Annapolis has plenty to offer this week: a polar bear plunge, children’s events, live music shows, green events, and even a crafting opportunity. It’s merely a matter of choosing your fun this week.

Annapolis Entertainment

Perhaps the biggest and “coolest” event this week is the Maryland State Police’s 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge. The Special Olympics of Maryland benefits from the plungers’ pledges. Sandy Point Park hosts this event on Saturday, January 25 in the early afternoon. There’s still time to sign up! Visit the homepage to sign up and read about the event.

Midshipmen can be praised for many things: servitude, respect, academics, and fellowship. This Friday, January 24, you can give props to the midshipmen for their singing talents. The USNA’s brigade of instrumentalists performs a “Classical Recital” at 7:30 p.m. at USNA’s main chapel. Tickets are available online at USNA Music Department.

The Colonial Players, on the other hand, should be praised for the thought-provoking and entertaining live shows. This week is the last chance to catch Coyote on a Fence, the play about life in prison. There’s much more to this show than just prison though; the dynamic characters lead viewers through twists and turns. Go to Colonial Players online to read the full synopsis and purchase tickets.

Dave Mason of the group Traffic performs at Maryland Hall on January 23. Rams Head promotes this event that provides attendees with the sounds and views into what Traffic is all about. The show begins at 8 p.m. Go to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts to purchase tickets.

More music comes from Rams Head: first with Rusted Root and Swampcandy on Monday. This show begins at 7:30 p.m. and costs $45. Tuesday and Wednesday, Robert Earl Keen and Andrea Davidson perform at 8 p.m. for $47.50 each night. Friday, The Smithereens do two shows–one at 6 and the other at 9 p.m. Each show costs $30. Saturday, Marc Cohn and Rebecca Pidgeon sing at 7 p.m. This show is almost sold out, so buy your $45-dollar ticket soon! Sunday showcases two artists. First, Paul Cebar performs an all-ages matinee at 1 p.m. for $21.50. Andy Allo performs for the adult-only crowd at 7:30 p.m. for $15. To learn more about these shows, go to Rams Head’s calendar.

Annapolis History

The great thing about the historical events that happen in Annapolis are that they weave together the past and present. Instead of simply reading or hearing about history of the area, Annapolis Historic Foundation puts on events that bring the past to life. This week, enjoy the “Art of Stenciling” workshop held at the Museum Store on Saturday, January 25 at 10 a.m. This workshop teaches participants about this old decorative method. Go to Annapolis Historic Foundation to learn more.

Annapolis Green

Tuesday brings another round of Green Drinks to Annapolis–more specifically, to Maryland Inn. This night is special not only because it furthers awareness about going green, but because it celebrates the 20th Annual Maryland Environmental Legislative Summit. This event is free and welcomes all. The Green Drinks this month begins at 6 p.m. To learn more about Green Drinks and green seminars this week, visit Annapolis Green.

Annapolis Families

Shrek the Musical, the whimsical and family-friendly performance by Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, is still available for viewing this week. The show follows the same plot lines as the original movie version as it pits an ogre as a lovable hero–despite his looks. The show runs until this Sunday. Go to Children’s Theatre of Annapolis to learn more.

The Chesapeake Children’s Museum (CCM) hosts a few child-friendly events this week. First up, “The Skin You Live In”–a hands-on event that teaches kids about the human body. The price is $8 per child. This event is held on Monday at both 10:30 and 1 p.m. “Lighthouses of Maryland” is a popular show that provides kids with a slideshow of lighthouses first and then the chance to construct their own lighthouse out of provided materials. The price is $5 per child. This event begins at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Visit CCM’s site to read more.