2-4
Sunset of Summer
Gather at Tidewater Marina for a weekend full of free family fun, group activities, music, food and Mile Marker Zero rendezvous events. Tidewater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, Va. 757-393-2525; www.tyamarina.com
2-4
Hard Crab Derby
Crisfield's big summer celebration features the famous hard crab derby races, a parade, a crab-picking contest, a cook-off, skiff races, a boat-docking contest, rides, games and more. Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield, Md. Fri. 6-10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. noon-10 p.m. 410-968-2500; www.crisfieldchamber.com
3
Oxford's 1st Annual Nautical Festival and Flea Market
Chaired by Guy Gauvin of Hinckley Yachts, this event will promote the town of Oxford's maritime background. Bring the whole family! It will be at the Town Soccer Field on South Morris Street in downtown Oxford. Saturday, September 3 from 10am to 4pm. www.portofoxford.com
3
Oxford Crab Feast
Crab feast to benefit the Waterman's Association. Music by Three Penny Opera. $35 for adults, $15 for kids. Tickets available at The Treasure Chest, Campbell's Marina, and The Masthead. At the Town Soccer Field on South Morris Street in Oxford. Saturday, September 3, 6pm. www.portofoxford.com
3
CBMM Boat Auction
You never know what will hit the auction block at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's 14th annual boat auction, as more than 80 boats-from wooden rowing skiffs to classic sailboats-are put up for sale. There will also be a boater's flea market for those who aren't quite ready to buy a whole boat. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, Md. Flea Market 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; auction 1 p.m. 410-745-2916; www.cbmm.org
3
St. Mary's Riverfest
This free festival in historic St. Mary's City will have visiting tall ships, live music, a wade-in with Bernie Fowler, a paddle-in, exhibits, crafts vendors, food, drinks and plenty of fun. St. Mary's City, Md. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 301-737-2903; www.smrwa.org
3
Outrigger Races
The Kent Island Yacht Club hosts the annual Kent Island Cup, where outrigger canoes will battle it out in relay races. A luau featuring great food and music will follow Saturday's races. Stevensville, Md. Races start at 7:30 a.m. 410-544-3804; www.kiocc.com
3-5
Skipjack Race and Festival
The Deal Island-Chance Lions Club will host its annual shindig, featuring skipjack races, a parade, live music, a crab-pot tossing contest, a blessing of the fleet and a fishing tournament. Chance, Md. Sat. gospel concert, 4-8 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (parade 1 p.m.); Mon. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 410-784-2799; www.webauthority.net/lions.
3, 10, 17
Yorktown Market Days
Riverwalk Landing hosts Saturday morning market days featuring local produce, fresh seafood, baked goods, live entertainment and local artwork. Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, Va. 8 a.m.-noon. 757-890-3500; www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism.
8-11
Hatteras Rendezvous
Solomons, Md., will be filled to the brim with 50-foot plus Hatteras yachts during this annual rendezvous. Check out these beauties on Saturday afternoon during the club's open house. www.hatteras1510club.com
9
Bay Seafood Festival
This annual all-you-can-eat seafood festival on the banks of the Rappahannock also has lots of bands and live entertainment, and a water taxi to get you there. Advanced ticket purchase required. Belle Isle State Park, Lancaster, Va. 4:30-10 p.m. 800-777-9717; www.kiwsrotary.org
9
Mermaid's Kiss Oysterfest
This Maryland Seafood festival pre-party will raise money for the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Enjoy an oyster tasting, live music and more. Sandy Point State Park, 5-8 p.m. www.oysterrecovery.org
9-10
National Capital Leukemia Cup Regatta
Help top last year's annual PHRF and one-design regatta, which raised over $160,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Washington Sailing Marina, Alexandria, Va. Call for times and details. 703-399-2957; www.leukemiacup.org
9-10
Onancock Harborfest
Kayak races, paper-boat races, a rubber-duck race, live entertainment, games and more mark this annual waterfront festival. Town Wharf, Onancock, Va. Fri. 7-11:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. 757-787-3363; www.onancock.org
9-10
Mathews Market Days
Mathews County's fall festival will feature an art show, crafts demonstrations, live entertainment, an outdoor dance, children's activities and more. Village Green, Mathews, Va. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 804-725-7196; www.visitmathews.com
9-11
Reedville Antique and Classic Boat Show
This gathering of beautiful old boats comes complete with land and in-water displays, an antique boat parade, nautical flea market, an oyster aquaculture workshop, free water taxi and more. Reedville Fishermen's Museum, Reedville, Va. Sat. boat parade at 3 p.m. 804-453-3506; www.rfmuseum.org
9-11
Hampton Bay Days
Celebrate the Bay with tons of live music, an indoor juried art show, arts and crafts vendors, two full-scale carnivals and fireworks. There will also be educational Bay exhibits, workboats and research vessels on display. Downtown Hampton, Va. Fri. noon-11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-6 p.m. 757-727-4290; www.baydays.com
9-11
Star Spangled Banner Weekend
Commemorate the writing of our national anthem at Fort McHenry, where visiting ships, military re-enactments, concerts and a symbolic naval bombardment complete with fireworks will round out the weekend. Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Fri. parade to the Inner Harbor, 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., concert 6 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Sun. •9 a.m.-3 p.m. 410-962-4290; www.nps.gov/fomc
10
Liberty Ship Cruise
Tour the Patapsco River aboard the historic Liberty Ship John W. Brown. There will be historic demonstrations, military fly-bys and re-enactments. Tickets required. North Locust Point Marine Terminal, Baltimore. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 410-558-0164; www.liberty-ship.com
10
North Beach Harvestfest
This inaugural festival will feature lots of local produce, crafts vendors, family activities and more. North Beach, Md. Noon-6 p.m. 410-257-9618; www.northbeachmd.org
10
Wooden Canoe Rendezvous
Wooden canoe enthusiasts will gather for demonstrations, antique canoe identification and a crab feast. Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, Havre de Grace, Md. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., crab feast 6-9 p.m. 410-939-4800; www.hdgmaritimemuseum.org
10
Wye Island Regatta
All person-propelled boats--canoes, kayaks, outriggers, etc.--are welcome to race in this 12.5-mile trip around Wye Island. Wye Landing, Wye Mills, Md. 8 a.m.; www.annapolisrowingclub.com
10
Cambridge Second Saturday
Visit Cambridge, Md., for gallery events, late shopping hours, special dining deals and live entertainment. Cambridge, Md. 5-9 p.m. 443-477-0843; www.cambridgemainstreet.com
10
Boating Party
Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing on Navy Point during Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's annual fall gala fundraiser. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, Md. 6-10 p.m. 410-745-2916; www.cbmm.org
10
Paddlefest 2011
The Calvert Marine Museum is hosting the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to promote boating safety for paddle sports, the fastest growing form of recreational boating in the United States. Representatives from the Maryland DNR, Coast Guard and commercial suppliers for boating safety equipment will be on hand to give information and answer questions for canoeists, kayakers, paddle-boarders, row-boaters and other paddle enthusiasts. Bring your boat for a free vessel safety check and take a paddlesport safety course. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, Md. 1-4 p.m.; www.drumpoint.org
10-11
Alexandria Arts Festival
This annual open-air festival of the arts features over 200 artists displaying and selling their artwork, along with a children's activity area and food. King Street, Alexandria, Va. Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-•5 p.m. 703-746-3301; www.visitalexandriava.com
10-11
Maryland Seafood Festival
Hit the beach at Sandy Point, where regional vendors will offer a huge variety of seafood and put all their might into the Capital newspaper's annual crab soup cook-off. There will also be arts and crafts vendors, wine tastings, beer tastings, a crabcake eating contest, a crab-picking contest and more. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. www.mdseafoodfestival.com
11
Watermen's Rodeo
Head to Taylors Island, Md., for this workboat docking contest hosted by the Hoopers Island and Taylors Island volunteer fire departments. Watch local watermen show off their amazing skills and compete for cash prizes, then enjoy an after-competition party with live entertainment, food and games. Slaughter Creek Marina, Taylors Island, Md. 11 a.m. 410-397-3631; www.tourdorchester.org
11-12
Boardwalk Arts Show
Stroll the boardwalk at Colonial Beach, Va., to see more than 150 artists' works displayed at this annual arts show. Colonial Beach, Va. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 804-224-8145; www.colonialbeach.org
15
Taste of the Chesapeake
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will host this annual gala event to raise money for Bay restoration projects. Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. 5-10 p.m. 410-377-6270; www.acb-online.org
17
York River Maritime Heritage Festival
Celebrate the rich maritime tradition and history of the York River. Activities include re-enactors, sea chantey singers, nautical music and displays. Yorktown Watermen's Museum, Yorktown, Va. 10 a.m.-4 pm. 757-887-2641; www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism
17
Summer Send-Off
Bid farewell to summer, Cambridge-style, with a block party on Main Street. Complete with bands, a fun relay race, contests, barbecue, drinks and more. Cambridge, Md. 5-9 p.m. 410-228-1000; www.cambridgemainstreet.com
17
Antique & Classic Boat Show
This ACBS-judged show will have marine vendors, artists, cars, radio-control boats, and, of course, plenty of antique and classic boats to peruse. New Jersey Museum of Boating, Point Pleasant, N.J. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 732-295-2072.
17
Watershed Awareness Day
This annual event will include tours of the historic Bloomfield farmhouse, hayrides, games, food, children's activities and live music, all to raise funds for the Corsica River Conservancy. Bloomfield Farm, Centreville, Md. Noon-4 p.m. 410-758-0835; www.corsicariverconservancy.org
17
Boatyard Beach Bash
Grab your inflatable parrots for this Jimmy Buffet-style fundraising party for the Annapolis Maritime Museum, complete with a steel-drum band, and plenty of good food and drink. Annapolis Maritime Museum, Annapolis. 5-9 p.m. 410-295-0104; www.amaritime.org
17-18
Maryland Lighthouse Challenge
The Lighthouse Challenge is back! Participants who visit any of the ten (plus two bonus lights) participating lighthouses will receive complimentary souvenirs, and those who visit all ten in this two-day challenge will get a special prize. Sat.-Sun. lighthouses open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 410-437-0741; www.cheslights.org
22
Celebrate the Severn
This gala fundraiser aboard the the 95-foot luxury yacht, Catherine Marie will feature music and dancing and a cruise up the river. Annapolis. 7-10 p.m. 410-849-5840; www.severnriverkeeper.org
23-24
Guinea Jubilee
Celebrate Virginia's Guinea Neck heritage with crafts vendors, entertainment and a firemen's parade. Abingdon Ruritan Fairgrounds, Bena, Va. Fri. 3-10 p.m.; Sat. 7:30 a.m.-9:15 p.m. 804-642-2572; www.guineajubilee.com
23-25
Ocean Sailing Seminar
This intensive workshop will prepare boaters for bluewater passages. Topics include heavy weather planning, SSB, diesel troubleshooting, provisioning and more. Preregistration required. Hampton, Va. 757-788-8872; www.carib1500.com
23-25
Solomons Offshore Grand Prix
Solomons, Md, will play host to some of the biggest, fastest offshore racers like Miss Geico, Spirit of Qatar, Jerzey Boyz and more for high speed racing and other charity events. Sat. poker run and race practices, Sun. racing noon-3 p.m. www.solomonsrace.com
24
Mathews Maritime Heritage Day
Celebrate the watermen of Mathews with demonstrations on crab-pot making, oyster dredge-net weaving, mending and crab picking. There will also be a boat parade, vendors and food. Horn Harbor Marina, Port Haywood, Va. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 804-725-4382; www.visitmathews.com
24
Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race
Get up close and personal with Chesapeake Bay skipjacks at the dock, then watch them race along the Choptank River. Cambridge Creek, Cambridge, Md. 9 a.m. 410-228-2142; www.tourdorchester.org
24
Hospice Cup Regatta
Everyone is invited to join in this charity regatta, which includes PHRF racing, beginning racing in the "Hospice" class, and a festive post-race party. Annapolis. Racing on the Severn River 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; post-race party at Annapolis Sailing School, •3 p.m. 410-919-8393; www.hospicecup.org
24
Colonial Beach Market Day
There will be something for everyone in the family at this annual beach day, including a free Bluemont concert, arts and crafts vendors and more. Town Green, Colonial Beach, Va. 9 a.m.-•3 p.m. 804-224-0021; www.colonialbeach.org
24
Waterfront Festival
The Center for Environment & Society at Washington College will host this festival complete with river cruises aboard the 45-foot RV Callinectes, sailing, kayaking, a cardboard boat regatta, pony rides, food, the Fishmobile, touch tank, watershed ecology exhibits, live bluegrass music by Chester River Runoff and more. Chestertown, Md. Noon-5 p.m. 410-778-7295; ces.washcoll.edu
24
Hampton Roads Sunfish Challenge
Nearly 100 boats will sail in this 10-mile dinghy race, which starts in Willoughby Bay and ends at the Old Dominion University sailing center. 757-285-6017; www.hrsunfishrace.com
24
War of 1812 Reenactment
American and "British" reenactors will recreate the battle of St. Leonard Creek. On land, learn about camp life and enjoy craft demonstrations and hands-on activities. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard, Md. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-586-8501; www.jefpat.org
24
Rappahannock Riverfest
This annual festival features all-you-can-eat crabs and barbecue, live music and entertainment, and auctions. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Fairgrounds, Fredericksburg, Va. 5-9 p.m. 540-373-3448; www.riverfriends.org
24
Run What You Brung Regatta
This annual around-Kent Island regatta is timed with the harvest moon to ensure great night sailing. The race will end with a fun party with live music and entertainment. Preregistration required. Mears Point Marina, Kent Narrows, Md. Race begins at 9:30 a.m. 410-643-9580; cbj@bardac.com
24
Rock Hall Fallfest
Rock Hall, Md., will be hopping during this celebration, complete with workboats and skipjacks on display, concerts, food, children's activities, entertainment and more. Rock Hall, Md. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-708-0718; www.mainstayrockhall.org/fallfest.
24
Kilmarnock Farmer's Market
On the fourth Saturday of the month, local growers will sell their produce and goods on Main Street in Kilmarnock, Va. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 804-435-6092; www.kilmarnockchamber.org
24
Crabtoberfest
Celebrate Oktoberfest, Chesapeake Bay style with German music, dancing, German and Eastern Shore food (including crabs!), an authentic biergarten, activities for kids and more. Sailwinds Park, Cambridge, Md. Noon-dark. www.crabtoberfest.com
24-25
Pirate Adventure Weekend
The Maryland Renaissance Festival welcomes pirates of all salty backgrounds during this themed weekend of the fall festival. Crownsville, Md. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 800-296-7304; www.rennfest.com
24-25
Kinsale Cup Regatta
Help raise money for the Smith Point Sea Rescue organization during this annual regatta, in which all monohulls are welcome to race and everyone is also welcome to join the Friday night cocktail party and Saturday night post-race party, and a fun pursuit race Sunday. Mooring Restaurant and Port Kinsale Marina, Kinsale, Va. 804-529-5239; www.nnsa-sailing.com
24-25
Pirate Adventure Weekend
The Maryland Renaissance Festival welcomes pirates of all salty backgrounds during this themed weekend of the fall festival. Crownsville, Md. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 800-296-7304; www.rennfest.com
24-26
Seven Seas Gam
This Seven Seas Cruising Association event kicks off with a Friday night cocktail party, followed by a day full of seminars and demonstrations by notable speakers. There will also be a flea market, dinghy raft-up and live music Saturday night. Camp Letts, Edgewater, Md. Register online at ssca.org
25
Dorchester Showcase
This annual arts showcase will feature the works of many local artists along High Street. There will also be food, children's activities and free rides on the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester. High Street, Cambridge, Md. Noon-5 p.m. 410-228-1000; www.tourdorchester.org
30
Electric Boat Marathon
Watch diverse electric boats as they embark on a marathon race from the Miles River Yacht Club, around the Wye River and back again. There will be an awards dinner and party following at the Yacht Club. St. Michaels, Md. 10 a.m. www.electricboats.org