It’s a new year, which means travelers have another 12 months’ worth of events, calendars and locations to check out for trips to come. For those of you who have your eyes on Annapolis, there are a wide variety of exciting and special performances, shows, traditions, and more to look forward to. For some suggestions, check out these five Annapolis events you won’t want to miss in 2023. 

ST. PATRICK’S PARADE

March 3-5

Celebrating its 10th year, the St. Patrick’s Parade returns to Annapolis along with a weekend of activities. The weekend kicks off on Friday with the Irish Hooley featuring live Irish music and traditional fare. On Saturday, Shamrock the Dock begins, a two-day music and cultural festival. On the main stage, see bands like Seven Nations, Scythian, and Dublin 5, and on the second stage see Irish dancing and pipe bands. All these events lead up to the parade on Sunday, filled with pipe and drum, kilts, and floats.

St. Patrick’s Parade. Annapolis, MD 

ANNAPOLIS UP RIGGING

May 3-7

This beloved maritime festival is unique to our waterfront town and it’s well worth checking out. The four-day event will feature tall ships on exhibition, live music, nautical art, and more. This also takes place just one week after the Annapolis Spring Boat Show — another top-of-the-line local tradition. 

City Dock. Annapolis, MD 

4TH OF JULY WEEKEND IN ANNAPOLIS

July 1-4

Annapolis comes to life every summer and 4th of July is always particularly fun. Those in town will not want to miss the annual 4th of July Parade that runs down West and Main streets. The fireworks take place at night and are launched from a barge in Annapolis Harbor — a must-see! 

4th of July Celebration. Annapolis, MD 

MARYLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

September 9-12

There’s no better event for sampling the best DC’s famous crabs in all of their wonderful incarnations. Local vendors will also be serving up a wide variety of other shellfish, while the festival runs a variety of events including live music performances, beer and oyster tastings, and even a crab soup cook-off. 

Maryland Seafood Festival. Sandy Point State Park. Annapolis, MD 

HOLIDAYS ON THE HARBOR

December 2023

Every year, Annapolis lights up in December for the holiday season. Annapolis holiday events in 2023 include candlelight strolls, a Christmas-lit boat show, and great shopping at Midnight Madness. Check out our most recent guide to Holidays on the Harbor to learn more. 

Holidays On The Harbor. Annapolis, MD