5 Things To Do In MD: Irish Fest, Harriett Tubman Exhibit, Boat Show

MARYLAND — There is always something to do in Maryland, especially now that spring has arrived. Patch gathered a list of events this weekend around the state, ranging from an outdoor music festival celebrating the Irish to a Mother's Day art market and the DC Boat Show at National Harbor.

If you're in the mood to dance, , there's something on this list for you.

All events are weather-dependent, and the web pages linked to each one would be the best way to get any updates.

1. The annual Annapolis Irish Festival will be held on Saturday, May 6, at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. Organizer ABC Events expects a crowd of 5,000 this year for a gathering rooted in Annapolis tradition and charitable giving. The festival's main draw is its Irish music with the band Gaelic Storm the headliner. This Celtic rock band got its big break in 1997 when it performed in the movie "Titanic."

Other acts on three stages include Bastard Bearded Irishmen, Poehemia, Hold Fast, and more.

Tickets are available for $25. General admission at the gate will be $30, and VIP (special tent, food, beverages, parking, and VIP potties) is $135. Kids 12 and under are free, but they need a ticket. Tickets are available at abceventsinc.com/annapolis-irish-fest. Attendees can also follow the festival on Facebook for updates.

Address: 1450 General’s Highway (Route 178), Crownsville

2. A traveling exhibit of the monument Harriet Tubman: The Journey to Freedom is on display through May 30 at the Button Farm Living History Center in Germantown. This is the first time the 9-foot tall, 13-foot long depiction of the Maryland abolitionist as she guides a child to freedom on the Underground Railroad has been hosted in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

The Tubman monument is open to school groups and educators for viewing on weekdays and to the general public on weekends during. Special themed weekends will include a Mother’s Day tribute to inspirational women, and a Memorial Day weekend celebration honoring Tubman’s service as a Civil War spy and scout.

Guided and self-guided tours will be offered, along with educational presentations and exhibits. Performances, music, food, and fun will round out the family-friendly activities.

Address: Button Farm Living History Center, 16820 Black Rock Road, Germantown

3. Need to shop for a Mother's Day gift? You can find locally made items at the Silver Spring Mother's Day Arts & Crafts Spring Fair at Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring. The event runs from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 7.

More than 80 local artisans and crafters, independent consultants and other small businesses will showcase their products, ranging from arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care. Admission is free, the event is pet friendly and will go on rain or shine.

4. The Inaugural DC Boat Show is coming to National Harbor May 5-7. The boating season officially kicks off this month when over 40 boat dealers will display over 300 boats on land and in water.

Check out power boats, sailboats and the latest technology and comfort options on display for people to learn more and shop for boats of their own. Grab food and drinks, listen to live music throughout the show, peruse the vendor tents for the latest in boating gear, and meet the experts.

General admission tickets are $40, VIP access is $175.

Address: National Harbor, 165 Waterfront St. in Oxon Hill

5. If you're in the mood for a different look at the world, check out Explorations: Fractal Art By Terry Pellmar. Her digital art explores alternative worlds that she creates with fractal equations.

This show runs May 3-May 28 at the Artists' Gallery of Ellicott City. A reception is set for May 7 from 2 to 4 pm. The reception rain date is May 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. The gallery at 8197 Main St. in Ellicott City, is open Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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