History of Blackwater NWR Talk

May 2 • 7 p.m.

Heritage Museums & Gardens of Dorchester, 1003 Greenway Drive, Cambridge

Bill and Michael Giese will speak on Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: From the Beginning. They will discuss the history of refuge. The South Dorchester Folk Museum, in cooperation with the Dorchester County Historical Society, presents this free program in its lecture series about local history. It is part of the South Dorchester Folk Museum Series and is free and open to all.

Flower Fair

May 3-4 • 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

St. Paul’s UMC, 205 Maryland Avenue, Cambridge

Look for fresh and bright flowering plants, veggies, hanging baskets, and herbs. Oyster fritters and crab cakes as well as homemade ice cream and sweets will be available for sale. A silent auction will be held in the fellowship hall. In addition, there will be a chicken dinner on Thursday, May 3 starting at 4:30 p.m. ($12 per person) followed by a concert by the church’s praise band. Carry-out will be available for the dinner. For more information, call 410-228-1424 or 443-521-6829 or visit www.stpaulscambridge.com.

Cambridge Farmers’ Market

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • 3-6 p.m.

Long Wharf, High and Water Streets, Cambridge

The Cambridge Main Street Farmers’ Market opens for the season on Thursday, May 3 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Long Wharf with local plants, produce, meats, seafood, coffee, wine, soap, and more. The market will run from 3 to 6 p.m. every Thursday through October. Watch for updates about the market on the Cambridge Farmers’ Market on Facebook.

Ladies Night Out

May 3 • 4-7 p.m.

Downtown Cambridge

Join retailers in Downtown Cambridge for the first Thursday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. for a fun evening just for the ladies. Participating businesses include: Calista’s Boutique, Butterfly Boutique, Sunnyside Shop, Cottage Studio, Dropping Acorns, Craig’s Drugstore, The Wine Bar, Thomas’s Fine Jewelry, T’s Divine Sweets, Honey Bee Trading, Black Water Bakery, and more. Shops host specials and refreshments.

Free Family Movie Night

May 4 • 8-10 p.m.

Sailwinds Park Amphitheatre, 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge

Join in the fun on May 4 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Free Family Movie Night, where the Academy Award-winning animated feature “Coco” will be shown outdoors at the Sailwinds Park Amphitheater near the Dorchester County Visitor Center.

Six Pillars Century Cycling Event

May 5 • 7 a.m.

Great Marsh Park, Cambridge

The Blackwater Tour starts at the Great Marsh Park in historic Cambridge on Saturday, May 5. The majority of this ninth annual bicycle ride is through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. This is a show and go start event. The Blackwater Tour has three rides/courses: 37-Mile Fun and Fitness Course; 56-Mile Eagleman Ironman 70.3 Course; and 100-Mile Century Course. Questions? Call 410-819-0386 or email sixpillarscentury@gmail.com. Find more info at www.6pillarscentury.org. The event will support Character Counts Mid-Shore, Inc.

Historic St. Mary Church Open for Visits

May 5 • 9 a.m.

St. Mary Church, 917 Hoopers Island Road, Church Creek

St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church has been chosen as one of the nine historic Pilgrim Churches to be featured during the 150th year Celebration (March 2018 to March 2019) of the founding of the Diocese of Wilmington. The church, with its original historically restored Tubman Chapel, was founded in 1767. St. Mary Star of the Sea will be open to visitors the first Saturday of the month though March 2, 2019. The church buildings will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be displays, information, hospitality and tours. The chapel dates to 1767; the church was built in 1872. Passports for stamping and details for each church’s openings are to be found on the website of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington at www.cdow.org. For more information, contact Tom or Mary Jo Bosley at 410-397-3417.

Cambridge Historic Walking Tour

May 5, 12, 19, 26 • 11 a.m.

Begins at Long Wharf Park, Cambridge

Hear the fascinating stories: Napoleon’s involvement in Cambridge, the prominent woman who returned from the dead, the house that was cut in two, and more. Tours begins at 11 a.m. at Long Wharf Park (near High and Water Streets). The cost is $10 per person. Reservations are not necessary, but appreciated; call 410-901-1000. Walks are sponsored by the West End Community Association. Or, take a self-guided walking tour by picking up the Historic Walking Tour brochure at the Dorchester Visitor Center, 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge. The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Concert

May 6 • 4 p.m.

Christ Church of Cambridge, 601 Church Street, Cambridge

The Salisbury Trio (piano, trombone and trumpet) presents a concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 at Christ Church of Cambridge. Admission is $10; free for students. There will be a reception after the concert.

Bluegrass Jam

May 7 • 7-10 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 303 Main Street, Hurlock

Bluegrass musicians and fans are welcome the first Monday of every month. Donations are accepted for the benefit of the St. Andrews food bank.

Pop-Up Office Open House

May 10 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Preservation Maryland Pop-Up, 437 Race Street, Cambridge

Members of the public are encouraged to drop-in and no appointment is necessary. Learn more about the work of the organization and talk to staff about questions or concerns regarding preservation issues in the community. Staff will assist visitors and help connect them to existing resources. Information on state and non-profit preservation programs will be on-hand as well as information about Preservation Maryland’s many initiatives and educational opportunities.

Great Chesapeake Bay Wellness Race

May 12 • 8 a.m.

Hyatt Regency, 100 Heron Boulevard, Cambridge

Join a 10K race, 5K race, or 1-mile Family Walk on Saturday, May 12 during the Great Chesapeake Bay Wellness Race. The track will be on the golf course. Race entry fee includes a T-shirt, refreshments, post-race breakfast, and prizes. The event benefits the Eastern Shore Hospital Center Auxiliary. For more information, call 410-221-2358.

Guided Bird Walk

May 12 • 8 a.m.

BNWR Visitor Center, 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge

Guides help attendees enjoy the many species of birds that live in or migrate through the refuge. Remember to bring binoculars and field guides, and dress appropriately for the weather. There is no cost for this activity, and no preregistration is required. Call 410-901-6124 for further information.

Sail on a Skipjack

May 12, 19 • 1 to 3 p.m.

May 26 Sunset Cruise • 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Long Wharf Dock, near the corner of High and Water Streets, Cambridge

Experience a sail on the scenic Choptank River aboard the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester, a traditional oystering vessel and an icon of the Chesapeake Bay. On most sails, watch the crew demonstrate dredging for oysters. Each sail is unique depending on wind, weather, captain and crew. On most Saturdays during the season (May-October), the Nathan offers two-hour sails from 1 to 3 p.m. Sails depart from Long Wharf Dock, near the corner of High and Water Streets in Cambridge. Adults: $35, children 6-12: $10, under 6: free. Visit www.skipjack-nathan.org. Private charters are also available. Call 410-228-7141 or visit www.skipjack-nathan.org or email info@skipjack-nathan.org.

Art and Photo Supplies Flea Market

May 12 • 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dorchester Center for the Arts, 321 High Street, Cambridge

Find treasures for your art and photography pursuits at this specialized flea market.

Beer Festival

May 12 • 2-7 p.m.

300 Block of High Street, Cambridge

The High Spot Gastropub hosts the Cambridge Beer Festival on Saturday, May 12, from 2 to 7 p.m. outdoors on the 300 block of High Street in downtown Cambridge. Admission includes a tasting glass and unlimited tastes of beers from breweries in Maryland and Delaware. Brewery representatives and brewmasters will be on hand to answer questions. Live music.

2nd Saturday and Art Walk

May 12 • 5-8 p.m.

Downtown Cambridge

This monthly celebration in downtown Cambridge features an Art Walk with free art gallery receptions, as well as specials in the independently owned shops and great dining. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Live music is on tap at several restaurants later in the evening. Plenty of free parking. Updated information available at DowntownCambridge.org.

Galleries include:

Dorchester Center for the Arts, 321 High Street, 410-228-7782.

Jewelry by Cottage Studio, 410 Race Street, 410-924-1356.

Main Street Gallery, 518 Poplar Street, info@MainStGallery.org.

Downtown Frame of Mine, 319 High Street, 410-228-7977.

Leggett Gallery at Chesapeake College, 416-418 Race Street, 410-228-5754.

Cambridge Ghost Walk

May 12, 25 • 7:30 p.m.

Departing from High Spot Gastropub, 305 High Street, Cambridge

Walk along the most haunted street in Maryland. Learn the spooky and fascinating stories of lives lived and lost along this historic street. Stops include Christ Church graveyard, Richardson Maritime Museum, Governor Goldsborough’s House, Congressman Laird’s House, Manaydier House, LaCompte House, and more. Advance reservations are a must at www.chesapeakeghostwalks.com.

Relay for Life

May 18 • 4 p.m.

Governors Hall at Sailwinds Park, Cambridge

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. The event includes an opening ceremony, laps around the track by survivors and caregivers, a luminaria ceremony, and a closing ceremony.

Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta

May 19-20 • 10:30 a.m.

Great Marsh Park, Cambridge

The country’s longest-running powerboat races happen right here in Dorchester. This year marks the 108th Cambridge Classic Power Boat Regatta on May 19 and 20 on the Choptank River. Some of these boats reach speeds up to 170mph. The fleet ranges from the classic Jersey speed skiffs turning on their sides and going airborne at 70mph to the 1,500-horsepower grand prix boats that reach speeds of 170 mph. Admission is free with a $5 a day charge for in/out parking. Food and drink will be available. Races are scheduled to run rain or shine, although if the wind is strong, the race organizers will make the call. The races happen on Hambrooks Bay, off the Choptank River in Cambridge. Watch the action from Great Marsh Park, 1 Somerset Avenue. There will be bleacher seating, as well as room for lawn chairs. Spectators can also watch the Cambridge Classic from the water. The fleet will raft at Rooster Point. A no-wake zone will be established from Howell Point to the Choptank River Bridge. There will be opportunities to visit the cold pit area to see some of the boats up close and meet the race teams. Mark your calendar for Thunder on the Choptank powerboat race on July 28-29.

Music on the Nanticoke Concert

May 19 • 4-7 p.m.

Waterfront Park, Water Street, Vienna

Enjoy a free waterfront concert in the quaint, historic town of Vienna. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Concessions will be available, or bring a picnic. Boat ramp and overnight dockage are free. This is part of the Music on the Nanticoke Free Summer Concert Series. The concert on May 19 features Barren Creek. Future dates include July 21 and September 15. Call 443-239-0813 for more information.

Maryland Freedom Swim

May 20 • 7 a.m.

Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park, Trappe

On Sunday, May 20, join the inaugural group of swimmers as they navigate between the bridges from the Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park on the Talbot County side to the Sailwinds Park beach access point (near the Dorchester Visitor Center) on the Dorchester County side. This 1.7-mile trip across the Choptank River will be supported by paddle craft, motor craft and the US Coast Guard. This swim is not for the inexperienced swimmer. For details and registration information, visit runsignup.com/marylandfreedomswim.

Beckwith Strawberry Festival

May 26 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Neck District Fire House, 954 Cook Point Road, Cambridge

Enjoy lots of strawberry treats at the Beckwith United Methodist Church Strawberry Festival at the Neck District Fire House, Route 343, in Hudson, on Saturday, May 26. The strawberry fest runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a flea market starting at 7 a.m. Strawberries, strawberry pies, strawberry shortcake, homemade soups, chicken salad sandwiches, hot dogs and more will be available for purchase. Large outdoor flea market and crafts, too. Festival held rain or shine. The firehouse is located in Hudson, 11 miles west of Cambridge.