Annapolis, MD

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Dec

ReenactmentFeatured

General Washington's Resignation Reenactment

Maryland State House, Old Senate Chamber, Annapolis

Annual living history ceremony reenacting General George Washington's resignation of his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army on December 23, 1783, in the Old Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House. Costumed interpreters portray Washington, members of Congress, and period spectators in a faithful recreation of this pivotal moment in American democracy.

FreeHeld on or near December 23; sometimes adjusted to the nearest weekend. Contact Historic Annapolis or the Maryland State House to confirm.More info →

Jul

Festival

William Paca House Colonial Garden Party and Independence Day Celebration

William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis

The William Paca House and Garden hosts an annual Fourth of July-area celebration honoring Maryland's four signers of the Declaration of Independence, including William Paca and Samuel Chase. The event features colonial-era music, living history demonstrations, readings of the Declaration, guided tours of the restored 18th-century house and two-acre pleasure garden, and family activities.

Included with house admission; some activities freeHeld on or near July 4; exact date may shift to nearest weekend. Contact Historic Annapolis to confirm dates.

Dec

Guided Tour

Annapolis by Candlelight Colonial Walking Tour

Historic Annapolis district, starting near the William Paca House

An annual holiday-season event hosted by Historic Annapolis in which costumed guides lead visitors through the historic district by candlelight, visiting landmarks such as the William Paca House, the Hammond-Harwood House, and other colonial-era sites. The tours highlight Annapolis's role during the Revolutionary era and its time as the nation's capital.

TicketedTypically held on select evenings in early to mid-December; exact dates vary by year. Check Historic Annapolis for schedule.More info →

Earlier This Year

Jan

Ceremony

Treaty of Paris Anniversary Commemoration

Maryland State House, Old Senate Chamber, Annapolis

An annual ceremony and educational program commemorating the ratification of the Treaty of Paris by the Continental Congress on January 14, 1784, which officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Held in the Old Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House—the very room where the ratification took place—the event features remarks by historians, period readings, and sometimes costumed interpreters portraying the delegates.

FreeHeld on or near January 14; contact the Maryland State House Visitor Center or Historic Annapolis to confirm scheduling.

Mar

Ceremony

Maryland Day at the State House

Maryland State House, Annapolis

Annual celebration of Maryland Day (March 25) at the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use. Programming includes guided tours of the Old Senate Chamber where the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1784, living history interpreters in colonial dress, and educational programs about Maryland's role in the founding of the nation.

FreeMarch 25 or nearest weekday/weekend; programming may vary by year. Contact the Maryland State Archives or State House Visitor Center to confirm.More info →