Weekends on Wednesday

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This Weekend:

Welcome to the 2014 Mountain Maryland Plein Air event! This sixth annual juried exhibition and art competition is sponsored by the Allegany Arts Council, a non-profit organization that was established in 1975 to support and grow the arts in our community.

Raven's Beach Bash (Ocean City)
Fans join Ravens players, coaches, cheerleaders, Playmakers, Poe, talent from 98Rock and Miller Lite as they turn Ocean City into Ravenstown for the weekend.

The event will feature Orient Express Pro Street, DME Racing Real Street, Trac King Clutches Top Sportsman, Crazy 8's, Louis Concrete 4.60 Index, FBR Shop 5.60 Index, Fast by Gast Pro E.T., and Brock's Performance Street E.T. The event will also include Grudge Racing, and the "Afterdark Underground" 2-hour grudge program on Saturday night.

Amadeus (Baltimore)
Fells Point Corner Theatre presents the play about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as told by one of his chief rivals, Antonio Salieri.

Hello, Dolly (Bowie) 
2nd Star presents a show that pulls out all the stops - sets, songs, delightful costumes, and superior staging. Add to that classic musical numbers like "Put on Your Sunday Clothes", "Before the Parade Passes By", and "It Only Takes a Moment", , and you will leave singing and wanting more!

Enjoy a collection of watercolor, acrylic, mixed-media, cards and prints by the artists of the Willowbrook Studio. Preview: May 29 5:30pm-8pm, A reception will be held May 30, 5:30pm-8pm. The show continues on May 31, 12-3pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a local 
Howard County charity.

Set amidst raw-boned guitar riffs and emotionally charged vocals, the Blues Fest represents a unique "home-grown" partnership between public and private concerns. Conceptually conceived in 1995, and annually hosted by the City of Hagerstown, the Western Maryland Blues Fest has mushroomed into a critically acclaimed blues event in the mid-Atlantic region since its modest inception in 1996.

The Wizard of Oz (Baltimore) 
Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires.

30th:

Millennium will be holding a free concert on Friday, May 30 at Metro Centre at Owings Mills beginning at 7 pm. The band, which features former American Idol finalist Travis Tucker, plays a variety of music that ranges from Adele to Nirvana and is appropriate for all ages. 410-363-6205

31st:

Strawberry Festival (Sykesville) 
Crafts, flea market, games, hay wagon rides, food, baked goods, strawberries, shortcake, entertainment.

Annapolis Leukemia Cup (Annapolis) 
No one should fight cancer alone. Celebrating its 22nd year, The Leukemia Cup Regatta, is a thrilling event that combines the exhilaration of  competitive sailing with the important task of raising money to fight blood cancers. Communities across America have been raising more than just a sail to help save the lives of children and adults with blood cancers.

Floating Fleet Day at CBMM (St. Michaels) 
the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, MD will host Floating Fleet Day, where visitors can experience the Miles River aboard an authentic Chesapeake wooden workboat.

Is it psychic? Is it intuition? Is it magic? You be the judge. The Evasons put a new twist on the works of 19th century mediums, spiritualists & psychics. A mind blowing experience that defies logic.The Evasons have performed for political leaders, business magnates and royal families in over 35 countries. TV appearances on major networks include NBC, Discovery Channel, CBS and FOX. See them live and you'll be captivated by spot-on powers of perception. Even skeptics have been left speechless!

Bring a blanket and join us for a free family fun evening under the stars! Sat. May 31 - Frozen Sat. June 7 - Despicable Me 2 Fri. June 20 - The Lego Movie Fri. June 27 - Viewer's Choice

The Annapolis Maritime Museum announces its first free Saturday Sundae Funday from 11am-1pm on Saturday May 31st. Come out to our Back Creek location to participate in some of the great family activities that the Museum offers while making your own sundaes with Annapolis’ best ice cream.

Summer Movie at the Wine Bin: Waiting for Guffman (Ellicott City)
The Wine Bin’s outdoor summer movies run Saturday nights from June through September. Parking lot closes an hour before show time. The Bin offers a wine tasting before each movie and has coolers of ice to chill your beer and wine. Bring a chair and a picnic. (and a blanket). The Bin offers popcorn and bottled water to benefit Voices for Children of Howard County

1st:

Columbia Home Tour (Columbia) 
Celebrating its 5th year, the Columbia Home Tour highlights the rich diversity of architectural styles, promoting Columbia's history and lifestyle, while supporting the community. During the tour, participants are invited to Amherst House in Kings Contrivance for light refreshments and more!

From Manor to Modern: Garden Design in Columbia and Ellicott City--23rd Annual Garden Tour (Ellicott City)
Presented by the Horticultural Society of Maryland. Focusing on one of Howard County’s oldest communities and one of its youngest, this year’s walking and driving tour takes visitors to seven private gardens that range from a tranquil arboretum and formal plantings surrounding an 18th century country estate to innovative contemporary gardens tucked away in suburbia. The wide variety of intriguing garden designs provide inspiration to everyone from novice gardeners to master landscapers. As an exciting new addition, guests will be able to get a bite of breakfast or lunch at food trucks along the way. Members of the Horticultural Society of Maryland are admitted to the tour without charge. General public tickets are $35 when purchased in advance online by May 31st.

The Lardarius Webb Foundation will raise and distribute funds to provide aid to underprivileged children and their families. The primary purpose of this foundation is to keep young men and women off the streets and out of trouble, by giving them the knowledge, confidence, and support to achieve any positive goals they set.

2014 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Temple Isaiah Matzohball. The Matzohball Run is a family friendly 5K run and 1 mile run/walk Signature Event that is held at beautiful Centennial Park in Ellicott City.

The Renoir Returns (Baltimore)
More than 60 years after its theft from the BMA, Pierre-Auguste Renoir's On the Shore of the Seine (c. 1879) returns to public view

Maryland Monday



Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia

Weekends on Wednesday


This Weekend:


Celebrating colonial resistance to British rule! Re-enactment, parade, cocktail party, raft race, wine tasting, performances, local fare, 5K and 10K mile run and more!

Join over a thousand SF fans for the area's largest and longest running convention of its kind! Visit our huge art show, dealer's room, concerts, dances, gaming room, computer room and video room. Everything Science Fiction and Fantasy in one huge package.

Orioles vs. Indians (Baltimore) 
Baltimore Orioles vs. The Cleveland Indians

The 1st fireman's carnival of the year! Rides, food, games and entertainment. Fireworks on Monday night, Memorial Day, May 26th.

In addition to a great game, there will be a fun-filled, interactive area that allows fans of any age a chance to experience the thrills, excitement and spirit of college LAX. Whether you try your hand at various skills, get autographs and pictures with well-known laxers, watch live entertainment, or just kick back with some of Baltimore’s best food and drink…this is the place to be!

Delaplane Strawberry Festival (Delaplane, VA)  
Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun and festive day in the Virginia countryside at Sky Meadows State Park near Delaplane, VA. Enjoy hayrides, old fashioned field games, dancing, music, magic, storytelling, crafts, a petting farm, an antique car show, bake sale, hikes in the shadow of the Appalachian Trail, face painting, cake-walking, a Corn Hole Tournament, a monkey and much more! All for just $25 a car! Pack your own picnic or snack on pizza, fresh wraps, hot dogs  and other festival fare like funnel cake and strawberry shortcakes and sundaes!  Make a whole day of it and don't forget to take home a flat of delicious fresh strawberries.

May 23rd:


COMEDY'S BEST KEPT SECRET TOUR *ADULT COMEDY SHOW Friday May 23rd 2014 8:00pm Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company 4 Broadview BLVD South Glen Burnie, MD 21061 $10 Come see what happens when three of the funniest comedians in the country come together to raise money for the Ferndale VFD.

May 24th:


Fair Hill Races (Elkton) 
Since 1934, the Fair Hill Races has attracted horsemen, families and bettors to the rolling hills of Fair Hill, Maryland and the 5,600 acre former estate of William duPont, Jr. Annually drawing 15,000 spectators, the Fair Hill Races is the largest single day event in Cecil County.

Warrior Mile & BBQ (New Market) 
National Warrior Foundation is hosting a fundraiser that 100% of proceeds will apply to our goals of building a retreat center for our Veterans and their families.    

Gerry Sandusky, WBAL sports director and the Baltimore Ravens radio play-by-play voice, will participate in a book signing event to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Maryland Chapter. “FORGOTTEN SUNDAYS” discusses his relationship with his father and living in the shadow of the NFL.

What happens when you bring together a concert violinist, an opera singer, and everyone's favorite stuffed animal? You get Two Divas and a Bear! Explore the human voice with NSO violinist Marissa Regni and soprano Kari Paludan. Age 3–5

May 25th:


National Memorial Day Concert (U.S. Capitol)  
Celebrate Memorial Day on the U.S. Capitol lawn with the National Symphony Orchestra's annual tribute concert, hosted, as ever, by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. Scheduled performers include Sugarland vocalist Jennifer Nettles, Academy Award- and Emmy-winning actress Dianne Wiest, former "The Voice" contestant Danielle Bradbery and singer Megan Hilty. Gates open at 5 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert. FREE! 

FREE! "The President's Own" United States Marine Band will launch Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts' summer season with a program of concert band favorites. A fireworks display will follow the concert.
Gates open: 6:30 pm for Lawn (90 minutes prior to curtain)
Fireworks viewing area opens: Following the performance, at approximately 9:30 pm 
Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45 pm
 

May 26th:


450 For the Fallen (Baltimore) 
The running relay spans 450-miles and raises funds in support of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to providing college scholarships for the children of military personnel killed in the line of duty. Registration is only a $50 pledge.

The ceremony in the plaza at Rockville Town Square includes music by the Rockville Concert Band and the Rockville Chorus, the traditional wreath laying led by American Legion Post 86, and a 21-gun salute and presentation of colors by American Legion Post 86 Color Guard and Rockville City Police Dept.

Memorial Day Ceremony (Timonium) 
The annual Memorial Day ceremony at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens salutes the men and women of the armed forces who have paid the highest price in defense of the United States of America. The patriotic ceremony includes music, speeches, a wreath laying and 21-gun salute.

The Parade starts at 10am on Pennsylvania Avenue and ends on Church Street at the Westminster Cemetery. A Memorial service will begin at 11 am in the cemetery.

Ongoing:


The 2014 seasons includes: “42nd Street” “SHOUT! The Mod Musical” “An Irreverent Musical TBA” Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre is an all-volunteer, non-profit community theatre at the City Dock in downtown Annapolis.

Weekends on Wednesday


This Weekend:


Wagon train travels 40 miles with encampments. Visit old-fashioned town festivals that celebrate the road that made a nation.

Perfect for young children and those young at heart. There will be family activities, handmade crafts, retail and food vendors, and live entertainment. Balloon related activities will include tethered hot air balloon rides, a walk-through of an inflated hot air balloon, pilot demonstrations, balloon launches and the nightly Balloon Glow at dusk. Admission is free!

2014 Greek Festival (Frederick) 
Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church is kicking off the annual Greek Festival on May 15th -18th. We’ll be celebrating the beauty of traditional Greek culture, including music, food and dancing. Each year an estimated 15,000 people attend the festival from Frederick and surrounding counties.

Venture beyond the garden gates of historic, downtown Frederick in this unique tour featuring 12 public and private gardens.  From sweet fragrances and lush colors, to unique uses of small spaces, this tour is certain to inspire your green thumb.  Attendees are also treated to live plein air artists in many of the gardens, in addition to the annual Hospitality Center where guests are invited to refresh themselves during the tour.

Mount Airy May Fest (Mount Airy) 
This is a crafter/vendor event where there are lots of food items being offered, rides for the children, and music for everyone to enjoy. Join us for two days of fun.

Wine in the Woods (Columbia) 
Join us for the 22nd year and celebrate the charm and character of an event that has aged to perfection! Sample a variety of Maryland’s finest wineries from a souvenir glass; purchase food from an abundance of high quality, distinctive restaurants and caterers; sharpen your palate by attending wine education seminars; purchase exceptional works of art and specialty crafts; and revel in continuous live entertainment. Ask about our designated driver program. While we welcome all patrons, this is not intended as an event for children. The event is held rain or shine. Saturday: $32 advance; $40 at gate; $25 designated driver; youth 3-20 yrs $25. Sunday: $27 advance; $35 at gate; designated driver $20; youth 3-20 yrs $20.

The Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival, now in it's 13th year, is a two day festival held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course... dragon boat racing. The event is sponsored by the Chinese Women's League (CWL) and serves to promote Chinese culture to the Washington DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing.

May 17th:


This is one of the premier festivals in the region with over 500 competitors & performers from around the world who compete in music, dancing, athletic, & other events. Featured performers are Albannach, Searson, Charlie Zahm & Carl Peterson. Admission price varies. Check the website for pricing.

The 5th Annual Paddlefest on the Choptank will begin with a 10:30 am launch in Greensboro, MD. The course will be a 7.7 mile paddle down the Choptank (going WITH the current) and ending at the Choptank River Yacht Club . 12N - 5pm Festival with live music, entertainment and exhibits. Festival takes place at the Choptank River Yacht Club in Denton from noon to 5:00 pm at the end of the paddle.

Savage Race Mid-Atlantic (Kennedyville)
One of the biggest and baddest mud runs in the mid-Atlantic!

Come to the 20th Annual Baltimore Regional Toddler Fair! This is a FREE event for families with small children and will feature exhibitors and activities that cater to children ages 4 and younger.

The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an annual celebration of great books and great writing that will feature more than 100 top authors in all genres. Other activities include a spotlight on local authors, interactive writing workshops, a Children’s Village, book sales and more.

Celebrate Armed Forces Day in chamber-music fashion! Members of the Army Field Band will present a variety of music in the Main Gallery of the Montpelier Arts Center. Come early to visit the surrounding artwork. Music by Bach, Lachner, Hummel, Debussy, Kuhlau, Cutler, and Poulenc.

Presented by the Historic Ellicott City Downtown Partnership, the “Hills of Milltown 5K” is scheduled to kick off in Parking Lot F at the corner of Main Street and Ellicott Mills Road. Even the down hill is up hill on this scenic race route through the hills of the historic district and past several significant historic sites in town, including a dash through the Patapsco Female Institute! Cash and gift certificate prizes totaling over $500 will be awarded to the top finishers in several categories. Post race party with Food & LIVE music on Tonge Row during the new Ellicott City Old Town Farmer Market in Parking Lot D at the Little French Market Café!

Graveyard Grub (D.C.) 
Have you ever had lunch in a graveyard? The first food truck festival at Historic Congressional Cemetery features a variety of dining options and free tours of the cemetery. Take an introductory walk at 11 a.m., or hit a Civil War-themed stroll at 1 p.m.
 

May 18th:


Back by popular demand, Art Outside, a one-day arts festival around the Druid Hill Reservoir, will return on Sunday, May 18, 2014.

Car, Truck, Motorcycle Show with Caribbean Steel Drum music by Trinidad & Tobago from 2:30-6pm. Vehicle show: Registration 9am-12pm, Judging 12-4pm, Trophies 4:30pm. Please contact us atinfo@detourwinery.com for more information.

ROC Race is the original game show-inspired obstacle run featuring 12 larger than life obstacles including the infamous Wrecking Ball, the brand new Jump Balls, and the World’s Largest Inflatable Water Slide! Get ready for the craziest 5k of your life!

Maryland Monday

If you haven't been yet, hurry hurry hurry to the Azalea Garden on Brighton Dam Road in Brookeville. It's at its peak right now! You mustn't delay.

Lovely Kousa Dogwoods

There are many varieties of azaleas on display
 

 





Ninon and I visited the gardens on Mother's Day. It was not a unique idea.
The trees are amazingly tall
 









It's well worth a visit. I hope you make it out there!

Weekends on Wednesday



This Weekend:


Pork in the Park (Salisbury) 
The largest sanctioned Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) competition east of the Mississippi returns to Salisbury, Md. Sponsored by Gateway Subaru, the festival offers 3 days of family-friendly entertainment including live music and a Major League Eating sanctioned wing-eating competition.

Eight guys, four guitars and a poet all wrapped into one performer! Tad Janes takes his craziest characters, most insane stories, and most triumphant musical conquests to the stage in his solo show. Funny, provocative, quizzical, odd, enjoyable, entertaining, and TRUE! For mature audiences only!

Orioles vs. Astros (Baltimore)

Sell or buy during the nation's largest yard sale.

Resident Visual Artists Exhibit showcases recent work in a variety of media by artists with studios at the Howard County Center for the Arts. Weaving Outside the Box features idiom-inspired fiber art created by members of the Weavers Guild of Greater Baltimore.

Dance Baltimore presents a showcase of dancers 40 years and older performing African, tap, flamenco, modern and more.

Maryland Film Festival is an annual five-day event that takes place in early May, presenting top-notch film and video work from all over the world.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, the most magical evening of madcap fun is now on tour! This musical play takes a hilarious romp through the Neverland you never knew.

Join us on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm May-July for live music in downtown Bethesda. Concerts will be at the corner of Norflok & Woodmont Avenues at Veterans Park.

This family event becomes more popular each year. Clowns, face painting, exhibits by local organizations enhance the main event, a crab soup cook-off with local professional chefs competing for the title of "Best Crab Soup." Adding to the fun, the public can sample and vote for a small fee.

Ride for the Feast (Ocean City) 
RIDE FOR THE FEAST is a 2-day, 140-mile bicycle ride event throughout the State of Maryland, from Ocean City (starting at 2nd Street & Boardwalk) to Baltimore City.  Registration fee for participants. 

Join us along with the Maryland Draft Horse and Mule Association (www.MDHMA.com ) for this combination event! Be a part of the fun as we prepare our fields for this planting season while celebrating the heritage of the Old West. See farming demonstrations using draft horses, mules, antique tractors and equipment. Experience Old West themed reenactments, a cowboy camp, rodeo style riding events, chuck wagons, Wild West Saloon and live Country, Bluegrass & Western music, Museum tours, Food concession, arts, crafts, flowers, plants, Mother’s Day gifts, and much more! All activities (besides plow and rope & ride) are rain or shine.

Cole Bros. Circus (Dulles) 
The show features tigers, elephants, aerialists and the world's largest cannon.
 

May 10th:


Sweetlife Festival (Columbia) 
Sold Out... but just so you know what the traffic is for :) The festival with include headliners such as Lana Del Rey, Foster The People and other acts.

Gently used household items, knick-knacks, decorative items, art, linens, books, toys,tools, furniture, jewelry, and accessories. All proceeds from our Yard Sale save the lives of local animals, reduce pet overpopulation, and prevent animal suffering.

The Maryland Half Marathon returns to Maple Lawn this year with 100 percent of the net proceeds benefitting the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center.

Horse Appreciation Day (Pasadena) 
Horse Appreciation Day is held annually at a local farm in Pasadena and is always free to enter and open to the public. If you are interested in learning about horses, watching horses or just want to spend some time with the family outdoors for the day and let the kids romp in a moon bounce or have a free pony ride, then you should mark your calendars! Come out and meet local businesses who will have booths set up and support your community; learn about the local stables and where you can go for horseback riding lessons or summer camps; or just enjoy the fun activities and equine demonstrations throughout the day.

Trenton, New Jersey born Sommore is fast becoming known as one of America's top comediennes. She has appeared on many shows, such as 'Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam', 'Showtime at the Apollo', and BET's 'Live from L.A.'. She has also played roles on 'The Hughleys' and 'The Parkers'. She was the first female host of BET's 'Comicview'.

Tail on Trails (Frederick) 
Whether you walk it or jog it, with a dog or without, this event is all about fun. The 5K9 is a 5K trail run through scenic Utica District Park. The BFFR is a 1 mile fun run or walk with a dog or without. Dogs who participate during the run will receive free admission to the Bark in the Park event.

Enjoy readings by authors, talks with illustrators, cultural performances, an interactive storytelling workshop by a griot performer, and craft activities by local book artists. Special guests include illustrator and Maryland native Bryan Collier and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Experience the triumph and spirit of the world's most famous instrument - the voice! Performers will include Vox Pop from Washington, DC, KeyStone from Philadelphia, Faux Paz from University of Maryland and Nothing But Treble from St. Mary's High School right here in Annapolis!

Montgomery Potters (Silver Spring) 
We will be presenting over 35 local artists. This event is held indoors at the Colesville Presbyterian Church. Please join us.

There will be USCG boats, a helicopter, a fire engine and ambulance, and a fire boat on display. There will also be a mobile blood drive onsite. The event is open to the public and there is no charge for admission. People can contact the Station directly for more information.410-267-8108

Enjoy a beautiful springtime morning out with your mother or a friend! Sip tea and sample home baked scones at the historic Brown sisters’ farmhouse. Stroll to the Conservancy’s eight gardens and talk with the garden clubs, Master Gardeners, and volunteers who design and maintain these gardens year round. $5 per person, $10/family. In case of inclement weather, check website. Registration is required.

Members of the Chesapeake Lace Maker’s Guild return for their semi-annual trek to the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin. Master and Apprentice lace makers demonstrate various types of lace making and share their expertise on the history of lace making. Pillows for bobbin lace making will be available to the public. Come and try your hand at this delicate and ancient craft. FREE. All ages.