The official beginning of Fall is this Friday which begins a spectacular season in Annapolis. The largest in-water Boat Shows that transform the City are just around the corner. You don’t have to wait for them, however, to enjoy all the events and activities in Annapolis. So, grab your rain-gear just in case and ignore the rest of the forecasts — Annapolis is a boating town and a little rain never hurt anybody!

Highs in the 70s are expected throughout the week. So get out and enjoy the best Annapolis has to offer. Here are our top picks for the week:

Thursday September 22
Rain or shine, the Harbor Queen a great way to see the harbor, learn some history, enjoy snacks, and even stay out of the rain. This large sight-seeing boat will take you for a 40-minute narrated cruise of historic Annapolis Harbor and the banks of the US Naval Academy. It runs on the hour from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $13/Adults, $5/Children 3-11, 2 & under free. No reservations required. Departs from Annapolis City Dock.

The Colonial Players open their season with Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest.” Located at 108 East St. in Annapolis; show time is 8 p.m. Tickets: $15-$20.

Friday September 23
Try the Harbor Queen if you haven’t already. If you have and want some other options, there are Segway tours of the Annapolis City Dock area, walking tours offered by Historic Annapolis, and even ghost tours. Everything can be found within a 5 minute walk from Annapolis City Dock.


Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest” is being performed by The Colonial Players at 108 East St. in Annapolis for $15-$20 @ 8.

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra opening night performance of Richard Strauss’ “Don Juan,” Narong Prangcharoen’s “Phenomenon” and Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 5.” The ASO opens its 50th anniversary season at 8 p.m. with a concert at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Dessert reception to follow with members of the ASO.

Saturday September 24
Visit historic London Town and Gardens between 8 a.m. – noon for the annual fall plant sale. Rare and hard-to-find shrubs and trees will be available, as well as excellent companion plants. An array of woodland species, both native and exotic, that thrive in our local environment will be featured.

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival at the Annapolis City Dock from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Festival’s location was reportedly the actual location of Kunta Kinte‘s arrival in America.

Another performance of Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest“ will be performed by The Colonial Players if you missed it earlier in the week. Located at 108 East St. in Annapolis; show time is 8 p.m. Tickets: $15-$20.

Annapolis Symphony Orchestra opening celebration performance of Richard Strauss’ “Don Juan,” Narong Prangcharoen’s “Phenomenon” and Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 5″ at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts @ 8 p.m.

Sunday September 25
The Focus Foundation is raising funds and awareness for children with X & Y chromosomal variations, developmental Dyspraxia and Dyslexia by hosting a 5k race at the Kinder Farm Park. Registration starts  at 8, and the race begins @ 9 sharp. Adult registration is $30 for runners and a sliding scale by age for walkers.

Matinee day for The Colonial Players performing “The Unexpected Guest“ at 2 p.m. Sunday and again at 7:30. Tickets are $15-$20.

So before the Annapolis Boat Shows hit town, get out and enjoy all the many activities scattered throughout Annapolis and the surrounding area. Then, start making your shopping list and take advantage of the Sailboat Show starting (October 6th) — just under a month!