Public schools start up this week, but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of fun available around Annapolis. Live entertainment, cruises, the Maryland Renaissance Festival, the DCA Championship, and more things to do are scheduled this final week in August.

Annapolis Entertainment

What brings together groups of people like music? This week, the USNA Band performs at Bowie’s Allen Pond Park at 7 p.m. for free. The concert is of course patriotic and ideal for the whole family. Go to www.usna.edu to learn more about the band’s performance.

This Sunday, September 1, marks the end of an era (well, almost). The final showing of Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre’s Into the Woods is scheduled for Sunday. Not only does this Monday’s performance end the show, but it ends the performances from ASGT until next summer. Into the Woods is a twisted comedy about the fairy tales we loved from childhood. Visit www.summergarden.com to book your spot.

Cruising is a year-round activity here in Annapolis. Celebrate the access to our gorgeous waterways with 60, 90, or 120-minute cruises from Schooner Woodwind and Watermark. Watermark has cruises scheduled on the weekends, which cost around $23 for adults. Schooner Woodwind sails every day until the end of October. Tickets cost around $40 for adults and $27 for children. Visit Watermark and Schooner Woodwind on the Web to find the cruise that suits you.

Ram’s Head welcomes Albert Lee and Forward Motion on Monday at 8 p.m. for a show that costs $25. Wednesday, Enter the Haggis joins with Caravan of Thieves at 8 p.m. for a $20 show. Thursday, Bill Kirchen and Texicalli welcome some special guests to the stage for a rockin’ performance at 8 p.m. that costs $29.50. Friday, Ryan Cain & The Ables do upbeat swing/rock music at 8 p.m. This show costs $18.50. Saturday, smooth jazz takes over thanks to Philip Martin and Earl Carter for a show priced at $25. These soulful musicians begin at 8 p.m. Finally, Sunday brings Satellite and Jillette Johnson for a $15 show at 8 p.m. To acquire tickets, click on the following link: Ram’s Head Calendar.

The summer of free music at Annapolis Towne Centre comes to a close this week. Misspent Youth ends the Friday Night Concert series. This group is best characterized as old and new rock. The show begins at 7 p.m. Read more at www.visitatc.com.

Did you happen to hear a joyous instrumental noise coming from Navy Stadium last summer around this time? If so, you missed the Drum Corps Associates Championship, an event at which thousands of drum and bugle corps teams from around the globe competed for first place. The good news is, the DCA Championship is returning to Navy Stadium this Friday through Sunday. DCA groups will also perform a free sneak-peek concert at City Dock on Thursday in the evening. Friday’s performances are also free. Everyone is invited to listen and cheer. To obtain more information, head to www.dcacorps.org.

The Maryland Renaissance Festival is also in full swing this week, and continues to provide family-friendly entertainment until mid-October. Held at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, this fair brings in crowds of medieval enthusiasts. Tickets cost $17 from now until September 15. Go to www.rennfest.com to read more about what the Renaissance Festival has to offer.

First Sunday Arts is also coming to a close, with the next one (Sunday, September 1) being the second to last. Vendors from the city and on the outskirts will bring their goods–toys, books, soaps, clothes, music, etc.–to Calvert and West Streets for a free festival from noon to 5 p.m. To learn more, go to www.firstsundayarts.com.

Annapolis History

Despite the fact that many kids and teachers will be back at school, the “History Mondays” must go on. This Monday, attendees can sail around the Bay for two hours at sunset while learning about the original Annapolis newspaper. Tickets cost $42 for adults and $27 for kids. The cruise departs at 5:30 p.m. Go to www.annapolis.org to read more about the historical cruise.