10 Free Things to Do in Annapolis This Fall

You might have already spent some money on Halloween costumes, autumn décor, and lots of pumpkin-flavored treats. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to celebrate everything that the fall season has to offer. Annapolis offers beautiful scenery, delightful events, and festive vibes that you can enjoy for free.

Read on for activities and events to add to your calendar that are local, family-friendly, and free!

More Than Plants at These Garden Centers: Ridge Grow and HoneySmith Bees

At Ridge Grow in Annapolis, Saturdays in fall are filled with decorations, yard games, and crafts for the whole family. This garden center also has a playground and corn pit where little ones can burn off some pre-nap energy. There will also be face painting, a rotating selection of food trucks, and opportunities to shop for plants of your own.

HoneySmith Bees & Gardens in Crownsville has a spooky haunted trail with everything from radioactive waste to a doomed pirate ship. (If you want to see if it’s too scary for your kiddo, someone made a video which you can find on Instagram or TikTok.)

Where: Ridge Grow, 244 Old Mill Bottom Road S, Annapolis, MD 21409. HoneySmith Bees & Gardens, 1241 Generals Highway, Crownsville, MD 21032.
When: Ridge Grow—Saturdays, 10 AM to 5 PM. HoneySmith Bees—Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM. Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM to 9 PM.
Registration: Not required for either location.

See Scarecrows and Pumpkins in Downtown Annapolis

The Great Annapolis Pumpkins are back! And their straw-filled neighbors are getting ready for the Scarecrow Stroll. Head to the Historic District for the perfect small-town-in-autumn experience. Take photos with the half-ton gourds and see all the decorations from West Street to City Dock. And you can check out more decorations by exploring different neighborhoods.

Where: Downtown Annapolis. Check out our guide for exact locations of pumpkins!
When: The pumpkins are on display now. On October 29, they’ll be carved, painted, and decorated, then removed on November 2. The scarecrows arrive on October 24 and leave with the pumpkins on November 2.
Registration: Not required.

Maryland Avenue Fall Festival

One of our favorite blocks in Downtown Annapolis, Maryland Avenue leans way into its small-town, cozy vibes for fall. The festival celebrates the harvest season with vendors, food trucks, live music and more. Free parking is available only a 10-minute walk away at the Calvert Street garage. Since you’re not spending money on parking OR admission, you’ll have plenty to spend on local businesses.

Where: Maryland Avenue & State Circle, Annapolis.
When: Sunday, October 18, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Registration: Not required.

Porch Fest Annapolis

This chill music fest is happening in Annapolis for the second year. Local musicians will take to the stage—in this case, a porch, stoop, or driveway—to serenade visitors. Stop by for a dance, a chit-chat, and all the friendly vibes. Visit their website for the lineup, but you can’t really go wrong with any porch you find!

Where: Murray Hill neighborhood in Annapolis.
When: Saturday, October 24, 11 AM to 3 PM. Rain date is October 25.
Registration: Not required.

Haunted House of Sport: Track-or-Treat

Dick’s House of Sport in the Annapolis Mall is turning up the frights—just a little! Local community partners will set up along the indoor track for kids in costume to grab some treats. They’re going to have games, music, and some “spooky sports challenges” for busy kids to try. There will even be bags of kettle corn for an extra sweet treat (and burst of energy for the track)!

And for more candy, check out our guide to local Trunk or Treat events, most of which are free!

Where: Dick’s House of Sport, 2002 Annapolis Mall Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401
When: Friday, October 30, 5 to 7 PM. (Check-in begins at 4:30 PM.)
Registration: Required. Sign up on their website.

Book-and-Treat with Bluey and Bingo at Park Books

For real life! Bluey and Bingo are going to stop by Park Books so your little one can meet the young Heelers themselves. According to the Park Books website, “The first 100 kids will receive a free Bluey coloring book or another book while supplies last[.]” Come in costume and be sure to get pictures with these sisters.

Where: Park Books & LitCoLab Severna Park, 555 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Severna Park, MD 21146
When: Friday, October 30, 5 to 6 PM.
Registration: Not required, but strongly encouraged. RSVP on their website so they have an accurate count.

Fall at the Library: Spooky Storytimes, Cozy Crafts, and Much More

The Anne Arundel County Public Library system has fall-themed events for every age and stage. Events range from Bat-tastic Pretend Play for littles to a performance by Piscataway Nation Singers and Dancers for everyone to enjoy. Teens will love the Spooky After-Hours Lock-in Party, while younger kids will want to show off their Mini Fairy House. Just check out the events at your local branch to find more free events this fall.

Where: Different library branch locations.
When: Throughout October and November.
Registration: Usually not required, but call the library branch or visit their event pages for more info.

“Pip” Moyer Rec Center Ghost Tour

Teens (ages 13 to 17) will get to go on a frightening field trip to Downtown Annapolis. They’ll get to hear “local legends, haunted tales, and mysterious stories” as they explore the historic streets. They might even learn something—but it will be better if they simply have a scary-good time!

Where: Meet at “Pip” Moyer Recreation Center, 273 Hilltop Lane, Annapolis, MD 21403
When: Friday, October 23, 6 PM with pickup at 8:30 PM.
Registration: Required, along with a waiver. See their registration page and search for activity code 3806.

The Tug

The annual competition between the Maritime Republic of Eastport and the City of Annapolis got its start in the late 20th century. This huge tug-o’-war over Spa Creek is a friendly competition between the two sides of the water. Along with the tug itself, there will be entertainment throughout the day. Pick a side and cheer them on!

Where: Over Spa Creek. Head anywhere in either downtown Annapolis or Eastport and head to the water to watch.
When: Saturday, November 7 at noon.
Registration: None required for spectators. Those who want to tug, volunteer, or sponsor can visit The Tug’s website.

Get Outside on National Take a Hike Day

Breathe in some fresh air on a guided walk in the woods for National Take a Hike Day. Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks is hosting hikes at different locations with park rangers or volunteer naturalists. Just dress for the outdoors and bring binoculars and water for your journey. Or if you’re busy on that particular day, you can peep some foliage at the B&A Trail and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for free.

Where: Bacon Ridge Natural Area, Beachwood Park, General Highway Corridor Park, Jug Bay’s Glendening Preserve, Magothy Greenway Natural Area, South River Farm Park, WB&A Trails, and Weinberg Park.
When: Sunday, November 15, 10 AM to 3 PM. Hikes are typically two hours, with different start times.
Registration: Required. Sign up on their website.

And here are some more fun, free events:

These budget-friendly activities and events in Annapolis let you have a full fall season without hurting your wallet. Your favorite part of autumn might be the changing colors, the harvest-themed decorations, or the spooky thrills. No matter what, you’ll have great memories and a stronger connection to our community.