Artists and art lovers wait all year for the spectacular events that occur in Calvert County in September. These fascinating and fun happenings in Solomons are a great way to wrap up your summer. Take a look.
How would the nation's best artists reveal the beauty of Calvert County? Would a Patuxent River sunset inspire their brush strokes, or would a Back Creek breeze catch a sail at sunrise and capture their hearts? Now is your chance to find out how the country's aspiring artists see this little corner of heaven.

Witness the unique talent and vision of 25 nationally known artists when they convene at the Solomons Plein Air Festival Tuesday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 20. The artists paint in various outdoor locations throughout Solomons and visitors are invited to watch. This year's juror is Hiu Lai Chong, recipient of the Grand Prize and Artist's Choice Award at Plein Air Easton in 2012. Highlights of the event include the Nocturnal Quick Draw on Thursday night, "Paint the Town for a Cause" on Saturday morning and the culminating fundraiser, the Affaire of the Arts, on Saturday night at carmen's gallery in Solomons.

Artsfest '15 -- one of the Mid-Atlantic's top outdoor arts festivals -- is a celebration of the performing arts and an unforgettable experience for all ages. The event features more than 165 artist booths and 30 performers on two stages.
Visitors can view and buy a wide variety of artworks while taking in live performances of jazz, rock, bluegrass, country, folk, classical, gospel, blues and dance. Kids will enjoy the Discovery Tent, the Fairy Lolly and the Zany Zone.

 
This time of year you can expect to find cabbage, beans, squash, corn, potatoes, honey, tomatoes, carrots, grapes, peaches, pears, cantaloupes, raspberries, plums and watermelon. September brings apples, beets, cider, gourds, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Hungry yet?

Four major markets are conveniently located throughout the county:

Barstow, Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.-noon
Calvert County Fairgrounds,
140 Calvert Fair Drive

Prince Frederick, Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m.
Calvert Memorial Hospital,
130 Hospital Road

Solomons, Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.
Southern Library,
13920 H.G. Trueman Road

North Beach, Fridays, 6-9 p.m.
Bay Avenue between 5th and 7th Streets

These markets feature produce raised by local farmers. They also accept WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Also be sure to stop at a county roadside stand or farm store. Open throughout the week, they offer a large selection of fresh-picked produce, eggs, meats and more.

Chesapeake's Bounty, St. Leonard 
Cox Farm Produce, Huntingtown 
Jake's Produce Stand, Port Republic 
Lower Marlboro Road Stand
Mulberry Hill Farm, Huntingtown 
Spider Hill Farm, Prince Frederick 
Tettimer's Produce, Port Republic 
Trotts Fresh Farm Produce, Dunkirk 
Will & Veronica's Produce, Owings 

For more information, visit www.calvertag.com or call 410-535-4583.

Local watermen still ply the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River in pursuit of the delicacies that infuse the region's famed seafood cuisine. This year's Calvert County Watermen's Festival, sponsored by the Calvert County Watermen's Association, honors the waterman's tradition with some good old-fashioned fun. Make plans to be there at noon on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Watermen's Wharf in Solomons.

The festival is best known for its spirited boat docking contest, where workboat captains compete within their divisions for cash, prizes and trophies. This free family oriented event includes music performances by Deanna Dove of Island Girl Records, food and beverages. There is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
The 10th Anniversary Maryland Lighthouse Challenge will educate, inform and entertain lighthouse enthusiasts Sept. 19 and 20. Boat not required! This driving tour will take you to 10 lighthouses around the Chesapeake Bay. Complimentary souvenirs depicting each lighthouse will be given to participants. Those who score a perfect 10 by visiting all the lighthouse attractions will receive an additional souvenir proclaiming that they've "seen the lights!"

Two Calvert County lighthouses are on the tour: Drum Point Lighthouse and Cove Point Lighthouse. Discounted hotel accommodations are available, along with a bonus cruise to view up to six more lighthouses from the water. Bask in the best of these bay beacons.

Experience the drama of Maryland's largest naval engagement during the War of 1812 Fair & Re-enactment set for Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. This living history event takes you back in time with American and "British" re-enactors demonstrating camp life and engaging in battle maneuvers. All ages will enjoy hands-on activities, live entertainment, food, crafts and fun. The beautiful park site along the Patuxent River will sweep you back to early 19th-century Maryland life.

Continue the 1812 experience in the evening from 6 to 10 p.m. with Tavern Night at Patterson's Pint, a recreation of an 1800s tavern. Celebrate the high spirits with period games, song and lively entertainment. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. For information, call 410-586-8515.