MARYLAND STATE FAIR
August 24–27; August 31–September 4; and September 7–10
Marvel at the jars of colorful jelly preserves, and jam to the sounds of All Time Low and QUINN XCII. Also, test your mettle at the carnival games, and cheer on your favorite thoroughbred. All this and more await at the Maryland State Fair at the State Fairgrounds in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland. marylandstatefair.com
PYROJAM
September 2
This day-into-night event at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum in St. Leonard, Maryland, will provide live bands, food trucks, hands-on fun for the kids, and six—yes, six—fireworks shows, including a Pyromusical Competition with three pyrotechnicians from around the world. pyrojamusa.com
ODESSA BREWFEST
September 9
If it’s the first Saturday after Labor Day, it must be time for Brewfest in Odessa, Delaware. Sample some of the best regional and national craft beers as well as locally produced wine and spirits, accompanied by food, music and fun. odessabrewfest.com, 302/378-4119
BRANDYWINE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
September 9–10
More than 200 artists exhibiting in a wide range of styles and mediums will gather at Brandywine Park’s Josephine Fountain and gardens in Wilmington, Delaware, for this popular event. Festivities include activities for kids, live music and local food vendors. brandywinearts.com
ANNAPOLIS SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
September 14–17
Venues throughout downtown Annapolis, Maryland, will host songwriters from around the country, giving music fans an opportunity to hear original songs and the stories behind them. annapolissongwritersfestival.com
ELKTON FALL FEST
September 15–16
There’s sure to be fun for the entire family at this festival in downtown Elkton, Maryland. Go for the classic car show and stay for the pushcart derby. Check out the variety of pet contests and kids’ activities. Local crafters and food vendors will be on hand, too. elktonfallfest.com, 410/398-5076
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE AND MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
September 16–17
Staunton, Virginia’s Gypsy Hill Park will come alive with storytelling and performances highlighting the region’s diverse cultures. facebook.com/StauntonAAHF, 540/255-7043
ARTSFEST ’23 FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
September 16–17
How does a weekend of visual and performing arts set amid the 30-acre Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons, Maryland, sound to you? This spectacular annual event presents more than 170 artist booths, 35 performers on four stages and activities for kids. annmariegarden.org
COLONIAL MARKET & FAIR
September 16–17
George Washington’s Mount Vernon invites you to the 18th century to visit with artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares, musicians performing tunes of the period and experts demonstrating period crafting techniques. mountvernon.org
HAGLEY CAR SHOW
September 17
Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware, promises “A Drive Down Memory Lane Celebrating Bygone Brands” with more than 500 antique and restored vehicles. Don’t miss the always-popular car parade. Hagley.org
MARYLAND FOLK FESTIVAL
September 22–24
This free multiday outdoor event in Salisbury celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture. Hundreds of the nation’s finest musicians, dancers, craftspeople and other keepers of culture will showcase their talents through performances, workshops and demonstrations. There also will be children’s activities, nonstop participatory dancing, storytelling, parades and more. mdfolkfest.com
ARTSCAPE
September 22–24
Baltimore’s extravaganza returns after a three-year absence to fill Charm City with visual art exhibitions, music performances, culinary delights and an artist marketplace. artscape.org
STATE FAIR OF VIRGINIA
September 22–October 1
Families from near and far consider the State Fair of Virginia at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell a favorite annual autumn tradition. From the 4-H competitions and livestock exhibits to the amusements and entertainment, the fair is a must-do event. statefairva.org
VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST
September 23
Celebrate LGBTQ+ community and culture at Brown’s Island in downtown Richmond. Enjoy live entertainment, activities and plenty of food at the largest LGBTQ+ event in the commonwealth. vapride.org/pridefest
KUNTA KINTE HERITAGE FESTIVAL
September 23
Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival in downtown Annapolis, Maryland, is a celebration of the perseverance, education and cultural heritage of Africans, African Americans and Caribbean people of African descent. Festivities are held in Susan Campbell Park at the Annapolis City Dock along the harbor. kuntakinte.org
CALVERT COUNTY FAIR
September 27–October 1
An annual event since 1886, the Calvert County Fair in Barstow, Maryland, celebrates the county’s agricultural roots and the importance of the agricultural community. Enjoy 4-H programs, local entertainment, carnival rides, a corn-hole competition and more. calvertcountyfair.com, 410/535-0026
WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL
September 29–October 1
This event on the National Mall in Washington, DC, invites you to “Experience Peace, Joy and Acceptance of Self and Others.” What more could you want? More than 180 countries are expected to participate through music, art, food, dance, meditation and inspirational talks. wcf.artofliving.org
ANNAPOLIS BAYGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL
September 30–October 1
Enjoy music from Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth and more during this beachfront festival at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland. Along with music, there will be kids’ activities, paddle boarding and locally sourced food, including fresh oysters, regional microbrews and wines. baygrassfestival.com
ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOWS
October 5–8, 12–15
Do you need a bigger boat? Point your bow to City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland, for the US Powerboat Show (October 5–8) and the US Sailboat Show (October 12–15). The shows are the perfect spot for purchasing boating supplies, navigation equipment, fishing gear, clothing…and dreaming. annapolisboatshows.com
VIRGINIA CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
October 7
Geared toward children age 10 and under, this annual festival on the Norfolk waterfront features more than 100 interactive activities. The fun includes hands-on workshops, costumed characters, storytelling, musical performances, dance lessons and more. festevents.org/events/2023/va-childrens-fest
PATUXENT RIVER APPRECIATION DAY
October 7
Celebrate the recreational, cultural, economic, social and historical impact of the Patuxent River. Held at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, this free event features boat rides, children's activities, arts and crafts, a petting zoo and live music. calvertmarinemuseum.com/311/PRAD 410/326-2042
RICHMOND FOLK FESTIVAL
October 13–15
Toes will be tapping all along Richmond, Virginia’s historic waterfront as six stages present music and dancing from local and national artists. This free event also includes crafts, storytelling and food vendors. richmondfolkfestival.org
NEON FESTIVAL
October 19–20
Norfolk’s NEON (or, New Energy of Norfolk) district will offer “tiny art happenings, large-scale murals and pops of neon color and light” from national and local visual artists. And, of course, Norfolk’s acclaimed Chrysler Museum of Art will be participating, as well. neonnfk.com, 757/623-1757
MARYLAND 5 STAR
October 19–22
This star-studded event at Fair Hill showcases Maryland’s rich horse and equestrian traditions with world-class competition in dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Enjoy the Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase and Fresh Food Fest. maryland5star.us, 410/MD5-STAR (635-7827)
GARDEN GLOW AT MAYMONT
October 19–November 12
It’s a glow-in-the-dark world as visitors wend their way through Japanese gardens lit by thousands of lights at Maymont, Richmond’s 100-acre historic estate and park. maymont.org
SHENANDOAH BIKE FOLIAGE FESTIVAL
October 20–22
Take in the fall colors of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains as you ride your bicycle through the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Routes of varying lengths offer plenty of rest stops with friendly volunteers and refreshments. The event is limited to 750 riders, so don’t wait to register. shenandoahbike.org
US OYSTER FESTIVAL
October 21–22
Oyster shucking, a cook-off competition, and plenty of Chesapeake Bay oysters to slurp await. Savor it all while enjoying live entertainment at St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, Maryland. Winners in the shucking competition go to Galway, Ireland, to compete internationally. usoysterfest.com
