Guests at Junior League of Annapolis’ Casino Night Gala eventLooking to go on a date night, moms’ night out or get-together with friends in the Maryland, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area? Check out the following special events that are worth your time — and the effort to get to there! Read ahead for some of the best events happening during the week of April 17-April 24.
17 Friday
The Phantom of the Opera
April 17-26. The story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House. $5-25. Show times vary. Pascal Center for Performing Arts, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. 410-777-2457, boxoffice@aacc.edu, aacc.edu/performingarts/artspass.cfm
Bethesda Literary Festival
April 17-19. Readings by literary personalities, writing and poetry contests, family and children’s activities and more. Free. See website for schedule. Venues throughout downtown Bethesda. bethesda.org.
Shen Yun 2015: Reviving 5,000 Years of Civilization
April 17-26. Lavish production of classical Chinese dance and music. $50-250. Performance times vary. The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/RPXAN
Ernest In Love
April 17-May 16. Musical version of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” $20. Performance times vary. The Colonial Players, Annapolis. 410-268-7373, thecolonialplayers.org
Bay Bridge Boat Show
April 17-19. Demo boat rides, simulated paddle and surfboard rides, children’s activities, over 200 brokerage boats, equipment and accessory vendors, food and more. $12. Children 12 and under free. Fri. and Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., 10am-5pm. Bay Bridge Marina, Stevensville. usboat.com/bay-bridge-boat-show/home.
Running Hare Vineyard and Calvert Brewing Company’s Spring Festival
April 17-19. Music, food, wine and beer tastings and more. $5-8. Fri., 6-11pm; Sat. and Sun., noon-6pm. Running Hare Vineyard, Prince Frederick. 410-414-8486, runningharevineyard.com
Casino Night
Casino games, food, open bar and more. Hosted by the Junior League of Annapolis. $85-100. 7:30pm. Loews Annapolis Hotel, Annapolis. 443-995-2540, jlannapolis.org
Innovations 2014-2015
April 17-19. Original choreographic works and music compositions. Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 7pm; Sun., 2pm. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis. balletmaryland.org
Click next below for events Saturday, April 18-Friday April 24
