COUNTY FAIRS:

JULY 31-AUGUST 6

Carroll County 4-H/FFA Fair. Showcase of 4-H/FFA Project exhibits, home-style cooking, cake auction, livestock sale, horse and mule events, entertainment. Agriculture Center, Westminster, 8am-10pm, 410-848-3247.

AUGUST 7-14

Howard County Fair. Bake sale, pie-eating contest, live entertainment, horse, pony, canine, cattle, goat and poultry shows, health and wellness expo. Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, Times vary for each day, check howardcountyfair.org for schedule. 410-442-1022. $

AUGUST 13-21

Montgomery County Fair. The largest agricultural county fair in Maryland; features farm animals, rides, food and entertainment. 16 Chestnut St, Gaithersburg. Fri, 3pm-Midnight; Sat-Sat, 10am-Midnight. 301-926-3100, ext 205. $

AUGUST 14-OCTOBER 31

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The Faire site is a remarkably authentic 35-acre Elizabethan village with over 100 Tudor structures, including 13 stages highlighted by a magnificent three-story recreation of Shakespeare's very own Globe Theatre. The Faire's backdrop is the towering pines and specimen trees of the Victorian Mount Hope Estate Gardens, Lancaster, 11am-8pm, "Reign" or shine, 717-665-7021. $

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 6

Maryland State Fair. Livestock and horse shows, midway rides, garden exhibits, food, live entertainment and thoroughbred horse racing. 10am-10pm, 410-252-0200. $

SEPTEMBER 10-19

York Fair. America's first and oldest fair! York Fairgrounds, York, Pa., Gates open at 10am, Friday-Sunday; Noon, Monday-Thursday, 717-848-2596. $

ART

DIDDYWOPPS & KEEFFERS

Monkton, 410-472-0470

Through August 9, Outside. Featuring paintings of the creatures that inhabit the greater outdoors by Peter Collins, the gestural landscapes of Yale-trained artist Laurie Fader and the whimsical bird sculptures of Kathleen Stoltzfus.

TOWSON UNIVERSITY

Towson, 410-704-2787

Through August 7, Summer Artscape: Departures and Arrivals, Investigating the Vocabulary of the Contemporary Landscape. Featuring artists who cull visual elements from the traditional landscape, but do not make work about the natural world. Summer Artscape: Unlikely Places. Featuring artists who deal with place as a focus of interest.

AUGUST 21-22

Havre de Grace Art Show, 47th annual. Presented by the Soroptimist International, over 250 artists and crafters from throughout the country display and sell work. Food and entertainment all weekend. Free shuttle from designated parking to the show, downtown and attractions. Tydings Park, 10am-5pm, 410-939-9342.

MUSEUMS

BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART

Baltimore, 410-396-7101

Ongoing, The Cone Collection and A Grand Legacy: Five Centuries of European Art.

WALTERS ART MUSEUM

Baltimore, 410-547-9000

Through Oct. 10, Checkmate! Medieval People at Play; July 31-Oct 10, Great Illustrations: Drawings and Books from The Walters' Collection.

MUSIC

AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE

Lancaster, 717-397-7700 $

Through August 14, California Soul. Who can forget the carefree California sounds of artists like The Eagles, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Beach Boys and The Grateful Dead? Come celebrate the musical legends of the West Coast when this brand new concert experience blows in on the Santa Ana winds and lands for a limited engagement!

BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART

Baltimore, 410-396-7101

Through August, Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Jazz and Art are in perfect harmony at The Baltimore Museum of Art this summer in a series of five swingin' jazz concerts. Hear critically acclaimed jazz musicians performing outdoors in the BMA's lush Sculpture Gardens. Purchase tickets at ARTBMA.ORG! Select Saturdays, 7pm.

BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Baltimore, 410-783-8000 $

The new season is in full swing. For complete schedule, visit baltimoresymphony.org.

AUGUST 7, 14, 21, 28

Midsummer Evening Concerts. Dance under the stars to live music; wine tasting, picnicking, chilled bottles, dance lessons. Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, 6-9:30pm. 410-592-5015. $

THROUGH AUGUST 27

Hunt Valley Towne Centre. Bring a chair and your dancing shoes to Main Street. Free on Fridays, 7:30-9pm, Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 410-785-3770.

THROUGH AUGUST 29

Summer Concert Series. Outdoor concerts featuring local, regional and national performers. Enjoy Carillon concerts following the performances at 8:30pm. Baker Park Bandshell, Frederick, 7pm (Sundays only). 301-600-2844.

THROUGH AUGUST

Ladew Summer Concert Series. Eclectic mix of music including Cajun, swing/blues, steel drums. Enjoy a rare evening in Harvey Ladew's gardens. Monkton, 6-8pm. 410-557-9466. $

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16

Music on Main Summer Music Series. Every Thursday. Corner of North & Main Streets, Downtown Elkton, 5:30-7:30pm. 410-398-5076.

AUGUST 6

Montpelier Summer Concert Series, 32nd annual. Bring a friend, picnic, blanket and/or chair for a variety of outdoor music performances. Montpelier Mansion grounds, Laurel, 7:30-9:30pm. 301-776-2805.

AUGUST 21

Hot August Blues & Roots Festival. Lyle Lovett, Keb' Mo', Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Jackie Greene, and Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers. Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville, Noon-10pm (rain or shine). 877-321-FEST. $

THEATRE

OLNEY THEATRE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Olney, 410-924-3400. $

August 4-22, The Savannah Disputation. In a hilarious new comedy, a Pentecostal missionary gets more than she bargained for when she drops in on two Catholic spinsters: sweet, susceptible Margaret and feisty, high-spirited Mary. August 25-29, Dinner with Friends. Friendships, marriages, confidences and intimacies are stressed and tested in this funny, bittersweet drama.

THROUGH AUGUST

Summerfest Family Theatre. Children's theatre showcasing the arts through storytelling, magic, music and dance. Frederick, 10:30am, 301-600-2844.

HISTORICAL

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26

Defenders Return to the Fort. Activities vary but include canon and musket-firing demonstrations, fife and drum concerts, washerwoman and barracks activities and posting guard. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore City, Every Sat-Sun, 1-4pm. 410-962-4290. $

THROUGH OCTOBER 2

African-American Heritage Walking Tour. This unique walking tour traces the rich history of African Americans in Annapolis and their impact nationally and internationally. Annapolis City Dock-Information Booth, Annapolis, 1pm. 410-268-7601. $

THROUGH NOVEMBER 27

Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City Ghost Tour. 236 years of history, eyewitness accounts of recent hauntings and legendary spirits. Welcome Center, Historic Ellicott City, 8:30pm. 800-288-8747. $

HOME & GARDEN

BROOKSIDE GARDENS CONSERVATORIES

Wheaton, 301-962-1400

Through September 19, Wings of Fancy, Live Butterfly Exhibit. This year the focus is on butterflies in your backyard, and the host plants that local caterpillars need in order to survive and thrive.

AUGUST 15, 22 & 29

Healing Herbs for Home and Health. Discover the properties of native and horticultural herbs for healing and health. Create useful herbal products for yourself that are also great for gifts. Learn how to prepare and use herbs and other natural healing ingredients through this series. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon, 1pm-3pm. 410-612-1688. $

AUGUST 21

Native Plant Seminar & Sale, 19th annual. Nursery and landscape professionals, land managers, garden club and native plant society members and homeowners learn about native vegetation, sustainable practices and the conservation of native landscapes at fascinating seminars and workshops, along with a native plant sale. Irvine Nature Center, 9am-4pm, 443-738-9200, explorenature.org. 

AUGUST 28-29

Shrewsbury Flower Show. 25 featured floral categories designed to showcase the work of artisans. Local craftsmen and women will be demonstrating the art of loom weaving, quilting, basket making, pressed floral designs, rug making and many other crafts. Live demonstrations and judging. Shrewsbury Fire Hall, Sat., 1-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm. 717-235-1130. $

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5

Festival of Fountains, Longwood Gardens. Featuring thousands of florals, fountains and water displays. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, enjoy garden concerts and illuminated fountain displays begin after dark. Daily visitor programs, including gardening demonstrations, plant walks and children's activities. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pa. 610-388-1000.

FINE ARTS & CRAFTS

AUGUST 7

Pine'eer Arts and Craft Festival, 33rd annual. More than 125 artisans and crafters from Md., Del., Va., Penn., and N.J. with their handcrafted items. White Horse Park, Ocean Pines, 9am-3pm. 410-208-2944.

AUGUST 21-22

47th Annual Havre De Grace Art & Craft Show. Presented by the Soroptimist International, over 250 artists and crafters from throughout the U.S. display and sell work. Food & entertainment all weekend. Free shuttle from designated parking to show, downtown, and attractions. Boat accessible both days! Tydings Park, 10am-5pm. 410-939-9342. $

SPECIAL EVENTS

ONGOING

First Fridays. Free outdoor celebration of live music downtown; beer and wine garden; refreshments; merchants participating with specials. Office St, Bel Air, Fri, 5-8pm. 410-638-1023.

THROUGH AUGUST 6

US Navy to Perform at "Star-Spangled" Ceremony! Beginning with a concert performed by the U.S. Navy Band, Drill Team and Color Guard, be part of one of the oldest ceremonies in Baltimore City! Every ceremony ends with the folding of the great 30-by-42-foot Star-Spangled Banner flag and the firing of the fort's large evening gun. Fort McHenry, Baltimore City, 6pm.

AUGUST 2-6

White Marlin Open. World largest billfish tournament. $3.5 million prize money, off-shore fishing for white marlin, blue marlin, wahoo, dolphin, tuna, shark. Great spectator event; more than 350 boats compete. Harbour Island Marina, Ocean City, Mon-Fri, fishing: 8:30am-3:30pm, weigh-ins: 4-9pm, daily. 410-289-9229.

AUGUST 7

Dutch Picnic Festival. Flea market, chicken and ham dinner, silent auction, entertainment, bake sale, ice cream, funnel cakes, snowballs, moon bounce, candles, cutlery, partial profit to charity. Picnic Grove at Trinity Lutheran Church, Westminster. 410-848-0779.

First Saturday-Dog Days of Summer. Dog-friendly merchants and a dog contest with "yappy hour" celebration. Market and Patrick sts, Shab Row/Everedy Square, Frederick, 5-9pm. 301-698-8118.

Old-Fashioned Corn Roast Festival, 40th annual. Chicken platters, applesauce, rolls, sliced tomatoes, roasted corn; tours of Homestead and gristmill and blacksmith shop; art show, music, vendors. Union Mills Homestead, Union Mills, 11am-5pm. 410-848-2288. $

Demolition Derby. Daredevil motorized Mayhem, local drivers compete, rain or shine, food available. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville, 4pm (gates open); 7pm (show). 410-923-3400. $

AUGUST 7-8

AIITCO Native American Pow Wow, 25th annual. Dancing, food and crafts.140 Calvert Fair Dr, Barstow, Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 10am-5pm. 301-869-9381. $

AUGUST 8

Fashion Forward. Concentrating on clothing from the early 19th century, this program will cover everything from shopping in Baltimore, fashion dos and don'ts of the Federal era, children's fashion, and the art of dressing for both ladies and gentlemen. Hampton National Historic Site, Towson, 2pm. 410-823-1309 x251

AUGUST 13-14

Maryland Bar-B-Q Bash, Bel Air. Two-day family event featuring the Maryland state BBQ championship. Bond and Thomas Sts., Bel Air, Harford County. Fri., 4-10pm; Sat., Noon-10pm. 410-638-1023.

AUGUST 14

Peach Festival. Free peach treats supplied by vendors, baked goods, produce, crafts, entertainment and refreshments. Westminster, 8am-2pm. 410-848-7748.

Seafood Feast-I-Val, 31st annual. All-you-can-eat menu including seafood and barbeque chicken; live entertainment; exhibits; classic car show; and historic tours. Benefit for Rescue Fire Company. Sailwinds Park, Cambridge, 1-6pm. 410-228-1211. $

AUGUST 14-15

Enchanted Forest 55th Birthday Party. Weekend events include story times, costumed character and Enchanted Forest items for sale. Clark's Elioak Farm, Ellicott City, 10am-4pm. 410-730-4049. $

AUGUST 14-15

Havre de Grace Seafood Festival, 30th annual. Chesapeake waterfront event in historic town; artisans, entertainment, charity auction/raffle. Tydings Memorial Park, Havre de Grace. Sat, 11am-7pm; Sun, 11am-6pm. 410-939-1525.

AUGUST 20-22

Wee-cycle Mart. Children's consignment sale; maternity to teens! Clothing, toys, baby equipment, furniture, etc. benefits local charities. Baltimore, Fri, 9am-7pm; Sat, 9am-3pm; Sun, 10am-2pm. 410-458-9082. $

AUGUST 21

Heirloom Tomato Festival. More than 40 vendors, free tomato treats supplied by master gardeners, baked goods, produce, crafts, entertainment and refreshments. Agriculture Center, Westminster, 8am-2pm. 410-848-7748.

LatinoFest Baltimore County. Baltimore's  premiere celebration of Latino heritage and culture. Live music, food and much more. Dundalk Heritage Park, Dundalk, 10am-6pm. 410-563-3160. $

AUGUST 21-22

Fiore Wine, Jazz and Art Festival. Wine, jazz and art; grape stomping, food, old-fashioned good time. Route 136, 3026 Whiteford Rd, Pylesville, Noon-6pm. 410-879-4007. $

Feast of St. Gabriel Italian Festival. Exeter & Stiles Streets come alive with live music, Italian food, fried dough, vino, game wheels, vendors and much more! Noon-8pm

AUGUST 21-22

Augustoberfest A large Bavarian festival with entertainment, children's and craft vendor area. Downtown Hagerstown. 301-739-8577. $

AUGUST 28-29

11th Annual Baltimore Comic-Con. Todd McFarlane, the creator of the groundbreaking comic book SPAWN will take part in signings and other events during the Saturday show. Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 10am-5pm.

CHILDREN

EDEN MILL NATURE CENTER

Baltimore, 410-836-3050. Pre-register for all activities.

August 9-13, & 16-20, Native American Adventure Camp. Listen to folk tales and learn the games, crafts, and lifestyle of Native Americans from the area. We will end each day with swimming in the creek and end our week with a canoe ride on Deer Creek! 9:30am- 3:00 pm.

AUGUST 7

Float-n-Fish. Bring your kids out to float on the Bush River on our pontoon boat, the Water Strider and learn some fishing basics. Discover how fun fishing can be. All equipment will be supplied. (Over 16 must have license if they plan to fish.) Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abington, 9am-11am, 410-612-1688. $

OUTDOORS

OREGON RIDGE NATURE CENTER

Baltimore, 410-887-1815 $ Ongoing classes. Pre-register for all activities.

AUGUST 7

Ride to See A Bicycle Tour of Kent County. Four routes through scenic Kent County. 1-15 mile; 2-30 mile; 3-62.5 mile 100km; 4-100 mile. For early registration: active.com. Benefits the Galena Lions Charities. Galena Middle School, Galena, 6am-5pm. 410-703-1432. $

AUGUST 8

2nd Annual Right Side Foundation 5K and 1 Mile Walk. Benefitting Nick and Christina Markakis' nonprofit organization, which works to improve the lives of, distressed children in Maryland. Patterson Park, Baltimore, 6pm. 410-308-1870.

AUGUST 14

31st Annual Rescue Fire Company Seafood Feast-I-Val. There will be craft tables, local business displays and entertainment for the children. Golden Touch will provide live music throughout the day for your enjoyment. Visit the 6th Annual Seafood Feast-I-Val Car Show. Dash plaques will be issued to the first 50 entrants. Sailwinds Park, Cambridge, 1-6pm. 410-228-1211.

Eat a Peach Challenge Bike Ride. Scenic & challenging 12-, 33-, 40-, 67-, and 100-mile bike routes. Fully supported with SAG and rest stops Westminster, 7am. 410-308-1870

AUGUST 15

Photography Field Trip to Harford Glen. Explore wildlife photography at Harford Glen under the tutelage of Dave Gigliotti. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon, 10am-Noon, 410-612-1688. $

North East Triathlon. Swim, bike, run! Great for spectators and participants, launches from North East Community Park, 7:30am, 856-468-0925.

THROUGH AUGUST 20

Outdoor Movies at Shamrock Park. Bring your blankets, picnic basket and friends. Movies start at sunset and are free to the public. Popcorn is provided by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance for a small $1 donation. Shamrock Park, Bel Air. 7-11pm.

AUGUST 21

Festival of Tees Golf Tournament, 3rd annual. Miniature golfers of all ages will tee off in a competition for a good cause. All funds raised from this golfing event will go to the Silberstein-Harryman Endowment at Kennedy Krieger Institute to benefit children with cerebral palsy and spina bifida. ParTee Golf, Perry Hall. 9am. $

AUGUST 22

AFLAC Iron Girl Columbia Women's Triathlon. An all women triathlon consisting of a 0.62-mile swim, a 17.5-mile bike leg and a 3.4-mile run. Centennial Lake/Park, Ellicott City, 7:30am-Noon. 410-964-1246. $

Charm City Run 5K Trail Run at Boordy Vineyards. Run through the Vineyard (a bit of cross country), run some roads and run some more in the Vineyard. Enjoy wine tasting, cheese and some evening music. Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, 410-308-1870, 6pm.