Autumn In Anne Arundel, Annapolis Means Festivals And Fun

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The pools, splash pads and amusement parks of summer may be gone, but fall in Anne Arundel and Annapolis brings its own fun. Behold—a handy list of family events, compliments of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County:

Maryland Renaissance Festival, Aug. 25-26, Sept.1-3, Sept.8-9, Sept. 15-16, Sept. 22-23, Sept.29-30, Oct. 6-7, Oct 13-14, Oct. 20-12, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis: One of the largest Renaissance Festival in the country is back for its 42nd year. Become emerged in 16th-century life in an English village staged on a 24-acre site with 42 food and beverages offerings, 130 craft shops and plenty of games. See a live jousting match, "King Henry VIII "and his court or take time to dress like a true English lady or lord at this event.

Maryland Seafood Festival, Sept. 8-9, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis: This is the 51st year for this unmatched and unsurpassed seafood experience, featuring the famous crab soup cook-off. Wash it all down with some craft wines and beers. Takes place at Sandy Point State Park.

Anne Arundel County Fair Sept. 12-16, 1450 General Highway, Crownsville, Md.: The county fair is the empitone of fall fun. Anne Arundel's fair, now in its 66th year, is no exception. Hog-calling lessons, camel rides and car racing; what more could you want?

Amps and Ales Craft Beer and Music Festival, Sept. 15, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, Md.: Unlimited is always a good thing. This festival features unlimited samples of upwards of 40 craft beers. Not into brews? Then head over to the vino; Linganore Winecellars' Wine Garden will meet all your wine-tasting needs. Pair it with all with the fares found at the festival's food trucks and you're good to go.

Greenstreet Gardens Fall Festival, Sept. 29, 391 West Bay Front Road, Lothian, Md.: Lose yourself—and someone else—in a 6-acre corn maze, ride a cow train, experience the obligatory hay ride and much, much more.

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, Sept. 30, Dock Street, Annapolis: This festival, now in its 29th year, focuses on the life and experiences of Kunta Kinte, a slave from Gambia whose life story is told in author Alex Haley's Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The festival also celebrates the heritage and culture of African-Americans, Africans and Caribbeans.

Annapolis Italian Festival, Sept. 30, 2225, 620 Ridgely Ave., Annapolis: The fifth annual event honors Santa Madre Cabrini (Frances Xavier Cabrini), an Italian-American religious sister who helped Italian immigrants settle in the U.S. Festival goers can expect Italian foods galore, shopping and how-to demonstrations, music and shopping.

16th Annual Oyster Festival,, Oct.21, 1418 E. West Shade Side Rd. Shady Side, Md.: This event highlights the distinct role oysters play in helping the Chesapeake Bay thrive. In addition to understanding their roles, you'll be able to feast on them; raw, fried, stewed or sushi-ed. They'll be some land fare options, too, in the form hamburgers and hotdogs and other goodies.

Want more? The Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County website has what you need.

Photo credit: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County