As our Maryland Terrapins wrap up their first season in the Big 10 and look towards the conference championship and beyond, it’s safe to say March Madness is in the air throughout the state. Not only is March Madness synonymous with some of the finest games basketball has to offer, but in Annapolis, it also means the return of some of the finest shopping downtown has to offer.

Annapolis Film Festial 2015Each spring, the Annapolis Business Association hosts a weekend downtown shopping extravaganza to coincide with the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The 2015 edition of the March Madness Sidewalk Sale is slated for March 28-29 and will feature great sales at retail shops and delicious deals at many downtown restaurants.

This year, the March Madness Sidewalk Sale will share the stage with the city-wide Annapolis Film Festival (March 26-29), so visitors to downtown will get the chance to see over 70 independent films and participate in Q&A sessions with filmmakers, in addition to the chance to score amazing specials on clothes, accessories, souvenirs, food, and drinks downtown. The Loews Annapolis Hotel will be the festival center and the O’Callaghan Hotel will serve as the event’s primary entertainment venue. Single tickets to any event are just $12 for adults and $8 for seniors/students. One day passes are available for $40 and four day passes cost $100 (student/senior discounts apply), which include entry into the Opening Night film, the After Party, and unlimited films and panel discussions. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.visitannapolis.org/film-festival

Downtown Annapolis is committed to being the area’s premier dining and shopping destination