August is one of the best times to visit Annapolis, Maryland, with waterfront festivals, historic tours, live entertainment, Navy traditions, and one of the state's most iconic summer events. Whether you're a local or planning a weekend getaway, here are the top events happening throughout August 2026.

🦀 81st Annual Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast

📅 Friday, August 7, 2026
📍 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

No August visit to Annapolis is complete without attending the 81st Annual Rotary Crab Feast—widely recognized as one of the world's largest crab feasts. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Maryland feast featuring steamed blue crabs, corn on the cob, crab soup, barbecue, hot dogs, watermelon, beer, soda, and more. Best of all, proceeds support local nonprofit organizations throughout the Annapolis community.

Official Event

• https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/annapolis-crab-feast/

• https://www.annapolisrotary.org/crabfeast

⚔️ Maryland Renaissance Festival

📅 August 29–30, 2026 (Opening Weekend)
📍 Crownsville, MD (Just outside Annapolis)

Step back into the 16th century during the opening weekend of the famous Maryland Renaissance Festival. Enjoy thrilling jousting tournaments, live performances, artisan shops, medieval food, costumed characters, music, games, and family-friendly entertainment in the recreated village of Revel Grove.

Official Event

• https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/renaissance-festival/

📚 Historic Annapolis Programs

Historic Annapolis offers educational programs, living history demonstrations, and special events celebrating America's 250th anniversary throughout August.

August 11

Virtual Lecture: When the Declaration of Independence Was News

Learn how the Declaration of Independence was first shared and understood during the American Revolution.

August 15

Living History on Pinkney Street

Meet members of the First Maryland Regiment as they recreate Revolutionary War life through demonstrations and historical interpretation.

August 20

Historic Annapolis Book Club

Join fellow history enthusiasts for a discussion exploring the people and stories that shaped Annapolis.

August 22

Women's Equality Day: Remember the Ladies

Celebrate Women's Equality Day with living history presentations highlighting the lives and contributions of colonial women.

August 29

Loyalist Ladies of Annapolis

Discover a different perspective of Revolutionary Annapolis through stories of women who remained loyal to the British Crown.

Official Calendar

• https://www.annapolis.org/events/month/2026-08/

🏈 Navy Football Season Begins

Late August marks the return of Navy Football in Annapolis. As the United States Naval Academy prepares for another exciting season, downtown Annapolis comes alive with visitors, school spirit, and game-day traditions. Even if you're not attending a game, you'll feel the excitement throughout the city.

More Information:

• https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/summer/end-of-summer-things-to-do/

🚗 Carriages on West Street

📅 August 9, 2026

Experience historic downtown Annapolis with horse-drawn carriage rides along West Street during this charming seasonal event. Check the city's event updates for final scheduling information.

🎉 National Night Out

📅 August 4, 2026

Join local law enforcement, first responders, and community organizations for National Night Out, a family-friendly event promoting neighborhood safety and community engagement.

🏃 Annapolis 10 Mile Run

📅 August 30, 2026

End the month with one of the area's signature running events. The Annapolis 10 Mile Run takes participants through scenic streets and waterfront views while supporting the local running community. Check the official city event page for updates on registration and event status.

🌊 Explore Annapolis All Month Long

Beyond scheduled events, August is the perfect time to enjoy everything Annapolis has to offer:

• ⚓ Walk through Historic Downtown Annapolis

• ⛵ Take a Chesapeake Bay sailing cruise

• 🛍️ Shop along Main Street

• 🍽️ Enjoy waterfront dining at City Dock

• 🇺🇸 Tour the United States Naval Academy

• 🌅 Watch the sunset from Ego Alley

Plan Your August Adventure

From the legendary Rotary Crab Feast and the opening weekend of the Maryland Renaissance Festival to historic walking tours, Navy traditions, and beautiful waterfront experiences, Annapolis offers something for everyone throughout August.

Before attending any event, be sure to check the official websites for the latest schedules, ticket availability, and weather updates.

Official Resources

• Visit Annapolis Events: https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/

• Historic Annapolis Events Calendar: https://www.annapolis.org/events/month/2026-08/

• Rotary Crab Feast: https://www.annapolisrotary.org/crabfeast

• Maryland Renaissance Festival: https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/renaissance-festival/