Patch's Summer Festival Guide 2011

Don't just sit around in the heat this summer! If you're going to burn up, you might as well have some fun by enjoying the outdoors, food and maybe some live music at a local festival. Check out these summer festivals in the area and add your own favorites in the comments section.

Every Sunday through September 11: Sunday Sunset Concerts at Allen Pond Park

Each Sunday evening from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m., free concerts are held at the Robert V. Setera Amphitheater in . All types of bands play, and it's a great opportunity to bring a blanket and the family and enjoy Bowie's most popular park and some great live music.

Saturdays through August 6: Saturday Summer Concert Series  in Old Bowie is the site of the Saturday afternoon concerts throughout the summer. Music starts at 2 p.m., so it can be turned into a day trip to visit Old Bowie's antique shops or visit the .

June 26, July 10, 17, 24, 31: Downs Park Bayside Summer Concert Series
in Pasadena hosts a variety of concerts throughout the summer, including performances by several Navy bands. Genres range from Top 40 music to Motown to acoustic rock.

June 20 - 26: Silver Docs 

This film festival, hosted by the American Film Institute, focuses on documentaries. Films on a variety of topics from electric cars to terrorism will be screened.

August 20: Chesapeake Pride Festival

This pride festival in Edgewater includes a car show, live music and other events.

August 26 - September 5: Maryland State Fair 

This popular state fair includes special guest musicians Selena Gomez, NBC's The Voice judge Blake Shelton and All Time Low.

August 27, 28, September 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23: Maryland Renaissance Festival 

Who hasn't heard of the Maryland Ren Fest? Thousands of people visit every year. There are food, music, shows and all sorts of other activities available.

September 16: Anne Arundel County Fair

A number of country-themed events take place at this fair each year, such as tractor pulls and crafting. The fair also hosts a number of other attractions, including a performance by country music artist Rodney Atkins.

September 21: Prince George's County Hispanic Festival

While the entertainment is still to be announced, the county's Hispanic Festival is sure to be a hit. Founded in 1980, the festival draws between 10,000 and 15,000 people annually. The festival is a celebration of the culture and heritage of Hispanics in Prince George's County and the D.C. metro area. There will be live entertainment, dancers, ethnic food, interactive displays, carnival rides, face painting, pony rides and more for adults and kids alike.

We're sure there are plenty more festivals and events missing, shoot an e-mail to the editor at marcus.moore@patch.com and we'll add it to the list!