stay inspired Maryland Day

Dozens of events announced for Maryland Day Weekend - March 31 to April 2

Maryland Day Weekend returns from March 31 to April 2, 2023. 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.

PARK ENTRY FEES WAIVED MARCH 31, APRIL 1-2

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

1361 Wrighton Rd Lothian

7 AM – Dusk

Kinder Farm Park

1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd Millersville

7 AM – Dusk

Quiet Waters Park

600 Quiet Waters Park Rd Annapolis

7 AM – Dusk

Downs Park

8311 John Downs Loop Pasadena

7 AM - Dusk

Fort Smallwood Park

9500 Fort Smallwood Rd Pasadena

7 AM - Dusk

FRIDAY EVENTS (MARCH 31)

Bacon Ridge Natural Area

March 31, April 1-2.

Enjoy a self-led nature scavenger hunt while hiking the trails. Access the trails via the Hawkins Road Trailhead. Download the list of scavenger hunt items at SRLT.org, hit the trails at your own pace, and share photos of your finds. Hawkins Road Trailhead Crownsville, MD 21032

Hammond-Harwood House

March 31, April 1-2.

Every historic house has its stories. Open house with interpreters telling stories of the enslaved people at HammondHarwood 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 31, April 1-2.

Spring re-opening with interpreters, garden tours and interactive activities. 10 AM – 4 PM. 839 Londontown Rd Edgewater, MD 21037

Maryland State House

March 31, April 1-2.

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 31, April 1-2.

Located on the Rhode and West Rivers, the 2,650-acre environmental research and educational facility will be open to hiking on 12 miles of beautiful trails. 8 AM to 5:30 PM. 647 Contees Wharf Rd Edgewater, MD 21037

Visitors Center

March 31, April 1-2. Photo booth with historic dress-ups. 10 AM – 5 PM. 26 West St and 1 Dock Street Annapolis, MD 21401

William Paca Garden

March 31, April 1-2.

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 (APRIL 1)

Annapolis Maritime Museum

April 1-2.

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 Archaeology Lab

April 1-2.

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

April 1-2.

$1 admission to indoor exhibits, including 1918 Pandemic and Latin American Culture Carriers. Free admission to outdoor exhibits including Free to Fish - about the rise of Black watermen after emancipation. Explore the five-acre creek-side park to discover nature trails & the Truck Pit. 10 AM – 4 PM. 25 Silopanna Road Annapolis, MD 21403

Downtown Annapolis Parade

Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and African Diaspora Festival. Parade starts at 1pm on West Street and Main Street in downtown Annapolis Maryland. After the parade head to the city Dock for the Diaspora Festival. Festival is at 1 Dock St Annapolis, MD 21401. Parade is on West St and Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401.

For more events visit us online at ChesapeakeFamily.com.