Maryland Day Weekend returns from March 22 to March 24. This annual weekend of events was created about sixteen years ago to help celebrate Maryland’s birthday which is March 25th. Historic, heritage and cultural sites throughout the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area of Anne Arundel County host family-friendly activities throughout the weekend that are free or just $1 to encourage locals and visitors to come out from winter hibernation and explore our local history and culture as the region celebrates Maryland’s birthday and the warmer spring season. Below are some highlight but there’s too many awesome events happening this weekend so for more information on all of the events, check out MarylandDay.org. And there’s an app! Where in Annapolis? The Official Mobile App Guide to Maryland Day 2024. This interactive mobile app guide has up-to-the-minute information for all events. The app includes Annapolis Quest, an augmented reality scavenger hunt in Annapolis, beginning at the Visitors Center at 26 West Street. Download for free in the Apple App store or Google Play store.
FRIDAY EVENTS (MARCH 22)
Annapolis Maritime Museum
March 22-24
Free admission to permanent exhibit: Our Changing Waterfront. Soak in the view of Back Creek and the Chesapeake Bay from the docks. And in Downtown Annapolis the historic skipjack Wilma Lee will be located at City Dock for deck tours. 10 AM – 3 PM.
723 Second Street Annapolis, MD 21403
Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks
March 22-24
Explore Anne Arundel County’s Natural and Cultural Heritage Parks and Sites during the Maryland Day Celebration weekend. Sunrise to Sunset
Historic London Town and Gardens
March 22-24
10am – 4pm
Immerse yourself in the past and take in the spring splendor of our gardens this Maryland Day weekend at Historic London Town & Gardens. Join interactive tours to hear stories about the past residents and buildings of the colonial port town and learn about the many varieties of plants that grow in our 10-acre woodland gardens. Meet with living history interpreters dressed in colonial clothing, explore our exhibits full of artifacts, and enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of London Town. 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater MD 21037
Hammond-Harwood House
March 23-24
Every historic house has its stories. Open house with interpreters telling stories of the enslaved people at Hammond-Harwood House and the role of women in the Federal period. 12 PM – 5 PM.
19 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401
Historic London Town and Gardens
March 22-24
Spring re-opening with interpreters, garden tours and interactive activities. 10 AM – 4 PM.
839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037
Maryland State House
March 22-24
Architecture, artwork, and artifacts display four centuries of Maryland and U.S. history including George Washington’s personal copy of his resignation letter as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army on December 23, 1783. Self-guided tour. Photo identity card required for ages 18 and up. 8:30 AM– 5 PM.
100 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)
March 22-24 (Not usually open on Sundays so Opening just for Maryland Day!)
Visit SERC for hiking all weekend and explore the Smithsonian in your backyard! Tour the Woodlawn History Center, enjoy a special presentation on the history and archaeology of SERC’s campus, and learn about SERC science from our docents along the Rhode River. 8 AM to 5:30 PM. 647 Contees Wharf Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037
Visitors Center
March 22-24
Make our Visitors Center on West Street or our Visitor Information Kiosk at City Dock your first stop for everything you need to know about the events happening throughout Annapolis and Anne Arundel County during Maryland Day Weekend. Our trained volunteer information specialists can answer your questions, make recommendations, provide you with Maryland Day literature, and help map out an itinerary that’s perfect for you! 26 West St and 1 Dock Street Annapolis, MD 21401
William Paca Garden
March 22-24
Visit the William Paca Garden and enjoy the 2-acre oasis of natural beauty laid by William Paca while he built his five-part Georgian Mansion. Although many Colonial Annapolitans had gardens, only his garden was returned to its original splendor. You’ll find a docent to answer questions, and family-friendly activities to enjoy. $1 admission includes Waterfront Warehouse. 10 AM – 4 PM.
186 Prince George Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
SATURDAY EVENTS (MARCH 23)
Annapolis Maritime Museum
March 23
Free admission to permanent exhibit: Our Changing Waterfront. Soak in the view of Back Creek and the Chesapeake Bay from the docks. And in Downtown Annapolis the historic skipjack Wilma Lee will be located at City Dock for deck tours. 10 AM – 3 PM.
723 Second Street Annapolis, MD 21403
Historic London Town and Gardens
March 22-24
Spring re-opening with interpreters, garden tours and interactive activities. 10 AM – 4 PM.
839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037
Anne Arundel County Archaeology Lab
March 23-24
Dig into local history! View a variety of artifacts from recent excavations across Anne Arundel County from a 75-year-old bicycle to a 13,000 year-old spear point! Try your hand at sorting artifacts, get your hands dirty at the artifacts washing station. Learn how you can get involved in archaeological digs and lab work right here in Anne Arundel County. 10 AM – 4 PM. 839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, MD
Chesapeake Children’s Museum
March 23-24
$1 ADMISSION to the Chesapeake Children Museum featuring themed playrooms involving nature, art,
theater, Culture Carriers and our 1918 Room. Explore our 5 acre park with a self-guided tour of Native American plants as well as a musical playground and truck pit. 10 AM – 4 PM. 25 Silopanna Road Annapolis, MD 21403
Hammond-Harwood House
March 23
Celebrate Maryland Day at the Hammond-Harwood House with tours of the historic kitchen and an origami workshop. Attendees will be making a house made of origami paper in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Hammond-Harwood House. 12 PM – 5 PM. 19 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401
Historic London Town and Gardens
March 23-24
Immerse yourself in the past and take in the spring splendor of our gardens this Maryland Day weekend at Historic London Town & Gardens. Join interactive tours to hear stories about the past residents and buildings of the colonial port town and learn about the many varieties of plants that grow in our 10-acre woodland gardens. Meet with living history interpreters dressed in colonial clothing, explore our exhibits full of artifacts, and enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of London Town. 839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037
Homestead Gardens
March 23
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Davidsonville Area Civic Association’s Annual Green Expo celebrates Maryland Day. The event features vendors and exhibitors from our community who offer sustainable choices and information about environmentally-friendly products, lawn and garden techniques, agricultural practices, energy use, recycling, transportation options, land use and conservation. Hosted by Homestead Gardens at our Davidsonville store, this event is free. 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035
U.S. Naval Academy on Maryland Day
March 23
Celebrate Maryland Day at the United States Naval Academy Visitor Center! Enjoy family fun with hands-on experiences (free of charge) from 10am – 3pm. 250 King George St, Annapolis, MD