Poets Afloat: Annapolis Celebrates our Nation’s 250th Anniversary with Poetry on the Water

June 4, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis will ramp up our local celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in true Chesapeake style — with history, music, and poetry on the water.

On Wednesday, June 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the community is invited to gather along the Annapolis City Dock waterfront for Poets Afloat, a unique celebration featuring original poetry by locals– inspired by the rich history, characters, and spirit of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

Hosted by Jefferson Holland, Poet Laureate of Annapolis, the event will feature fifteen talented poets sharing their original works bringing the stories of Annapolis’ past and present to life on the water.  The poets will be reading from the bow of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating’s (CRAB) power catamaran “Dream Catcher” docked at the end of “Ego Alley” at Annapolis City Dock.  Adding to the festive atmosphere, members of the Naptown Brass Band will fill the waterfront with music at 6:00 p.m. as Annapolis begins its journey toward commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.  

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, relax along the dock, and enjoy an evening that honors the people, places, and moments that helped shape our community. This event is supported by the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area, the Annapolis 250 Commission, and CRAB. 

With titles like “Deep Roots,” “Rap for Anne Catherine Green,” “Music and Dance of the Piscataway Nation,” and “Ben Ogle’s Bones,” you simply won’t want to miss this revolutionary jaunt through local history! So join us for Poets Afloat as we blend the traditions of storytelling, history, and maritime heritage in a way that could only happen in Annapolis — where the water connects us to our past and carries us into the future. 

Bring a chair, enjoy the music, stay for dinner downtown– and experience an unforgettable evening of history, poetry, music, and community on the Chesapeake.

Event Details:
What: Poets Afloat — Annapolis Celebrates the Nation’s 250th Anniversary
When: Wednesday, June 24 | 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: City Dock (‘Ego Alley’) across from Market House at the Alex Haley Memorial
Hosted by: Jefferson Holland, Poet Laureate of Annapolis
Featuring: 15 local poets and music by the Naptown Brass Band
Admission: Free and open to the public 

Learn more about events across Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

https://www.visitannapolis.org/america-250-annapolis/

 

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