Here are five amazing opportunities to get out on Anne Arundel County rivers for free. County executive Steuart Pittman has announced that his office’s River Days initiative has expanded to five different locations this year. Each offers free public water access on a county river or creek, along with a fun, educational, and family-friendly pop-up festival experience.

river days
River Days 2023. Photo courtesy County Executive Steuart Pittman/Facebook

“Watching families experience the magic of our rivers for the first time at our festivals last year was an incredible experience,” said Pittman, who was featured last year on SpinSheet’s Start Sailing Now page. “By hosting five festivals this year, even more families will get the opportunity to get out on the water, celebrate our local rivers, and learn how to protect them.” 

The festivals will feature activities for all ages. Opportunities include boat rides, sailing, kayaking, environmental education, live music, games, crafts, face painting, food truck cuisine, and more. Registration is free and required for entry, as capacity is limited. Registration does not include boat ride tickets, which are also free but must be reserved separately for a specific time slot. Registration for entry and boat ride reservations will open one month prior to each event date at aacounty.org/riverdays. Questions should be directed to [email protected]g. 

The remaining four dates and locations for the 2024 festivals are below. All events run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 20, Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park, in partnership with Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating and Annapolis Sailing School. Registration opened on June 20. 

Sunday, August 11, at West River United Methodist Church, 5100 Chalk Point Road, West River, MD. Registration opened on Thursday, July 11 at noon. 

Sunday, August 25, at Quiet Waters Park, 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis. Registration opens on Thursday, July 25 at noon. 

Saturday, September 14, at Fort Smallwood Park, 9500 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena, MD. Registration opens on Wednesday, August 14 at noon.