October means many things: Halloween, pumpkins, fall festivals, and the like. In Annapolis though, October also means the U.S. Powerboat Show. This week, Annapolis hosts the powerboat show and tons of fall and family-friendly events sure to wow. Peruse the long list of entertaining events below and see what fits you the best.

Annapolis Entertainment

It’s a bit hard to believe that mid October is already happening, but performances like The Canterville Ghost from Children’s Theatre of Annapolis kindly remind. This performance comes out just in time for Halloween and with its ghost-themed fun, it’s ideal for all who are festive. Kids and parents alike can enjoy the performance, a comedy from Oscar Wilde, performed by local kids. The show opens October 17 and runs through the 26th. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit http://childrenstheatreofannapolis.com.

Brilliant screen writer Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed A Few Good Men is coming to Annapolis, thanks to The Colonial Players. This performance runs from October 17 to November 8 and focuses on murder, marines, and the legal system. A good mix of problem-solving and psychology drive the action in this show. To purchase tickets, visit http://thecolonialplayers.org.

Another acclaimed show, A Raisin in the Sun, ends this week on the 19th. This heartfelt piece shows human nature, family, and love brilliantly to the audience at Compass Rose Theater. To learn more, head to ww.compassrosetheater.org.

On the musical side of things, Annapolitans can enjoy Opening Night Fireworks, a performance by Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, on Friday and Saturday, both at 8 p.m. This show has incredible wow factor and is sure to be stunning. Tickets cost $10-$60 depending upon seating. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts hosts this event. To learn more, go to www.marylandhall.org.

The U.S. Powerboat Show is coming to Annapolis on the 16th, in all its glory. This much-anticipated event brings boat dreamers closer to reality with tours and tons of information on powerboats of every shape and size. The show runs from the 16th to the 19th, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Head to www.usboat.com to read more.

The William Paca House and Watermark Tours continue the Historic Hauntings Tours on the 17th from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Learn the spooks and creeks of Annapolis’s past, complete with ghost stories and haunted happenings. The price is $20 per person. Look to http://watermarkjourney.com to learn more.

Families, singles, and all in between can enjoy Art @ the Park, an outdoor art festival happening at Quiet Waters Park this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the 24th year. This event welcomes jazz, beer, wine, food, barbecue, special demos, and of course, plenty of lovely art to peruse. Go to http://fourriversheritage.org to learn more.

Sunday is what many would consider the day of rest. What better activity to kickstart this notion than yoga at Historic London Town and Gardens? Charm City Yoga brings their expertise and relaxing poses to the luscious venue Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is free and open to all. Head to the link above for additional info.

Annapolis Green

The green events in Annapolis this week are more so informational, like the Anne Arundel County 2014 Environmental Summit, hosted in Millersville, and focused on providing information to the public about the local watershed. One exciting green event is the Community Planting day, happening at Heritage Harbor on Saturday. Get your hands dirty, do some good for the Earth, and enjoy the great outdoors while doing so. Learn more about all things green at www.annapolisgreen.com.

Annapolis Families

Chesapeake Children’s Museum is more often than not a one-stop shop for all things family-oriented here in Annapolis. This week, they tell of National Fossil Day, happening at the Smithsonian on the 15th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free. Learn more about all the events below at www.theccm.org.

On Friday, The CCM hosts an Animal Party, an event in which children can meet live animals and learn about care and companionship. Ages 5-12 are best suited for this one. 9 a.m. to noon is the time and the cost is $8 per child and $3 per adult.

Saturday hosts the annual Harvest Hootenanny, a much loved event that celebrates fall things: stuffing scarecrows, hayrides, meeting farm animals, and playing games. Crafts will also be for sale at the Hootenanny. This happens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is mostly free.

Annapolis History

History-minded events in Annapolis afford all the chance to step back into Annapolis’s past and glimpse at life long ago. This next event is no different but the bonus is that this one speaks to the history of food, slavery, games, events, and architecture. Join Historic Annapolis Foundation, Annapolis 1864, and Rockbridge Academy at Belvoir in Crownsville on Saturday for a half-day full of exploration and activities pertinent to Scotts Plantation, the home of free blacks and slaves years and years ago. The event is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Adults cost $25; kids grades 1-12 cost $5. Head to www.annapolis.org. This event happens on Saturday. Children’s games, presented by Chesapeake Children’s Museum, will be available.

Another event that celebrates history also happens on Saturday. This one is for HAGS Club members only. The HAGS Club Autumnal Assembly takes members on a tour of the academy museum and includes a private dinner downtown in celebration of Navy history and bravery. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Go to the link above to learn more.