Celebration Calendar - Ongoing Events
Annapolis Alive! events run the gamut from performances of the Annapolis Symphony to sailboat races, to children's events, to lectures on historic topics and on the future of our City... and more. There is something for everyone. Events will make you think, make you laugh, and make you ever more appreciative of our fair town. Check the listing for something that interests you.
We need volunteers and energy to bring these events to life. Check the Participate page for more information on which events need leadership.
Jan. - March • April - June • July - Sept. • Oct. - Dec. • Ongoing Events
Calendar Archive
April 1 to September 30 - Annapolis Yacht Club Evening Colors - American Flag Ceremony
Sunset
daily except Mondays
Visible from the Spa Creek Bridgephoto by Don Dement
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April 23 - September 3 - Annapolis Yacht Club Wednesday Night Races
finish at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the “Only Annapolis Sailboat Race With Finish Line View”
visible from the Spa Creek Bridgephoto by Elvia Thompson
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May - September - Step Aboard the Icon of the Bay: Tour the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
Available two weekends each month; three three-hour tours each day.
Take a once-in-a-lifetime tour aboard the most recognizeable image of the Chesapeake Bay and learn: how lighthouse keepers lived, about other lighthouses on the Bay and how many met their demise, how the U.S. Lighthouse Society is restoring and preserving the lighthouse, and more.
The tour begins and ends at the Annapolis Maritime Museum with an orientation and safety check-in. Then guests board a boat for the 30- minute cruise to the lighthouse, an on-board docent-led tour, and a 30-minute return boat ride. Allow three hours for the excursion. Only 18 guests can be accommodated on each tour. Reservations are required and any tour may be canceled due to weather and sea conditions at the discretion of the Captain. There are age and certain physical restrictions. Admission is charged.
All Summer - Historic Vessels on City Dock
To celebrate our maritime heritage, we will have visits from historic vessels including sail training vessels, historical vessels and modern naval and maritime ships. Go aboard historic vessels from around the world throughout the summer.
More information to come.
Photo: the Kalmar Nikol
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All Year - “Annapolis’ History: 1708-2008” - Annapolis Gallery Association Centennial Exhibitions
Artists over the centuries have reflected in their work, not only the culture in which they lived, but clothing worn, their political feelings, spiritual acknowledgements, and, simply, art to express their appreciation of the beauty of the world around them. The galleries will invite their artists to participate in portraying significant historical events and personalities, art and architecture, home and work life, the Chesapeake Bay, wildlife and waterfowl, farm and City life as it was during any time period in the 300 years.
Information: Contact Sandy Pezzoli, Gallery 1683, 410 280-2140 or Ladedah611@aol.com.
All Year - Plaque Annapolis Program
Proud of the history of your building? This educational program offers an opportunity for residents and commercial business owners to showcase their buildings with accurate information on the evolution and historic associations of the properties. Many buildings do not fall within the stringent preservation guidelines of Historic Annapolis Foundation’s plaque program, but have interesting historical associations nonetheless, of which owners are quite proud.
You can help the traveling public to learn more about our “Museum Without Walls” as they travel our downtown core. Each sign will follow the approved format set by the Historic Preservation Commission, a 10” by 12” bronze plaque. Research will be provided by a variety of local historians whose work will be based on files maintained by the Chief of Historic Preservation, the Maryland State Archives, and other land records available as needed.
Cost for the bronze plaque is $450, and is borne by the building owner.
Information: Karen Engelke, Special Project Coordinator 410 263-7996, or kengelke@annapolis.govAll Year -
Annapolis Alive! Activities for Kids
The Chesapeake Children’s Museum has developed many family activities for youngsters based on themes within Charter 300. Scout programs, school curriculum and independent programs galore will highlight the “takeaways” that will provide a lasting legacy of this commemorative year.Information: 410 990-1993
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All Year - The Anne Arundel County Public Library Celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the signing of Annapolis' Royal
Charter
Stop by the Annapolis Area Library on West Street, or any of the 15 public library branches throughout the County to find out about special programs planned to commemorate the Anniversary and to learn more about the rich history of our state capital.Information: 410 222-7371 or www.aacpl.net
All Year - Tapestry 300 Annapolis
Three magnificent tapestries and several smaller pieces depicting 300 years of Annapolis’ development will be displayed throughout the city. All are welcome to stitch in time under the guidance of a skilled needlepoint craftsperson. Free.
All Year - Windships and Kinships
photo by Richard Chomitz
official Charter 300 photographerA centerpiece of the 300th Celebration is “Windships and Kinships,” an international program that includes several exciting events with our friends in Annapolis’s sister city, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Several events are planned to share the unique and special cultural difference between Annapolis, Maryland, and Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada.
We were honored to partake in their 400th celebration in 2005 as the oldest settlement in North America and, in return, they are sharing in our 300th in 2008.
In June 2007, the Province of Nova Scotia sent Canada’s sailing ambassador, Bluenose II, to visit, along with the group Musique 400. Hosted at the U.S. Naval Academy, her crew joined in with a traditional Nova Scotian kitchen party sponsored by the Castlebay Pub on Main Street. Vince has declared this his best night ever!
Photo above by Richard Chomitz, official Charter 300 photographer.
Several officials, including the Speaker of the House of Assembly, The Honourable Cecil Clark; Leader of the Opposition, The Honourable Darrel Dexter; Mayor John Kinsella of Annapolis Royal; as well as Lt. Col. Rod MacDonald from the Royal Military College; visited in 2007.
Some of the planned events over the next year, subject to funding and schedules, are as follows:
- Cadets of the Royal Military College (RMC) will perform a Sunset Ceremony / Freedom of the City Parade in September
- Exchange of Symphonies, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Symphony Nova Scotia to visit Annapolis, times and dates TBD.
Through 2010 - ArtWalk: Annapolis the Beautiful
This epic outdoor art exhibition takes to the streets, celebrating our city's people, places and historic events, and featuring works by some of Annapolis’ most celebrated artists, including the late Marion Warren, Sally Comport, Sy Mohr (right), George Lassie Belt, and Greg Harlin. Free.
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New Tools to Explore Annapolis: Walking Tour Brochures
Who doesn’t enjoy a stroll around Annapolis? Look for our newest city exploration guides available during 2008. New Charter 300 brochures include the following:
- Maryland’s Capital City: overview introduction brochure to Annapolis
- Annapolis Walks: A Guide to the Trails and Charter 300 educational markers & archeological exhibits
Reflections of Annapolis: Charter 300 Artwork in Public Spaces: ArtWalk images throughout the downtown
Look for other City Exploration Guides:
- Declaration to Independence: Four Maryland Signer Homes in Annapolis
- Art in Annapolis: Publicly accessible art around the City
- Gardens of Annapolis: Peek over Garden Gates and linger in Public Gardens.
- Maritime Annapolis: Resources for visiting Mariners
- Eastport Walking Tour: Get to Know Annapolis' Maritime Neighborhood - available online
