There are plenty of ways to enjoy summer in Calvert County without breaking the bank. Here on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay are beautiful parks and waterside communities full of free and low-cost places to experience. Consider these ideas:

• Learn about the rich history and natural diversity of the region at Bayside History Museum, Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center or Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
• Visit the Calvert Marine Museum on their First Friday events when admittance is free after 5 p.m.
• Shop at a farmers market for the best in local produce
• Stroll the boardwalk at North Beach
• Discover nature at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, Kings Landing Park, Flag Ponds Nature Center and Calvert Cliffs State Park
• Paddle the Chesapeake Bay or the Patuxent River
• Travel the new Patuxent Arts Trail featuring seven galleries and art centers including Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center, Artworks@7th, carmen's gallery, Friday's Creek Winery, Chesapeake Gallery & House of Frames, Medart Galleries and CalvART Gallery
• Watch sailboat races from the Solomons Riverwalk
• Hike 19 miles of trails at American Chestnut Land Trust
• Trace the history of the War of 1812 along the Star Spangled Banner Trail
• Walk or bike the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail
• Observe and photograph wildlife at the Wetlands Overlook Park in North Beach

Visit us, stay awhile and catch our drift. Visit online to learn more.

Thrills and Skills
With the Sport of Kings

 

Jousting, the official sport of the state of Maryland, marks its 149th year at the annual Calvert County Jousting Tournament Saturday, Aug. 29, at Christ Episcopal Church in Port Republic. In ring jousting the object is to "spear," from horseback at a gallop, three rings hung from three successive arches 30 yards apart. The site of horse and rider thundering down the track is one you will never forget.

 A bazaar kicks off the event at 11 a.m. and jousting begins at noon. The day includes concerts and a country supper. Also located on the grounds is Port Republic School Number 7, the county's only remaining one-room schoolhouse, which will be open for tours throughout the day. Learn more online.

 

The Rock the Dock live music series at Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa now features music seven days a week from a variety of genres. Headlining acts this summer include Marty Stuart, Great Train Robbery, the Winstons and Deanna Carter along with tribute bands, jazz, country, christian rock and more. For a complete listing, visit online or call 866-312-5596.

Do not miss these upcoming August concerts throughout Calvert County:

Saturday, Aug. 1
Southern Maryland Wine, Jazz, R&B and Funk Festival
Noon
Calvert County Fairgrounds

Saturday, Aug. 1
Little Big Town with special guests David Nail and Ashley Monroe
7 p.m.
Bayside Toyota Pavilion at St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department
410-586-1713

Saturday, Aug. 8
Beach Bumz Band (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band)
6 p.m.
North Beach Pavilion

Tuesday, Aug. 11
Bay Breeze Concert Series - The Dave Chapell Band
7:30 p.m.
Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
410-257-3892

Friday, Aug. 21
Jake Owen
7 p.m.
Bayside Toyota Pavilion at St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department
410-586-1713

Sunday, Sept. 13
Lady Antebellum
7 p.m.
Bayside Toyota Pavilion at St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department
410-586-1713

Explore the World of Oysters

With oyster season approaching, The Lore Oyster House is opening its doors Aug. 29 to share both the oyster packing house and the oyster itself. During Lore Oyster House Day from 1 to 4 p.m., you can try your hand at oyster tonging, learn to tie a towline and coil a rope, measure oysters and follow the path an oyster takes through the processing house from the loading dock to the shipping room. You can also tie on a work apron, stand in a stall and become a shucker. This event is free and no pre-registration is required.

Located less than a mile south of the Calvert Marine Museum on Solomons Island, the restored seafood packing house dates to 1934 and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Visit online for directions and to learn more.