In Annapolis, Maryland, the fall season makes the most of the city’s location with fun festivals that kick off with the Maryland Seafood Festival Sept. 8–9, at Sandy Point State Park, where the flavors of Chesapeake Bay star during the 51^st annual crab soup cook-off. While you’re there, sample local fare, craft beers, wines and enjoy cooking demonstrations and activities for children.

© Maryland Seafood Festival

The 66^th edition of the Anne Arundel County Fair takes place at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds Sept. 12–16, with pig races, camel rides, car racing, wood carving demonstrations and a chance to learn the art of hog calling.

During The Amps and Ales Craft Beer and Music Festival at the Arundel Mills Entertainment District Sept. 15, there will be more than 40 craft beers by 14 local breweries available for tasting. Dining options offer an impressive number of food trucks, including Tiny Brick Oven, Baltimore Crab Cake Company, Mother Shucker’s P.N.B. Seafood and Anegada Delights.

The 16^th Annual Oyster Festival held at the Captain Avery Museum Oct. 21 boasts plenty of food and family-friendly activities. Oysters are highlighted in every form, from raw and fried to oyster stew and fried oyster roll sushi.

Maryland Renaissance Festival © VisitAnnapolis.org

Also, on weekends through Oct. 21, the Maryland Renaissance Festival invites visitors to get their Medieval on in the setting of a 16^th-century English village populated by jugglers, artists, musicians, comedians and magicians. The festival includes 130 craft shops, themed dining and a 3,000-seat jousting arena where shows recreate combat between knights.