Memorial Day Weekend Events

Memorial Day honors those who served our country. It's also the unofficial kickoff to summer and the long weekend is packed full of things to do. Note we recommend calling ahead to confirm the details since changes may occur.

The season-ending concert features the Arundel High choirs and soloists singing pop, rock and even Disney favorites. The students take the stage on Thursday at 7 p.m. at , 1001 Annapolis Road in Gambrills.  

Are you ready for some laughs? Several comedians will hit the mic starting at 8:30 p.m. at Courtside Sports Bar and Grille. The event is hosted by Larry Landcaster. The bar is located at 2733 Annapolis Road in Hanover or contact 443-755-8811 or 443-755-8812 for details.

2011 U.S. Naval Academy Commissioning

The invitation-only U.S. Navy Commissioning at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis will be held Friday at 10 a.m.

Carnival fun continues in Glen Burnie at Marley Station B parking lot located at 7900 Ritchie Highway. Wristbands are $20 (Thursday) and ticket prices: 1 ticket-$1.25,  10 tickets-$11, 22 tickets -$21, 55 tickets-$51. The carnival runs on Thursday and Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m. Call 410-766-2033 for details.

The Odenton Volunteer Fire Company is hosting their annual carnival at 1425 Annapolis Road in Odenton. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 5 p.m. Sunday and 4 p.m. Monday. All-you-can-ride bracelets are $23. Call 410-551-5151 for details.

Whistler’s Brother CD Release Party

Celebrate the CD release, Whistler’s Brother, from jazz musician Mike Bravin at 49 West Coffeehouse & Winebar on Friday, 7:30 to 11 p.m. There is an $8 cover charge.

The Colonial Players present Peter Shaffer's 1987 comedy, Lettice and Lovage. There are 8 p.m. shows all weekend long (and the show ends May 28). Located at 108 East St. in Annapolis, contact the box office at boxoffice@thecolonialplayers.org or 410-268-7373.

Ask a Master Gardener

Get one-on-one time with the experts who know your dirt on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the . Bring your gardening questions, bugs, weed or plant in a sealed plastic bag for analysis. The Crofton branch is located at 1681 Riedel Road in Crofton or contact 410-222-7915 and 301-261-3909 for details.

The third annual Annapolis Nautical Flea Market sponsored by United States Yacht Shows will highlight new and used boats, assorted nautical gear, art and more. Make a day of hunting for the right accessories for your boat and spend time with fellow sailors. The flea market takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the at 550 Taylor Ave. in Annapolis.

Saturday Sailing Seminar

Annapolis Sail and Power Squadron will host “Seminar Days” at the Annapolis Nautical Flea Market Saturday. “Knots,  Bends and Hitches” and “Trailering Your Boat” sessions are from 10 a.m. to noon. Both sessions are $27. “Using GPS” and “Anchoring” sessions are 1 to 3 p.m. Both of these sessions are $28. Contact Squadron Education Officer Mike Maszczenski at michaelm_aacps@hotmail.com or 410-643-5666.

Enjoy all things strawberry at this festival including strawberry pies, shortcakes, smoothies and more. , located at 819 W. Central Ave. in Davidsonville, is hosting a strawberry festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Peruse the crafters and enjoy some delicious food available for sale by the "Tongues of Fire" BBQ Ministry Team to include pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken and pit-roasted chicken. All proceeds from the festival will support the church's mission ministries. 

A Memorial Day ceremony honoring loved ones who served to preserve our nation's freedom and promote peace throughout the world. A tribute to all will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the on 2973 Solomons Island Road in Edgewater. Call 410-956-4488 for more information.

Sunday Sailing Seminar

Annapolis Sail and Power Squadron presents “Seminar Days” with two Sunday sessions at the at the Annapolis Nautical Flea Market from 10 a.m. to noon. The “How to use VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio” and “How to Use a Chart” sessions both cost $25. Contact Squadron Education Officer Mike Maszczenski at michaelm_aacps@hotmail.com or 410-643-5666.

Enjoy five local bands and family friendly diversions along the first block of West Street in Annapolis on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

The rededication of Post 40 Veteran Memorial will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. at the , 500 5th Ave. SE in Glen Burnie. Congressman Sarbanes is the opening keynote speaker and Maryland Secretary of Veteran Affairs Edward Chow will be the closing keynote speaker.

Pony rides for children will be offered by Fence Post Farm, 2795 Bayside Beach Road in Pasadena (Historic Hancock's Resolution) from 1 to 4 p.m.   

A free parade will begin on West Street from Amos Garrett, around Church Circle and down Main Street. It will end at Susan C. Campbell Park at City Dock. After the parade, the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony will be hosted by the Fleet Reserve.  For additional details, visit www.annapolis.gov.

Odenton Volunteer Fire Company Carnival Memorial Parade

The Odenton Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Carnival Memorial Day Parade will start on Monday at 5 p.m. on 1425 Annapolis Road in Odenton. Call 410-551 -5151 for information.