Calling all artists, amateurs, and aficionados! The arts scene in Annapolis bursts with color and style for the month of June. Anne Arundel Arts Month, along with Annapolis Arts Week, brings artists from all over to create and show off their work.

But art can be a little intimidating for kids…and their grown-ups! There’s nothing to fear about getting creative. Cassandra Kapsos, a photographer, digital artist, and Marketing, Events, and Programs Director of the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, says we all have something to contribute.

“Art in all forms and mediums is about expression. We are all unique people with different experiences and creativity…Remove the pressure of a ‘right or wrong’ and let art become a joyful space of play and exploration. Just have fun, laugh, and try something new.”

Kapsos adds that getting kids to love art isn’t about perfection. “It is about being open-minded and having experiences outside their daily lives…Parents can cultivate this by weaving creativity into daily life—whether that’s keeping a bucket of washable supplies easily accessible at home, or taking a weekend stroll through a local art festival or event.”

“When observing art together,” Kapsos says, “look at it through your child’s eyes. Their unique, unfiltered interpretations will often teach you just as much as you teach them, turning art into a beautiful language of connection.”

She shares advice from painter Andrew Wyeth, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

Events and Festivals

Paint Annapolis

Artists from all over the country will come to Annapolis for this plein air event. Visitors will not only see painters in their natural element, but also have a chance to purchase the finished product. There are several events during the week, including artist receptions at the Annapolis Maritime Museum and at Circle Gallery, an evening street fest on Maryland Avenue, and an awards ceremony for juried artists. See their website for the full schedule of events.

When: Sunday, May 31 to Sunday, June 7
Where: Multiple locations around the Historic District
How Much: $50 to paint, free to see the painters around town.

Quiet Waters Park Fairy House Festival

Help create dwellings for the local fairies, elves, trolls, and other tiny, mythical creatures populations. They will be displayed at Quiet Waters Park along the Holly Pavilion Trail through June 28. The grand opening of this fairy neighborhood will be on June 6. There are planned performances from the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Ballet Theater of Maryland. Fairy costumes are highly encouraged (girl dads: this is your moment). To have your fairy house included, make sure it follows the guidelines, then drop it off between June 1 and June 5.

When: Saturday, June 6, 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Where: 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21403
How Much: Free, except for the $8-per-car park admission fee.

First Sunday Arts Festival

A perfect monthly addition to the art-lover’s calendar, the First Sunday Arts Festival has vendors, live music, and plenty of delicious food at the area restaurants. Bring the kiddos for the lively atmosphere and some new artwork. Parking is available at the Whitmore Garage, the Calvert Street Garage, and at Gott’s Court Garage (if you enter from Northwest Street, not Calvert Street).

When: Sunday, June 7, 11 AM to 5 PM. Then every first Sunday through November 1.
Where: On West Street and Calvert Street. 53 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401
How Much: Free

Arts Annapolis Festival

A full day of performances, demonstrations, music, and artists selling their work in the Annapolis Arts District. Swing by to appreciate the hard work of the Annapolis arts community before enjoying a meal at one of West Street’s restaurants (I love heading down to Miss Shirley’s with my kids). And this is only the first year, so we can expect a bigger, multi-day event planned in 2028.

When: Saturday, June 13, noon to 10 PM
Where: 53 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401
How Much: Free

Firefly Festival

This inaugural event at Historic London Town will have children exploring the wonders of nighttime. Listen to music, learn about nocturnal pollinators, do hands-on activities, and revel in all the twinkling lights throughout the gardens. And support local vendors in their night market before getting the little ones home—only slightly after their bedtime.

When: Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18, 6 to 9 PM
Where: Historic London Town & Gardens, 839 Londontown Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037
How Much: Free, but registration is required. Visit their website to get tickets for Wednesday and Thursday. And they ask you to consider a $10 donation.

Muddy Creek Artists Guild Summer Artfest

Artists from southern Anne Arundel County will sell their creations in the “big, beautiful barn.” You can also get food from local vendors and listen to live music while enjoying a picnic. Plus, create your own masterpiece at their Studio Intrepid table.

When: June 25 to June 28. Thursday and Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Friday and Saturday, noon to 7 PM.
Where: Honey’s Harvest Farm, 5801 Brookswood Rd. Lothian, MD 20711
How Much: Free

Storytimes and Workshops

Family After School Art Workshop—Painted Feather or Paper Quill

Presented by the Chesapeake Arts Center, this workshop (intended for children ages 5 to 11 with a grown-up), will allow kids to express themselves by decorating feathers. This will be a calm activity focusing “on rhythm, detail, and creative mark-making.”

When: Thursday, June 4, 4 to 5 PM
Where: The Severn Center, 1160 Reece Rd, Severn, MD 21144
How Much: Free

Quiet Waters Park Fairy Workshops

In addition to the festival, your kiddos can participate in more fairy activities. You can create a flower crown fit for the queen of the fairies herself. And you can capture a fairy house in a painting that you can take home. Supplies are provided with the ticket price, but registration is required.

When: Saturday, June 13. Flower crown workshop: 11 AM to noon. Painting workshop: 1 to 3 PM.
Where: 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21403
How Much: $10 for the flower crown workshop and $5 for the painting activity. Plus $8 to enter the park. Registration is required.

Free Family Workshop: Cardboard Weaving

This all-ages workshop involves using a cardboard loom to create artwork using materials you have with you every day. Kids and adults will love the calming process of weaving while enjoying time together.

When: Saturday, June 20, 12:30 to 2:30 PM
Where: Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, MD 21225
How Much: Free

Family After School Art Workshop—Washi Tape Design Boards

Washi tape has another fun use: making interesting art with a very forgiving medium. You and your kids can try things out, remove the tape, and try again. The workshop is intended for ages 5 to 11 with an adult. No matter what you come up with at the end, your kids will learn that following their ideas is what counts.

“Create bold designs using colorful washi tape and simple shapes. This low-mess activity is perfect for experimenting with pattern and composition.”

When: Thursday, June 25, 4 to 5 PM
Where: The Severn Center, 1160 Reece Rd, Severn, MD 21144
How Much: Free

And these are just a few of the events to spark your curiosity and creativity. You can find more on the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County website, including parties, gallery walks, and additional arts events throughout the month.

No matter if you love photography, painting, sculpting, or singing, Anne Arundel Arts Month will have something for you. Maybe you’ll go home with a new, original piece of art for your wall. Be sure to leave some room for next year!