Looking to go on a date night, parents’ 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! From the Annapolis Film Festival to Annapolis Beer Week, First Fridays to the Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue Festival, there’s a variety of choices. Here are some of the best events happening the weekend of March 31-April 3.
31 Thursday
Annapolis Film Festival
March 31-April 3. Films, panels, parties and more. $10-115. See website for events and hours. Various venues, Annapolis. annapolisfilmfestival.com
The Illusionists — Live from Broadway
March 29-April 3. Nonstop show of thrilling acts by illusionists. Times vary. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore. 800-982-2787. France-merrickpac.com.
1 Friday
Annapolis Film Festival
March 31-April 3. Films, panels, parties and more. $10-115. See website for events and hours. Various venues, Annapolis. annapolisfilmfestival.com
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
April 1-2. Music, cigars, barbecue and more. Fri., 6-10pm; Sat., noon-6pm. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium. beerandbourbon.com/maryland/show-info
Live at Montpelier! Concert Featuring Phil Wiggins
Listen to blues musician Phil Wiggins. $25. 8pm. The Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel. mncppcapps.org
Annapolis Beer Week
April 1-8. Live music, runs, pub crawl and more. Check website for details. Various venues, Annapolis. annapolisbeerwk.com
Chestertown First Friday
Explore historic Chestertown during extended shopping hours with arts and entertainment through downtown. 5-9pm. Downtown Chestertown. Downtownchestertown.org/events
Leonardtown First Friday
Historic Leonardtown’s establishments showcase local artists and/or offer specials with the theme “Earth Awareness First Friday.” 5-8pm. Historic Leonardtown. Visitstmarysmd.com
TROEG-A Toga Party
Eat, drink and wear togas during a night of music, dancing and art-making. Benefits the 2016 Kinetic Sculpture Race. $30-45. 8-11pm. American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore. avam.org/news-and-events/calendar.shtml
Unanswered Questions
April 1-2. Presented by Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Great composers used music to answer life’s questions. $38-58. 8pm. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis. marylandhall.org/unanswered-questions
2 Saturday
First Saturday Guided Walks
Explore the Arboretum’s diverse plants on a guided walk. Free with admission. 10am. Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely, 410.634.2847. http://www.adkinsarboretum.org/programs_events
Annapolis Beer Run
Crawl, walk or run to compete in the Annapolis Beer Week 5K, or walk a leisurely 1 mile loop, and sample brews from around the U.S. Proceeds go towards local charities Box of Rain and MS Busters. $40-70. 11am-4pm. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville. annapolisbeerwk.com
Hollywood Bluegrass Festival
Featured artists and local favorites. Also, raffles, silent auction, and more. $25. 11am. St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, Leonardtown. hvrs.org
The Met: Live in HD
Watch Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera Season. $21. 1-4:30pm. Avalon Theatre, Easton. avalonfoundation.org
Weekend Walk-in: Night Light Luminary
Drop-in, hands-on art-making workshops. Supplies and inspiration provided. All ages, under 16 must be accompanied by adult. $5. 1-4pm. American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore. avam.org/news-and-events/calendar.shtml
3 Sunday
Beer and Bands
Outdoor concert featuring local bands and 32 beers available to sample. Bloody Mary bar available before the bands. Ages 21 and up. Noon-8pm. No cover, beer samples and pours to purchase. Stan & Joes Saloon West, Annapolis. Annapolisbeerwk.com, stanandjoessaloon.com.
End of Season Oyster Roast
End of the Season Oyster Roast presented by the U.S. Oyster Festival in St. Mary’s County. Limited tickets available; advance purchase only. 3pm. 301-863-5015, smcoysterfestival[at]gmail.com.
