Destination Maryland

by Michael Sattterfield 

Maryland is one of my favorite destinations during Spring/Summer, with Lawn Parties, Book Festivals, Car & Boat Shows, from April-August there are dozens of amazing events happening across the state. Here are some of my favorite events for 2019.

The Annapolis Book Festival celebrates the beauty, power, passion, and excitement of the written word through new and used book sales, signings and panels featuring nationally renowned authors. April 6.

You know spring has officially arrived when the St. John’s College “Johnnies” and the Naval Academy midshipmen compete in a croquet match like no other. The 37th annual Annapolis Cup Croquet Match brings together two vastly different schools for a one-of-a-kind intercollegiate competition and festive Great Gatsby-like lawn party on April 27.

The passion of sailing is front and center during the Annapolis Yacht Club’s annual Wednesday Night Sailboat Races. Some 130 crews race around markers in the Chesapeake Bay delighting onlookers weekly. April 24-August 28.

The 8th annual Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show provides experienced and novice sailors with their first yearly opportunity to shop for the latest in equipment, high-tech electronics, inflatables, clothing, boating accessories, gear and related services at the show’s 100+ on-land nautical exhibits and on-site pro surf shops. April 26-28.

The inaugural Boat Maryland Week offers fun events, informative classes and exhibits celebrating the area’s maritime heritage. April 26-May 5.

Since 1977 the Maryland Renaissance Festival has been one of the best attended Renn Fairs on the east coast and is held on the 27 acres The English Tudor village that boasts more than 130 craft shops and 42 food outlets. Opening August 24th.


The Food and Spirits Festival presents a lawn party of a different sort at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. The first-time event includes local and international wine tastings, local beer tastings, live music, artisans and local craft vendors. April 27-28.

BritFest 2019 is held at the Timonium Fairgrounds In-Field on Saturday, June 29th and will include cultural samplings and tastings from Britain. The event is designed to bring together all things British including the food, the beer, the sports and activities, and the cars and bikes of Britan.