AUGUST 4, 2024
Lauren Burke Meyer
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Contributor
August events in Annapolis to help you check off that Summer Bucket List
End of summer may be in sight, but there’s still plenty to do in Annapolis to embrace the season. We’ve corralled some of the best upcoming events to serve our music lovers, foodies, water-enthusiasts, and much more.
For parents who need to occupy their kids, we’ve covered that too. Apparently, research points to August 1 as the date when kids reach peak boredom and say, “I’m bored.” To parents who made it this far into summer, congrats!
Let’s dig into our list, so you can check things off yours.
Is it just us, or does music sound better when enjoyed outside? Here are four ways you can answer this question. Bonus: all of these are free!
USNA Band Summer Concert Series: On Tuesday, August 6, The United States Naval Academy Band Superintendent's Combo will perform a varied program of jazz standards, classics from the swing era, and newer works fit for a pleasant summer evening at Annapolis City Dock. 7:30–9 PM.
Tides & Tunes: These concerts occur at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, offering rock to folk to blues from 7–9 PM with the Chesapeake Bay as the backdrop. Food trucks are onsite, plus spirits will be for sale. Note: these are zero waste events, so BYO cup. If needed, you can buy cups there. Here’s who’s playing the last concerts of summer:
August 8: ONO One Night Only Band
August 15: Jah Works
August 22: John Frase Project
August 29: Area 301 and All You Need Band are both performing
Summer Concert Series: Enjoy great music, community vibes, and summer fun at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock. Oh yeah, and there are dancing opportunities too!
August 18: Dr. Phil & His Big Band from 6:30–8:30 PM
August 23: City Dock Tango Lessons from 7–9 PM
August 25: City Dock Salsa Lessons from 6:30–8:30 PM
Annapolis Town Center Summer Concerts: Attend for some family-friendly live music at the Boathouse Pavilion in the East Village (located next to P.F. Chang’s). Held on the first and third Friday, May to September, from 6–8 PM. Vintage Views Mobile Bar is onsite, so bring a blanket and grab carryout for that picnic option.
August 16: JPARIS Band (Classic Rock, Punk, and Alternative)
September 6: Dan Heely Band (Blues, Soul, and Funk)
September 20: Lower Case Blues (Blues, Rock, and Funk)
Quiet Waters Summer Concert Series: Quiet Waters is not so quiet on Saturday evenings in the summer, but in the best possible way! Check out an eclectic mix of music at these relaxing outdoor events. Food and drink vendors are available. Four dates remain:
August 10 – 6:00-8:00 PM: Moxie Blues
August 17 – 5:30-7:30 PM: Raquel and the Wildflowers
August 24 – 5:30-7:30 PM: Leonardo Garcia y son Horizonte (Latin pop)
September 1 – 5:30-7:00 PM: Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (note: this one is on Sunday).
As someone who is scarily close to carrying Old Bay in her purse, I feel equipped to share the best places for an impromptu Crab Feast. Gather your friends and family for a meal to remember at any of these fine establishments:
The Choptank: 110 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD
Mike’s Crab House: 3030 Riva Rd, Riva, MD
Cantler’s Riverside Inn: 458 Forest Beach Rd, Annapolis, MD
The Point Crab House & Grill: 700 Mill Creek Rd, Arnold, MD
Dinner Under the Stars: This beloved tradition features dinner, drinks, and dancing under the twinkle lights when the first block of West Street shuts down on Wednesday and Saturday evenings until September. Below are participating restaurants. Since outdoor space is limited, we recommend making reservations. *Means they take reservations.
Speaking of West Street, First Sunday Arts Festival returns on September 1. Just in time before the end of summer and the day before Labor Day. Of course, you can also catch this festival the first Sunday of every month from May to November. There’s always unique art, live entertainment, and café-style-dining.
What would a summer bucket list be without ample water-themed adventures?
Wednesday Night Races Watch Party: Get a front row seat as sailors compete! These two-hour watch parties run through August 28 and include onboard commentary and complimentary beverages of wine, beer, canned cocktails, and soda. 21+ only, tickets cost $75. Departs from Annapolis Maritime Museum Dock (723 Second Street, Annapolis MD 21403).
Watermark Tours has a boatload of cruises and tours. Their Annapolis Harbor & USNA Cruise is a classic and available daily. Looking for something unique? Try a Day on the Bay to St. Michaels.
Schooner Woodwind tours: Come aboard one of the 74-foot wooden schooners for a true sailing experience. Help raise the sails, steer the boat, or simply relax as Woodwind sails from the Annapolis waterfront, past the Naval Academy, and into the Chesapeake Bay. Public and private cruises are available.
Want more nautical ideas for all ages? Don’t forget about our two recent stories:
Here are a few events selected with kiddos top of mind.
Reynold’s Tavern Tea Party: There is something memorable about a real-life tea party. Luckily, Reynolds Tavern has a long list of tea options. Their Traditional English Afternoon Tea is served daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. Call 410-295-9555 to make a reservation.
And remember . . . Pinkies up!
Storywalk Stroll in the Paca Garden: Enjoy a children’s story along a path in the picturesque Paca Garden. You can take a self-guided garden stroll anytime from 10 AM to 5 PM. GA is only $5.
Play Street Museum Severna Park: The heat this time of year is no joke. Escape to the AC with a 90-minute play session at the newish Play Street Museum. It’s a great way for kiddos to get their wiggles out, exercise problem-solving skills, and develop social skills. Admission is only $14.50 for kids ages 1–8 years old. Older or younger siblings are free if accompanying a paying sibling. Book a playtime.
Wine and Brine Festival: We’re going to tell it to you straight. We don’t have much info on this festival . . . What we do know? It’s on Saturday, August 10 from 11 AM to 7 PM at Susan Campbell Park. Obviously there will be wine, but the “brine” part has us curious. We’ll update you as we learn more or wander to City Dock that day for a closer look.
Maryland Renaissance Festival: Anytime we get to eat meat on a stick, it’s a good day. Especially, while dressed in costume or seeing others dressed as maidens, knights, Friar Tuck, etc. This year’s Fest opens August 24 and tickets go on sale August 1. The Fest is open daily from 10 AM–7 PM and offers a full schedule of entertainment, shopping, games, and food.
Naptown Scoop Anniversary Party: Pardon the shameless plug, but Naptown Scoop has a birthday coming up . . . We’re turning 4, and we want to party with you! Join us at the Annapolis Maritime Museum on August 16 at 6:30–9:30 PM for a swanky waterfront soirée.
Your all-inclusive ticket includes many of our favorite things:
Sure, it will be the party of the summer. But this celebration is also for a good cause. The fundraising beneficiary of this year’s event is Annapolis Hope. The grassroots community fundraiser was created to save a local family from eviction after a mass shooting took the life of their husband and father.
Lastly, if you’re checking any (or all) of these items off your summer bucket list, don’t forget to tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!
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