Chesapeake Highlights

Ship Shape, Celebrate

The Captain John Smith Festival at City Dock in Annapolis on July 14 and 15 will commemorate John Smith's exploration of the Chesapeake Bay in 1608. Nearly 400 years later, his legacy will be celebrated as the John Smith shallop, a replica of the boat he sailed in, docks at the harbor in one stop along its 4-month journey retracing the 1608 voyage. (410) 295-0104 or www.johnsmith400.org.

Get Your Grape On

This July 28 and 29 sees the International Great Grapes: Wine, Arts & Food Festival return to the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville. Taste wines from around the world, get cooking tips from local chefs, enjoy live music all day long, and shop among local artists and crafters at this gggrrrea-p event. (800) 830-3976 or uncorkthefun.com.

History & Heritage Spring to Life

The Twentieth Anniversary Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival will teem with arts and crafts; jazz, gospel, and R&B live music; ethnic food; African dance and drumming; mask making; storytellers; educational seminars; and much more on August 11 and 12 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville. (410) 349-0338 or www.kuntakinte.org.

Star Power

All-star power that is—the highly anticipated women's lacrosse tournament of the year and well known throughout the country, All-Star Express, was this year's Best Event winner in our annual Best of Annapolis contest. The four day tournament will be held on the Eastern Shore fields of Kent Island High School and Love Point in Stevensville, July 12–15. Featuring top competition among high school athletes, it's the collegiate recruiting tourney players and fans don't want to miss. (410) 573-1414 or www.womenslacrosse.com.

Pop Rocks

The biggest music festival of the summer, Virgin Festival, takes place August 4 and 5 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore as the biggest names in pop and rock take to the stage. More than thirty bands, including The Police (pictured), Smashing Pumpkins, Ben Harper, Velvet Revolver, Beastie Boys, 311, and Wu-Tang Clan will perform. (410) 547-SEAT or www.virginfestival.com.

Cool Critters

It may 90° during the dog days of summer, but that doesn't stop the coolest critters from putting on a show at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore . To help cool yourself down enjoy Breakfast with the Penguins or Breakfast with the Polar Bears, taking place on select weekends at the zoo, or enjoy strolling the entire grounds any day of the week.(410) 366-LION or www.marylandzoo.com.