Maryland Day
Events 2020
March 20th, 21st & 22nd
Maryland Day Weekend is a celebration of the rich history and heritage of Maryland. It is sponsored in part by the Four Rivers Heritage Area.
Whether you are out for a hike or visiting Annapolis for the first time, you'll want to check out the events on tap for this years' Maryland Day Weekend. With over 20 partners sites, all FREE or $1
You will find all kinds of things to do all over Annapolis and southern Anne Arundel County.
If your business is interested in being a participant in Maryland Day, Please email:info@marylanddayweekend.org. Maryland Day Weekend organizers will contact you ASAP.
United States Naval Academy Visitor Center
52 King George Street
Annapolis, MD
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
9am - 5pm
Join our Maryland Residence Frequent Tour Program!
Present your Maryland driver's license for your first tour with us. You will be given a MD membership card. Every time you return with one or more guests your tour will be free! While you are visiting explore our FREE exhibit hall and watch our film in the Visitor Center.
https://www.usnabsd.com/for-visitors/
Maryland Day Flag-Raising Ceremony
Susan Campbell Park-City Dock Annapolis
SATURDAY 10am
Free
Four Rivers Heritage Area and partners present a spirit-lifting flag raising ceremony! Join Town Crier Fred Taylor, the choir from Sunset Park Elementary School, and the award-winning USNA League Cadets of the Training Ship Mercedes for this annual event. It’s the perfect place to start your day, before joining a tour or visiting a historic site!
https://fourriversheritage.org/
Women of Achievement Walking Tour - departs from Susan Campbell Park at City Dock, 1 Dock Street
Free
10:0am-10:30pm PH#410-268-7601 x 100.
Celebrate the100th Anniversary of the Women's Right to Vote and the "Month of the Woman" with the Women of Achievement Tour. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Annapolis' historic district led by a period- dressed guide. Space is limited. Walk ups welcome - space permitting. Reserve your tour at https://annapolistours.com/ or cal 410-268-7601 x 100
ON THE WATER
1 Dock Street Annapolis
Friday afternoon hours tba, Saturday and Sunday
Free
Maryland’s renowned tall ship, Pride of Baltimore II, is scheduled to arrive Friday afternoon at
City Dock. Walk across the gangway to explore history and learn about privateers, Baltimore
Clippers and Pride II. Tours are open to guests of all ages. (Unfortunately, Pride II is not accesible.)
See daily event schedule for specific hours.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park - Education Center
7300 Edgewood Road - at the Back Creek Campus
Annapolis, MD 21403
Saturday
11 am - 3 Free
410 -295 -0104
Discover local pirate lore as you join the Education Staff at the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park's
Back Creek campus for an afternoon of adventure. We will learn about local pirates as we conquer pirate challenges such as building boats, knot tying, decoding signal flags and more. Activities are free and for all ages!
Watermark Cruises - Annapolis Harbor and USNA Cruise
Annapolis City Dock, 1 Dock Street
Children cruise free with paying adult
11am- 6pm - no reservations required - boat boards 15 minutes before the hour
Join Watermark Cruises for their opening weekend and enjoy a 40 minute cruise exploring Annapolis Harbor and the US Naval Academy on the Harbor Queen! See the full schedule on the link below.
Celebrating Women's History -
Anne Arundel County Public Library
Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library
269 Hillsmere Dr. Annapolis
SAT 2pm
Free
410-222-1770
'Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Equality for All!', a Living History Performance of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Join award-winning actress and Smithsonian scholar, Mary Ann Jung as she takes us on Elizabeth Cady Stanton's journey as a champion for Women's Rights; even while married with seven children, Stanton was a speech writer for Susan B. Anthony, fought for and won property rights for married women, as well as equal guardianship for children.
Walking Tour - Market House Park 25 Market Space
Free
10:0am-10:30pm Saturday PH#410-268-7601
Celebrate the100th Anniversary of the Women's Right to Vote and the "Month of the Woman" with the Women of Achievement Tour. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Annapolis' historic district led by a period- dressed guide. Space is limited. Walk ups welcome -space permitting. Reserve at annapolistours.com
See day listing for Cruise information.
Hiking and Biking
Anne Arundel County Dept.of Recreation & Parks
4 regional parks open free all weekend
https://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/
Downs Park
8322 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD
410-222-6230
7 am - dusk * Free
This 236 acre park has 5 miles of trails, a fishing pier, a children's playground,2 basketball courts, kayak launching, and an amazing view of the Chesapeake Bay. The Downs Park Historical Society works hard to preserve the park's history.
Fort Smallwood Park
9500 Fort Smallwood Road
Pasadena, MD
410-222-0087
5:30 am - dusk 8 Free
Recreational amenities include the 380-foot Bill Burton Fishing Pier for fishing and birdwatching, a large accessible playground, historic gun battery and barracks from when the site was a coastal fort, plus walking trails, beaches, pond and volleyball courts.Fees apply for boat launching.
Kinder Farm Park
1001 Kinder Farm Park Road
Millersville, MD
410-222-6115
7 am - dusk * Free
Explore a restored farmhouse from 1925 with artifacts from the 1930's including a tobacco press, and harvesting tools. Live animals include: chickens, turkeys, geese, cows, pigs, goats, and sheep.There is also a large playground, tot- lot and walking trails.
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
1361 Wrighton Road
Lothian, MD 20771
410-222-8006
9 am - 5pm
The Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is located along the tidal Patuxent River in southern Anne Arundel County.It includes 1,500 acres of tidal freshwater wetlands, forests, meadows and fields.
Quiet Waters Park
600 Quiet Waters Road
Annapolis, MD
410-222-1777
7 am - dusk * Free
The Quiet Waters Visitor Center’s three art galleries display art exhibitions of the best local and regional talents.The park's 340 acres include paved trails, public art, playground, picnic areas and water views of the South River.
CROWNSVILLE
Scenic Rivers Land Trust - Guided History Hike
of the Bacon Ridge Natural Area
Hawkins Road just south of the 97 overpass in Crownsville MD
10 am and 12pm
Meet at Bacon Ridge Trailhead on Hawkins Road just south of the 97 overpass in Crownsville MD.
Hike times are:10 am -12pm and 1pm - 3pm Length 2- 4 miles
Get outside and enjoy your local woods! Join us as we explore the landscape for clues in the history-rich
Bacon Ridge Natural Area. Together we'll learn how humans and nature have interacted to make the landscape we see today, all while enjoying the beautiful 900+ acre protected forest.
*All ages are welcome but keep in mind it is an unpacked trail through the woods.
Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Contact Sarah Kneble at or call 410-980-6837 to reserve your spot!
South County
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
647 Contees Warf Road
Edgewater
FRI-SAT- 8:30am-4:30pm
Free
443-482-2220
Hiking and Geocaching
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, the SERC campus boasts 2,650-acres of forests, wetlands, marshes and 15 miles of protected shoreline. With almost a dozen geocache sites located along the trails, visitors are welcome to search for them and practice their GPS skills while enjoying a lovely hike.
Check out Science Saturday on Saturdays' events page or on the SERC webpage!
SOUTHERN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Galesville Community Center
916 West Benning Road
Galesville MD 20765
1pm - 4pm
410-703-0610
Celebration! The public is invited to participate in a conversation engaging event centered on culinary traditions and 'food ways' of the African American community both past and present. The recently launched "African American Voices, Memories and Places:A Four Rivers Heritage Trail" revealed a persistent theme across many tour stops and oral history interviews:Food!MRS. Crowner's Lunch Room Revisited: Not just a Restaurant but a Communities' Heart and Soul: The Galesville Community Center (GCCO) will be transformed into now demolished "Mrs. Crowner's Lunch Room" (aka the Cook Shop.) Long-time residents and scholars will join several of Crowner's descendants to lead a discussion about the legacy and traditions of the meals once served at the "Cook Shop". Sample the meals that were served by Mrs. Margaret Crowner in the 1940's and will be recreated and served to participants by members of the GCCO. Participants will also be encouraged to read Michael Twitty's book 'The Cooking Gene" in advance, and key themes from the book will provide conversation starters for facilitated group discussions.
Jailhouse Antique Shop, formerly the only jail in the South County area and was built around1937. It later became Ellen's Beauty Corner and then Harvey's Barbershop. The beauty shop was the first African American licensed hair salon in southern Anne Arundel County. GCCO has partnered with the new owner and will conduct tours during the 2020 Maryland Day celebration on Sunday afternoon.
http://www.historicgalesville.org/
Deale Area Historical Society
389 Deale Road - Herrington Harbor North
Tracy's Landing
1pm - 4pm
410-279-2078
Experience life at the turn of the 1900's at the Deale Area Historical Society's Open House. Get a glimpse of what life was like in this charming historic village that boasts a beneficial society meeting house, a Russian Orthodox chapel, a tobacco barn, a one room school house and a home with the necessary 'out' buildings. All the buildings were moved to the site from the local vicinity and emphasize the simple, hardworking lives lived by South County farmers, watermen, tradesmen and their families.
Captain Avery Museum
1418 E. West Shady Side Road Shady Side, MD
Free
10am - 4pm PH# 410-867-4486
Captain Avery Museum will be debuting their newly renovated historic house with fresh exhibits related to their three centuries theme of people living on the water, recreation and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay. They will have an open house with self guided tours, activities and tours of the garden.
https://captainaverymuseum.org/
Downtown Annapolis
William Paca House and Garden
186 Prince George Street
$1
12-4pm Saturday (& Sunday offering tours only)
$1
The year, 1770, Mr. Paca and his friends will be welcoming guests to his home and sharing news of the day. Tour the historic gardens and have photographs with an 18th century colonial in this formal garden.
Hogshead
43 Pinkney Street
Saturday and Sunday
12-4pm
$1
It’s all hands on at Hogshead with a baker, carpenter, milliner, and other tradespeople. Put on a yoke and buckets to fetch water, stuff the bed, and see the John Shaw Flag. Experience how the working class of colonial Annapolis lived!
Waterfront Warehouse
4 Pinkney Street
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
10am - 4pm
Enjoy the model of the Annapolis Waterfront.
Hammond Harwood House
19 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, MD
$1
12 - 5pm PH# 410-263-4683
Hammond Harwood House will be celebrating Maryland Day with half hour tours of this beautiful 1774 house and its famous collection of art, furniture and decorative pieces.Families can enjoy fun facts and children's game "haversack' for use in the garden. The garden and a special exhibit will be open for free.
https://hammondharwoodhouse.org/
Governor Calvert House
58 State Circle Annapolis
$1
1pm - 4 pm Sunday only
Experience an archeological wonder under the floor of this lovely hotel in historic Annapolis.
The Roman heating system called a hypocaust was uncovered during renovations in the 1980's and is preserved for all to see under a plexiglass floor system.
Costumed interpreter provided by Historic Annapolis.
Charles Carroll House
107 Duke of Glouchester Street Annapolis, MD
Free
12pm - 4pm Saturday and Sunday
Explore the grand old home of the Carroll family located on the picturesque grounds of St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Carroll family played a major role in the framing of constitution. This wonderfully curated house and garden is a hidden gem on the shores of Spa Creek.
For younger audiences, participate in a scavenger hunt as well as crossword puzzles.
On display Annapolis Historian Robert Worden's "A Night of Tragedy, July 9th, 1866" on the tragic accidental drownings of the Redemptorists.
https://charlescarrollhouse.org/
100 State Circle, Annapolis
Free
9am-5pm FRI-SAT-SUN PH#410-260-6400
The Maryland State House is the oldest state capital still in continuous legislative use. Enjoy the immersive State House exhibits, including the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber. Explore important historical events that happened underneath the dome and in the chamber of the only state house ever to have served as the nations capital.
ID required to enter if you are over 21.
https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html
84 Franklin Street, Annapolis
Free
0am-4pm FRIDAY and SATURDAY PH#410-216-6180
The Banneker-Douglass Museum serves to document, interpret and promote African-American history and culture through exhibits, projects and programs to improve understanding and appreciation of Americas’ rich cultural diversity. It is located in the heart of historic Annapolis at the former Mt. Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church c.1875
It is the State of Maryland's official museum for African American history and culture.
Enjoy exhibits of Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass as well as many other noteworthy African Americans.
https://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/
Art and Galleries
801 Chase Street
Saturday and Sunday (see daily listings)
9am-9pm
Free
410-263-5544
Saturday
Visit the Galleries at Maryland Hall! Exhibits on display include Vantage Point: Paintings by Sally Davies, From Our Living Room to Yours: The Leroy Hoffberger School of Painting and Unnatural Causes.
Sunday
ArtFest is a day of creativity showcasing the arts at Maryland Hall like no other single day, attracting over 1000 people of all ages. At this year's ArtFest, we are celebrating our 40th anniversary year! Join us for an exciting 40th Birthday Party Open House - complete with birthday cake and party décor! The day features art demonstrations, live music, dance performances, exhibitions, hands-on activities, children's crafts and food trucks. The party will be capped off by a concert by the United States Naval Academy Band.
St. John’s College - Mitchell Gallery - Mellon Hall
60 College Ave Annapolis
12pm-5pm Free
410-626-2556
American Indian Art from the Fenimore Art Museum: The Thaw Collection
Explore this lovely exhibition of Native American artistry that dates from1200 to 1850.
https://www.sjc.edu/annapolis/mitchell-gallery
Maryland Federation of Art
Circle Gallery 18 State Circle
11am - 5pm
410-268-4566
View fine art ,jewelry and crafts by Maryland artists.
10% off Maryland artists all 3 days.
Plan Your Trip!!
VisitAnnapolis Visitors Center
26 West Street and City Dock
Free
9am-5pm PH#410-280-0445
Information Specialists can help you plan activities for your Maryland Day Celebration adventures including a free Maryland Day Program and information about local things to see and do. Stop by the West Street location to have your picture taken at our photo booth, complete with colonial props for kids! Information specialists are ready at both locations to help you plan activities for your Maryland Day Weekend adventures.
