March through May 26
Apprentice For a Day
Join Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum boatbuilders as they construct Ghost, a circa 1916-1920 deadrise bateau skiff. Come for a day or be part of the whole 5-month project. For the complete schedule of the build, and to register for classes, visit www.cbmm.org
Feb. 28-Mar. 3
Baltimore Boat Show
In addition to all the latest boat models, this year's Baltimore Boat Show will feature a powerboat docking challenge and the Swampmaster Gator Show-plus fishing, sailing and boating seminars, and indoor paddle-boating for the kids. Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore. Thurs.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-224-7633; www.baltimoreboatshow.com.
2
Oyster Roast
Slurp some oysters and help out the Smith Point Sea Rescue at this annual oyster roast. There will be plenty of oysters, soup, hot dogs, beer and good company to go around. Little River Seafood, Burgess, Va. 2-5 p.m. 804-453-5325; www.smithpointsearescue.com.
7,14, 21
Winter Seminar Series
This year's Thursday night winter seminar series at the Annapolis Maritime Museum features Matt Rutherford speaking about his solo trip around the Americas (Mar. 7), the Chesapeake's role in the War of 1812 (Mar. 14), and the Bay's oyster population (Mar. 21) . Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org.
9
Battle of Hampton Roads
Commemorate the historic Civil War battle between the U.S.S. Monitor and the C.S.S. Virginia with special tours, 19th century music and games, Civil War encampments and re-enactors, presentations by local authors and more. Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Va. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call for specific events and times. 757-596-2222; www.mariner.org.
9
Second Saturday
Enjoy fun evening events, gallery receptions, special dinners and sales throughout downtown Cambridge, Md. Downtown Cambridge, Md. 5-9 p.m. 443-477-0843; www.cambridgemainstreet.com.
9
Windjammers Lecture: Matt Rutherford
Matt Rutherford will discuss his epic solo navigation of the Americas aboard a 27-foot Albin Vega to raise money for Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (C.R.A.B.). Severn School, Severna Park, Md. 8 p.m. www.windjammers-chesapeake.com.
9
Eagle Festival
Learn all about bald eagles during this annual celebration. There will be bird watching walks, live eagle and falcon programs, children's activities and more. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge, Md. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-901-6124; www.fws.gov/blackwater.
9-10
Basic Navigation & Piloting Course
This two-day basic navigation class will feature both lecture and hands-on instruction using charts, plotting tools, government publications and workbook exercises. The Level II Navigation Course in electronic navigation continues on March 11-12 and focuses on the use of GPS, radar, Racons and chartplotters. Annapolis School of Seamanship, Annapolis. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-263-8848; www.annapolisschoolofseamanship.com.
9-10; 16-17
Marine Diesel Basics
Learn the basics of diesel maintenance and troubleshooting during this hands-on course. The Level II Diesel Engine course will take place Mar. 11-12. Annapolis School of Seamanship, Annapolis. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-263-8848; www.annapolisschoolofseamanship.com.
16
Spring Training
Singles on Sailboats will host this day of classes for boaters to brush up on seamanship skills with lectures and talks from area boating professionals. Participants do not have to belong to S.O.S., but preregistration is required. Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, Md. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. www.singlesonsailboats.org.
16
Ocean Quartet Concert
Join the Ocean Quartet for a high-spirited Irish-themed concert with classic Irish songs, blazing jigs and bawdy tunes to get the crowd singing along. Galesville Memorial Hall, Galesville, Md. 8-10 p.m. 443-786-0463; janiemeneely@gmail.com
16-17
Rappahannock River Waterfowl Show
More than 90 artists, carvers, photographers and sculptors will exhibit their wildlife artwork at this annual show. There will also be a preview night gala on the 15th (ticketed event) and a carving contest on Saturday, as well as children's activities. White Stone Firehouse, White Stone, Va. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 804-435-6355; www.rrws.org.
16-17
Military Through the Ages
Military re-enactors will depict centuries' worth of military encounters from the Middle Ages to modern times. Learn about military tactics and weaponry, and enjoy a children's parade. Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg, Va. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 888-593-4682; www.historyisfun.org.
17
Crusader Yacht Sales Open House
Crusader Yacht Sales will host its annual open house featuring new (Tartan, C&C, Bruckman) and used boats. There will also be seminars on how to buy and sell a boat. Port Annapolis Marina, Annapolis. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-269-0939; www.crusaderyachts.com
17
Taste of Talbot
Talbot County, Md., will kick off its annual restaurant week with this special "sample, sip and savor" event highlighting local chefs and restaurants with a special tasting event. The Oaks Waterfront Inn. Call for times and to purchase tickets. 410-770-8000; www.talbotdining.com.
Mar. 20-Apr. 14
Cherry Blossom Festival
This annual citywide event celebrates the gift of the 3,000 cherry trees from the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, D.C. There will be daily international cultural performances, sporting events, arts and crafts demonstrations and plenty more. Washington, D.C. 877-44BLOOM; www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
Note:
The colder than average March and chilled start to April has slowed the emergence of Washington, D.C.'s famed cherry blossoms. Peak bloom may not be achieved in the previously forecast April 3-7 window.
Our revised window for peak bloom is April 6-10.
23
Oyster Roast and Sock Burning Party
Celebrate the spring equinox with a family-friendly feast of the Chesapeake's favorite bivalve and the museum's annual sock-burning party. There will be live music, oyster shucking and cooking demonstrations, family activities and plenty of great oysters to eat! Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. Noon-4 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org.
23
Taste of Solomons
Local restaurants will offer special samplings of their food during this annual culinary tour of Solomons, Md. Solomons, Md. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. www.solomonsmaryland.com.
23
Maryland Day
Head to Maryland's first city to celebrate Maryland Day with special ceremonies, a wreath-laying and flag ceremony, plus free admission to the St. Mary's City exhibits and special programs. St. Mary's City, Md. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., ceremony at 1 p.m. 800-762-1634; www.stmaryscity.org.
23-24
Half-Hull Model Building
Join The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's model guild in building your very own half-hull model of the Pride of Baltimore II. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, Md. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-745-4941; www.cbmm.org
23-24
Fishing Fair
The Southern Maryland chapter of the MSSA hosts this annual fishing fair, featuring more than 80 indoor and outdoor tables of new and used fishing gear, plus food, drinks and raffle prizes. Solomons Firehouse, Solomons, Md. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 301-373-3071; www.mssasmc.com.
23-24
Patuxent Wildlife Art Show
Over 40 wildlife artists will exhibit and sell their works at this annual show. Patuxent River Research Refuge, Laurel, Md. Sat. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 301-497-5789; www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent.
25
Maryland Day
Catch the water taxi to St. Clements Island for a ceremony marking the anniversary of the settlers' first landing in Maryland. Clements Island-Potomac River Museum, Coltons Point, Md. 11 a.m. 301-769-2222; www.co.saint-marys.md.us.
30
Annapolis Food and Wine Festival
Savor delicious wines and gourmet food during this foodie fest, featuring tasting events, seminars and intimate, chef's table events. Navy-Marine Corps Stadium Ballroom, Annapolis. Noon-6 p.m. 410-263-4012; www.annapolisfoodandwinefestival.com.