First Sunday Arts Festival See crafts, artists, and street performers, while enjoying live music by the Afro Bop Alliance and The Unified Jazz Ensemble. Downtown Annapolis. Noon-5 p.m. 410-741-3267, http://www.goweststreet.com
Havre de Grace Independence Celebration. Start the patriotic festivities early at this annual carnival with rides and entertainment. On July 5, catch the parade, concert, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Md. 410-939-2462, havredegracemd.com.
Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Co. Carnival. Kick off July at this annual carnival that celebrates the famous Chincoteague ponies and benefits the island’s volunteer firefighters. Enjoy rides, food, crafts, music, and more. Carnival Grounds, Chincoteague, Va. Other dates: July 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 27-Aug 1. 757-336-6161, chincoteaguechamber.com.
Independence Day Fireworks Cruise. Try this year’s Fourth of July on the water. The Harbor Queen has great views of the fireworks. Enjoy snacks and offerings from the cash bar. City Dock, Annapolis. Fri: $40 adults, $20 children; Sat: $45 adults, $20 children. 410-268-7601, watermarkjourney.com.
Kenn Backhaus at Troika Gallery. Browse the works of plein air artist Kenn Backhaus, who was recently featured on American Public Television’s “Passport & Palette” program. Troika Gallery, Easton, Md. Artist talk at 7 p.m. 410-770-9190, troikagallery.com.
Cinema By Starlight. Sprawl out on a blanket and catch a different movie every Friday night through July and August. Showtime begins at sunset. Main Street, Easton, Md. 410-820-8822, eastonmainstreet.com.
Big Band Night and St. Michaels Fireworks. Grab a partner and dance to the big band sounds. Later, watch the breathtaking St. Michaels’ fireworks display over the Miles River. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, Md. 7-10 p.m. 410-745-2916, cbmm.org.
Bay Lighthouses Cruise. Soak in the sun and salty breeze on the elegant Lady Sarah while cruising by Thomas Point, Sandy Point Shoal, and Baltimore Harbor lighthouses. City Dock, Annapolis. 12:15-3:15 p.m. Other dates: July 12, 19, 26. 410-268-7601, watermarkjourney.com.
Fireworks Cruise Aboard Woodwind. The cruise leaves from the Marriott dock at 6:30 p.m. for a two-hour sunset sail. Fireworks at 9:15. City Dock, Annapolis. 410-263-7837, schoonerwoodwind.com.
Independence Day Celebration. Travel back in time with period music, Revolutionary War re-enactors, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and patriotic crafts. William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis. 410-267-8146, annapolis.org.
Kent County Watermen’s Day. Celebrate the men and women of Rock Hall, who make a living fishing local waters. Sign up for the anchor toss or boat-docking contests, and help yourself to fresh seafood. Bulk Head, Rock Hall, Md. 1 p.m. 410-639-7733, kentcounty.com.
Creatures of the Bay. Hop on the skipjack Martha Lewis and take a closer look at local Bay critters, such as terrapins, oysters, and crabs. Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Md. 410-939-4078, chesapeakeheritage.org.
Angela Herbert-Hodges, Notes in the Landscape. A native of England and resident of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Herbert-Hodges paints landscapes from the rocky coast of the United Kingdom to the quiet shores of the Delmarva Peninsula. Maryland Federation of Art, Circle Gallery, Annapolis, 410-268-4566, mdfedart.org.
Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Show. See first-hand the tools that helped change industry and agriculture, such as antique steam engines, gas engines, blacksmithing equipment, and more. Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association, Easton, Md. Thurs. 12-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 410-822-9868, tuckahoesteam.org..
Nanticoke Riverfest. Spend the weekend in the river with a float-in and canoe and kayak races. The event also features a carnival, youth fishing tournament, and pontoon boat rides. Downtown Seaford, Del. Thurs. 5:30-9 p.m.; Fri. 5-11 p.m.; Sat. 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. 302-629-9173, nanticokeriverfest.com.
OC Tuna Tournament. Watch the excitement as tuna and dolphin are reeled in and weighed for more than $500,000 in prizes. Also enjoy live entertainment and food. OC Fishing Center, Ocean City, Md. 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 410-213-1121, oceancity-tunatournament.com.
Pirate Invasion. Arrr, matey! Invade pirate camps, watch sword fights, and learn the pirate lingo. Bring your own eye patch. Susquehanna Museum, Havre de Grace, Md. Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 410-939-5780, lockhousemuseum.org..
Taste of Cambridge. Taste and vote for top crab dishes by local chefs. The downtown festival includes a crab cook-off, a crab-picking contest, and live music. Main Street, Cambridge, Md. 410-229-0020, cambridge-mainstreet.com.
Sharkfest! Touch the hide of a real live shark (in a tank) and have your picture taken in the jaws of a Giant Megalodon shark skeleton. Calvert Marine Museum, Calvert, Md. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-326-2042, calvertmarinemuseum.com.
Paddle on the John Smith Trail. Spend the morning paddling the pristine waters of the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Canoes provided. Riley’s Mill Landing, Chestertown, Md. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 410-778-5954, sultana-projects.org.
Car Show and Lawnmower Races. Step back and watch out for flying grass at the lawnmower races, then check out some fancier wheels at the car show. Steppingstone Farm Museum, Havre de Grace, Md. 12-4 p.m. 410-939-2299, steppingstonemuseum.org.
Potomac Jazz and Seafood Festival. Indulge in the best seafood Southern Maryland has to offer and relax riverside to the sound of three dynamic jazz groups. St. Clement’s Island Museum, Colton’s Point, Md. 4-10 p.m. 301-769-2222, stmarysmd.com.
Kent County Fair. Try to catch a greased pig, stay up on a bull, and bid on everything from antiques to livestock. Bring the kids for rides, a petting zoo, crafts, and more. Tolchester Fairground, Chestertown, Md. Thurs.-Fri. noon-10 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 410-778-1661, kentcounty.com.
Shakespeare in Hollywood. The “real” Oberon and Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream have taken a wrong turn in their time travel and landed right on a 1930s Burbank sound stage—just in time to star in a movie based on their own play. Three Notch Theater, Lexington Park, Md. 301-737-5447, newtowneplayers.org.
Plein Air-Easton! 5th Annual Competition & Arts Festival. Discover the artistic talents and techniques behind this spontaneous, outdoor art style. Don’t miss the quick draw event as well as workshops available for aspiring plein air artists, too. Downtown Easton, Md. 410-822-7297, pleinaireaston.com.
Chestertown Crazy Days. Browse specialty shops (art, books, jewelry) with big bargains on the redbrick sidewalks of Chestertown. Downtown Chestertown, Md. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-778-0500, chestertown.com.
Greek Festival. Live the Greek life for a weekend, with traditional cuisine, music, dancing, and vendors. Convention Center (40th Street and Bay), Ocean City, Md. Fri.-Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-9 p.m. 410-524-0990, oceancity.md.
Chincoteague Blueberry Festival. Savor blueberries in every form (pie, salsa—even mayonnaise!), browse art vendors, and enjoy live music. Chincoteague Center, Chincoteague, Va. 757-824-3868, chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com.
Cecil County Fair. Gear up for the demolition derby, rodeo, and tractor and truck pulls. Don’t forget to grab a cone from the Junior Dairy Farmer’s homemade ice cream booth. Fair Hill Fairgrounds, Fair Hill, Md. 410-392-3440, cecilcountyfair.org.
Tidewater Archaeology Weekend. Help archaeologists excavate pieces of Maryland’s past. Dig up artifacts from the Calvert House, the 17th-century home of Benedict Leonard Calvert, the first governor of Maryland. Historic St. Mary’s City, St. Mary’s, Md. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 240-895-4990, stmaryscity.org.
Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta. Prepare for thrills and spills on the Choptank River at the annual race of hydroplane and flat-bottom boats. Choptank River Bridge, Cambridge, Md. cpbra.com.
84th Annual Pony Swim and Auction. Cheer for the Chincoteague ponies as they swim from Assateague to Chincoteague Island in the early morning slack tide. First foal ashore (named King or Queen Neptune) is given away in a raffle at the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Carnival, while other ponies are auctioned off to help support the fire company. Carnival Grounds, Chincoteague, Va. 757-336-6161, chincoteaguechamber.com.
Chesapeake Vintage Postcard Fair. See collections of rare, vintage postcards, many depicting the Chesapeake during a gentler time. Havre de Grace Community Center, Havre de Grace, Md. Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-642-3521, hdgtourism.com..
Kent Fort Farm’s Annual Peach Festival. Pick sun-ripened peaches and blackberries, try the famous homemade peach ice cream, and take a free hay ride. Kent Fort Farm, Queen Anne, Md. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-643-1650, discoverqueen-annes.com.
Antiques Show. Find a gem at the Lewes Beach show, attended by hundreds of antique dealers from the Mid-Atlantic region. Lewes Historical Society, Lewes, Del. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 302-645-7670, historiclewes.org.
Blessing of the Combines. Celebrate local farming and rural life with a parade of combines and tractors, a car and motorcycle show, petting zoo, and crafts. Downtown Snow Hill, Md. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-632-3838, loweshore.net/towns/snowhill/snowhilltoday.htm.
White Marlin Open. Join in or just watch the world’s largest billfish tournament. More than 300 boats will compete for up to $2.5 million in prizes for off-shore fishing of white and blue marlin, dolphin, shark, and more. Weigh-ins are from 4 p.m.-9:15 p.m. and open to the public. Harbour Island Marina, Ocean City, Md. 410-289-9229, whitemarlinopen.com.
St. Joseph’s Jousting Tournament and Horse Show. Strap on your armor, grab a lance, and try your hand at the premier sport of the Middle Ages. St. Joseph’s Church, Cordova, Md. 9 a.m. 410-822-6915, tourtalbot.org.
Lil’ Margaret’s Bluegrass and Old Tie County Music Festival. Enjoy this festival featuring more than a dozen bluegrass bands, home-cooked meals, and arts and crafts. Goddard Family Farm, Leonardtown, Md. Thurs. 3:50-10:25 p.m.; Fri. 2:50-11:05 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-11:05 p.m. 301-475-8191, lilmargaretsbluegrass.com.
Governor’s Cup Yacht Race. Cheer on the participants in the oldest and longest over-night race on the Chesapeake Bay. St. Mary’s College waterfront, St. Mary’s City, Md. 6 p.m. 240-895-3039, smcm.edu/govcup.
Worcester County Fair. Have some old-fashioned fun with livestock and horse shows, pony rides, a vintage motorcycle show, cake auction, and more. Byrd Park, Snow Hill, Md. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-632-3329, worcestercountyfair.com.
Havre de Grace Seafood Festival. Chow down on alligator nuggets and shrimp burgers or just stick to the classics from more than 20 vendors. Also enjoy live music and children’s events. Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Md. Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 410-939-1525, hdgseafoodfestival.org.
Rock Hall’s Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend. Come by boat or by car to this rollicking event, complete with a sea shanty singalong, pirate movies, and Caribbean-style beach parties. Townwide, Rock Hall, Md. 410-639-7611, rockhallpirates.com.
Annapolis Art Walk. Peek over artists’ shoulders outside 20 Annapolis galleries, and watch them work in oil paint, sculpture, watercolors, and other media. The galleries host exhibits inside by participating artists. Downtown Annapolis. 5-9 p.m. 410-267-7077, artinannapolis.com.
Steve Miller Band. Fly like an eagle or just be a joker. Come hear tunes from this classic rock band, where the Patuxtent meets the Bay. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomon’s Island, Md. 7:30 p.m. 410-326-2042, calvertmarine-museum.com.
Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged. Hold onto your seats at this funny, fast-paced comedy by the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Starting with “Romeo and Juliet,” you’ll see bits of every Shakespeare play in just 97 minutes! Prince Theatre, Chestertown, Md. 410-810-2060, princetheatre.org.
Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention. Meet TV and movie stars such as James Best from “Dukes of Hazzard,” Academy Award-winning actress Celeste Holm (“Gentleman’s Agreement”), and Catwoman, Lee Meriwether. The Clarion Hotel, Aberdeen, Md. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 443-286-6821, mid-atlanticnostalgia-convention.com.
National Hard Crab Derby and Fair. Crab central is in Crisfield for a weekend of crab racing contests, beauty pageants, rides, and crafts. Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield, Md. 410-968-2500, crisfieldchamber.com.
143rd Annual Jousting Tournament. Join the oldest tournament of Maryland’s official state sport. Also featuring a bazaar, organ recitals, a homemade country supper, and more. Christ Church, Port Republic, Md. 10 a.m. 410-586-0565, christchurchcalvert.org.
Public Star Party. Observe the moon, planets, and stars through a variety of telescopes. Cecil Park, St. Mary’s, Md. 9:30 p.m. 301-475-4200, stmarysmd.com.
Maryland Renaissance Festival. Travel back to a 16th-century village with jousting, re-enactors, crafts, and giant turkey legs for all! Crownsville Rd., Crownsville, Md. Weekends through September and October. 410-573-1507, rennfest.com.
