Festivals and outdoor entertainment in weather that’s not scorching is certainly one of the best parts of the fall season. When those festivals come to scenic places near downtown Annapolis and provide free parking, continuous live music, creative food, and local Annapolitan fine art, the festivals enter a new level of greatness. The Spa Creek Music and Arts Festival coming to you on Labor Day, September 2, fits this bill of greatness. We’ve got the scoop on this can’t-miss outdoor festival.
Similar to many other desirable festivals, the Spa Creek Festival will provide comforts of good food, good beer, lively entertainment, and interesting items to purchase. However, unlike the majority, the Spa Creek Festival is mostly Annapolis homegrown. By this, we mean that all the items, food, and entertainment are related to Annapolis in some way. The fine art available for purchase is partial to the area; Relysh, a fresh and innovative catering company, is set up in the Annapolis area; Jarflys, Sweet Leda, Happy Fuzzy, and Swampcandy all perform around this area.
Now, to deconstruct the festival.
Food: If you went to the festival last year, you may have tried the elegant grilled cheese and the peanut butter, jelly, and ice cream sandwiches from Relysh. This year, the favored catering service will provide even more choices and serve guests from various stations to ease confusion and lessen waiting times.
Drinks: Wine will not be offered for tastings though it can be purchased, along with various beers.
Fine Art: The brilliance of Laura Gallagher and JaH-HaHa Collaborative Art will be showcased at the festival. Laura Gallagher is celebrated for her bold colors, heavy black lines, and depictions of life. JaH-HaHa Collaborative Art takes another approach with modern pop art–often pieces that show popular items or people with neon colors and overlaid with patterns. There may be more artists at the show, so stay tuned.
Music: There is music from the time the gates open until the gates close. First up, Happy Fuzzy performs upbeat indie tunes. Next, Swampcandy provides folksy songs easy to tap your feet to. The Jarflys bring a more modern edge to the music line-up. And finally, Sweet Leda brings sultry rock to the stage.
Entertainment: Kids are allowed and given sufficient entertainment in the forms of face painting, environmental activities, and the likes.
Date: Labor Day, September 2, 2013.
Time: The gates open at 1 p.m. and close at 7 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., drinks and food will no longer be available for purchase. At 6:45 p.m., the music stops.
Location: The Spa Creek Music and Arts Festival is held at the intersection of Spa Creek and Caroll Gardens (of Charles Carroll House), not far from downtown. Carroll Gardens is located behind St. Mary’s Church at 107 Duke of Gloucester Street.
Parking: Parking is free at St. Mary’s Church but may fill up quickly. Spots are provided for the first ones there.
Prices: Tickets purchased before September 1 cost $20 for those over 21. Children under 12 get in free. Those between 12 and 20 can purchase tickets for $10. Tickets can be purchased on the site linked at the bottom.
The festival organizers estimate an upwards of 600 people to attend this rain or shine event. There is not enough seating for everyone, so attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Coolers with drinks and food are not allowed into the festival. Pets are also not allowed.
For even more information, head to www.spacreekfest.com. Happy festival-ing!
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