The Waterfront Festival is only part of the celebration in downtown Baltimore this weekend. From today to Sunday, Charm City will be host to the Really Big Show.
Now in its fourth year, the annual event features more than 100 free events and family activities in addition to Baltimore's Waterfront Festival and the Whitbread Round the World Race.
Among the show's more popular features is "A Taste of Federal Hill," where visitors can enjoy free live entertainment and a variety of food and drink on Cross Street (noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday; call 410-675-6736).
For the ninth year, amateur vocalists will sing in the Billie Holiday Vocal Competition, a tribute to the local jazz legend (noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Walters Art Gallery, 600 N. Charles St.; 410-396-4575). Admission is free. In keeping with the maritime theme, the Coast Guard's 270-foot USCGC Northlander, the Ecuadorean navy's 257-foot tall ship Guayas and the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of the colonial settler ship, will be docked in the Inner Harbor through April 30.
For more information about these and other Really Big Show events, call 410-528-7716.
Annapolis Maritime Heritage Festival
For those interested in following the Whitbread Round the World Race, the fleet makes another stopover in Maryland before continuing onto Leg 8 of the competition.
On Thursday, April 30, the boats will parade to Annapolis at 3 p.m. Bands will perform during the arrival ceremony. The Maryland state hot-air balloon will be on display near the ceremony.
The stopover launches the city's Annapolis Maritime Heritage Festival, with events ranging from live storytelling to a historic boat display. The free activities and exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 30, May 1 and May 2 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3. Call 410-280-2941.
Sandy Point Water Festival
Also held in conjunction with the Whitbread Race is the Sandy Point Water Festival. This celebration of the Chesapeake Bay features local cuisine, arts and crafts and continuous live music on May 2 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and May 3 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Admission is free. Call 410-260-8710.
The Whitbread Fleet will continue on its journey at 1: 15 p.m. May 3, one mile north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Pub Date: 4/23/98
