one of the City's signature events. Thousands of lights and a host of jolly revelers make this a fun holiday event for the entire family. Prime viewing areas include: Eastport, Spa Creek, City Dock and Naval Academy sea wall. Sponsored by the Eastport Yacht Club.

11TH HOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Thursday, December 15
6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Downtown Annapolis
Admission: Free

Stores along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, inner West Street and State Circle say open late to help last-minute shoppers check the final names off their holiday shopping list. Enjoy musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores.

2016 MILITARY BOWL
A Day in December
U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Admission: Check website
Tickets: 888-841-2787
http://www.militarybowl.org/

The Military Bowl® presented by Northrop Grumman, benefiting the USO, will match a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against an opponent from the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

CITY OF ANNAPOLIS NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION
Saturday, December 31
Admission: Free
Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis
www.annapolis.gov
410-263-7997

Family activities fill the day and dancing fills the night. Traditionally, a first round of fireworks begins at 7:30 p.m. and the evening concludes with midnight fireworks.

For more information about Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Maryland, visit http://www.visitannapolis.org/.

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Contact:

Susan Seifried

Vice President, Public Relations and Communications

Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

sseifried@VisitAnnapolis.org

410-280-0445, ext. 303