3 MARYLAND SYMPHONY AT ANTIETAM – A concert of classical and patriotic music with cannon fire and fireworks at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Md. The concert starts at 7:30 on July 3. Free. 301/797-4000.

4 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION – Independence Day is celebrated in Washington with a parade, with more than 100 marching units stepping out at noon along Constitution Avenue NW from Seventh to 17th streets. Popular music groups will entertain at the Sylvan Theater, from mid-afternoon until the fireworks show. The National Symphony Orchestra, with guest stars and soloists, performs at 8 on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The Fourth of July fireworks show erupts around 9:20 p.m. over the Washington Monument grounds. 202/619-7222.

4 WHEATON SPARKLES – Fireworks, food, music and children's activities are presented on July 4 from 6:30 to 10 at Wheaton Plaza and in downtown Wheaton. 301/217-8122.

4 BALTIMORE'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION – An array of entertainment including fireworks, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. 410/837-4636, 800/282-6632.

9 MARY McLEOD BETHUNE Anniversary Celebration, with music by gospel choirs, guest speakers and a wreath-laying, July 9 at the Bethune Statue in Lincoln Park, 11th and East Capitol Streets NE. Details TBA. Free. 202/619-7222.

9-11 ARTSCAPE – Baltimore's celebration of the arts, with two stages of music and dance, arts workshops, arts exhibitions and other special events, July 9 from 6 to 10, July 10-11 from noon to 10 on Mount Royal Avenue between North Avenue and Preston Street. Free. 410/396-4575.

10 ALEXANDRIA'S 250th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – An original music composition in honor of the city's birthday will be played by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, followed by the firing of cannons to accompany the "1812 Overture" and fireworks, July 10 at 9:30 p.m. Jones Point Park, 1 Lee St. 703/883-4844, 703/883-4686.

10 SOAP BOX DERBY – Soap box cars roll down Capitol Hill in the 58th annual race, July 10 from 9 to 6 along Constitution Avenue NW between New Jersey and Louisiana avenues. Rain date July 11. Free. 301/670-1110.

11 BOBBY MITCHELL HALL OF FAME WEEKEND – More than 40 Hall of Fame athletes converge on the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg on July 11 for a golf tournament in this benefit for the Leukemia Society. 703/729-8400.

13-18 "EVITA" – The musical comes to Wolf Trap's Filene Center July 13-18, 1551 Trap Rd. Times, ticket prices TBA. 703/218-6500.

14 BASTILLE DAY – Celebrate the French independence day at the Bastille Day Race and Celebration July 14 at noon at Les Halles Restaurant, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, with live entertainment and a race by tray-bearing waiters and waitresses to the U.S. Capitol and back. Free. 202/296-7200.

17-18 CAPITAL SOULFEST – The festival, at Bull Run Park in Centreville July 17-18, features live music, including top rhythm and blues recording artists of the '70s and '80s, food and crafts. 301/218-0404.

17-18 HOWARD COUNTY POW-WOW – American Indian festival featuring dancers, arts and crafts and food, is held July 17-18 at the Howard County Fairgrounds, in Friendship. Admission, times TBA. 252/257-5383, 410/412-1022.

23-25 GUMBO JAM – A Cajun, zydeco, blues, jazz, gospel music and dance festival, July 23-25 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds on Route 178 in Crownsville. Admission, performers, times TBA. 202/463-0200.

23-25 VIRGINIA SCOTTISH GAMES AND FESTIVAL – Highland music, dancing, athletics and culture – along with antique British cars – are highlighted at this festival July 23-25 at Episcopal High School, 3901 W. Braddock Rd. Admission, times TBA. 703/912-1943.

24-25, AUG. 28-29 CIVIL WAR WEEKENDS – Prince William County and the town of Manassas remember the Civil War battles fought there with reenactor encampments, walking tours, a Civil War camp and other activities July 24-25 and Aug. 28-29. 703/368-1873, 800/432-1792.

24 WATERLILY FESTIVAL – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens' annual celebration of the waterlily in honor of gardens' founder W.W. Shaw, July 24 at the gardens at Anacostia Avenue and Douglas Street NE. 202/426-6905.

24 FARM TOURS – Experience Montgomery County farm life with pony rides and petting zoos during the 10th annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale, July 24 from 10 to 4. In-season produce (corn, tomatoes and peaches) will be for sale. Maps will be available at the Conference and Visitors Bureau, 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown. Free. 301/590-2823.

28-29 CHINCOTEAGUE PONY SWIM – Wild ponies will be rounded up and brought to Chincoteague for the 74th annual Wild Pony Auction and Carnival, a fund-raiser for the island's volunteer fire department. The pony swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague takes place July 28 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the auction is July 29 from 8 a.m. to noon. 757/336-6161.

31-AUG. 1 TIDEWATER ARCHAEOLOGY DIG – Experience hands-on archaeology at the site of Maryland's first capital in Historic St. Mary's City, July 31 and Aug. 1 from 10 to 4. Admission TBA. 800/762-1634, 301/862-0990.

31-SEPT. 26 BUTTERFLY SHOW – Wings of Fancy Butterfly Show features the winged insects in their native habitats, 10 to 4 daily from July 31-Sept. 26 at Brookside Gardens, 1500 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton. 301/949-8230.

6-8 ROCKY GAP COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL – Country stars will entertain in this mountain music festival held Aug. 6-8 at Allegany College in Cumberland. Admission, performers TBA. 888/762-5942.

7-8 FAIRFAX 4-H FAIR – Horse shows, Civil War encampments, petting zoo, carnival rides and other entertainment are offered at the Fairfax County 4-H Fair, Aug. 7-8 from 9 to 5 at Frying Pan Park, 2709 W. Ox Rd., Herndon. Free. 703/324-5369, 703/437-9101.

13-15 WORCESTER COUNTY FAIR – The fair, Aug. 13-15 at the Furnace Town Historic Site in Snow Hill, will have livestock, exhibits, food, games, crafts and entertainment. 410/632-1972.

13-21 WEST VIRGINIA STATE FAIR – Rides, livestock and agricultural exhibitions, a quilt show and more are featured at this fair Aug. 13-21 in Lewisburg, five hours from Washington. 304/645-1090.

13-21 PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY FAIR – A rodeo, a demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, carnival rides and livestock displays are all part of this fair Aug. 13-21 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds on Route 234 one mile south of Manassas. 703/368-0173.

13-22 MONTGOMERY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR – Carnival rides, livestock exhibits and entertainment are featured at this fair Aug. 13-22 at the fairgrounds on Route 355 in Gaithersburg. 301/963-3247.

14-15 KUNTA KINTE HERITAGE FESTIVAL – A cultural heritage festival with music, dance, fine arts and vendors is celebrated at the St. John's College Campus in Annapolis, Aug. 14 from 10 to 8 and Aug. 15 from 10 to 6. 410/349-0338.

14-22 LEGG MASON TENNIS CLASSIC – Professional men's tennis tour stops at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, 16th Street and Morrow Drive NW, for nine days of matches, Aug. 14-22. Players, ticket prices TBA. Ticketmaster, 202/432-7328 (service charge).

21-22 AUGUST COURT DAYS – Leesburg's annual Colonial street fair Aug. 21-22 re-creates the period around 1775 and features more than 300 Colonial reenactors. There are crafts, musical entertainment and "living history players" performing vignettes on the street at the festival, at King and Market streets, adjacent to the courthouse complex. $5 per person, under 12 free. 800/752-6118.

21-22 VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL – Sample Virginia vintages at this festival of wine, music and entertainment Aug. 21-22 from 11 to 6 at Great Meadow on Route 245 2 1/2 miles south of I-66 in The Plains, Va. $15 in advance, $18 at the gate, $5 ages 20 and younger. 800/520-9670.

21-22 WINGS OF FREEDOM AIR SHOW – Distinctive warbirds will re-create famous World War II battles Aug. 21-22 from 7:30 to 5 at the Frederick Municipal Airport. Presented by the Confederate Air Force. Admission TBA. 301/631-5357.

25-29 "RIVERDANCE" – The Irish dance show is back for seven performances Aug. 25-29 at Wolf Trap's Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd. There will be 2 p.m. matinees Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, other shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets, on sale now, are $20 to $65; call Protix, 703/218-6500 (service charges added).

27-SEPT. 6 MARYLAND STATE FAIR – The huge Maryland State Fair features livestock and homemaking displays, thoroughbred horse racing, carnival rides and entertainment Aug. 27-Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Timonium Fairgrounds, on I-83 north of I-695 and Baltimore. $4 adults, children under 12 are free. 410/252-0200.

28 NORTH BEACH BAYFEST – This town on the Chesapeake Bay celebrates summer and itself with antique cars, food, pony rides, crafts and live music, Aug. 28 from noon to 6. 410/257-9618.

AUG. 28-OCT. 24 MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL – Medieval games, music, entertainment and jousting are featured at this festival that re-creates the days of King Henry VIII, on weekends (plus Labor Day) Aug. 28-Oct. 24 from 10:30 to 7 at the Maryland Renaissance Festival site on Crownsville Road. Admission TBA. 410/266-7304.

4-5 WASHINGTON IRISH FESTIVAL – A celebration of Irish music, dance, song, craft and culture, Sept. 4-5 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. 301/565-0654.

5 NSO LABOR DAY CONCERT – The National Symphony Orchestra closes its summer season with a concert Sept. 5 at 8 on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Rain date: same day and time at DAR Constitution Hall. 202/619-7222.

9-12 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY FAIR – Maryland's oldest fair features music, agriculture and animals, Sept. 9-12 at the Prince George's Equestrian Center, 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue in Upper Marlboro. $5, children under 10 free. 301/579-2598.

10-12 MARYLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – Seafood, arts and crafts, music, watermen's exhibits and other nautical activities are at this celebration, Sept. 10-12 from 11 to 8 at Sandy Point State Park, on the Chesapeake Bay just north of Annapolis and the Bay Bridge. 410/268-7682.

11-12 BLACK FAMILY REUNION – The 14th annual cultural celebration of the African American family, with live performances, food and thematic pavilions, will be held Sept. 11-12 on the grounds of the Washington Monument. 202/737-0120, 202/383-9104.

12 KALORAMA HOUSE AND EMBASSY TOUR – Tour some of the magnificent homes and embassies in Northwest's historic Kalorama neighborhood Sept. 12 from noon to 5. $18 in advance, $20 day of the tour. 202/387-4062.

12 KENNEDY CENTER OPEN HOUSE – This annual event celebrates the arts with free concerts and performances throughout the building Sept. 12 from noon to 6. Free. 202/467-4600.

12 250cc U.S. GRAND PRIX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – This big international motorcycle race is being held in the United States for the first time in five years, Sept. 12 at Maryland International Raceway at Budds Creek. $20 for adults, $10 for children 5 and up (younger free). 301/475-2000.

15-19 ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FAIR – Household and animal exhibits, racing pigs and a carnival are featured at this fair Sept. 15-19 at the fairground on Route 178 in Crownsville. 410/923-3400.

16-19 CHARLES COUNTY FAIR – Agricultural and home arts, a midway and continuous entertainment are featured at this fair Sept. 16-19 at the fairground in LaPlata. 301/932-1234.

17-25 GREAT FREDERICK FAIR – Huge fair showcases agriculture and country music Sept. 17-25 at the Frederick County Fairgrounds. Details TBA. 301/663-5895.

18-19 FONZ WILDLIFE ART FESTIVAL – The works of more than 100 wildlife artists are on sale at this fund-raiser Sept. 18-19 from 10 to 6, held by the Friends of the National Zoo at the zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Details TBA. 202/673-4717.

18-19 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL – Performers from around the world, joined by Bob McGrath and Big Bird, take part in this annual family festival Sept. 18-19 at Wolf Trap in Vienna. 703/642-0862.

18-19 OATLANDS FALL HUNT COUNTRY ANTIQUES FAIR – The event showcases more than 185 dealers from 22 states on a 260-acre plantation with 1803 mansion and gardens, Sept. 18-19 from 10 to 5. $6. Oatlands is on U.S. 15 six miles south of Leesburg. 703/777-3174.

18-19 MARYLAND WINE FESTIVAL – Sample local wines and enjoy music, food, seminars, farmhouse tours and other activities, Sept. 18 from 10 to 6 and Sept. 19 from noon to 6 at the Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster. $15 (under 21 free with paying adult). 410/867-2667.

23-OCT. 3 VIRGINIA STATE FAIR – Thousands of animals and exhibits and concerts by some of the top names in country music are the highlights at this fair Sept. 23-Oct. 3 in Richmond. Times, prices TBA. 804/228-3200, 800/588-3247.

24-26 FALL CAPITAL HOME SHOW – See the latest decorating, remodeling and home improvement products from more than 300 exhibitors, Sept. 24-26 at the Capital Expo Center, on Willard Road in Chantilly. $8 for adults, $2 for children 6-12 (younger free). 800/274-6948.

25-26 COLLEGE PARK AIRPORT AIRFAIR – Antique airplanes, air show, exhibits and entertainment Sept. 25-26 at the College Park Airport, 1909 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr. Free. Times, admission TBA. 301/864-5844.

25-26 FIESTA MUSICAL – A musical celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 25-26 at the National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Details TBA. 202/673-4717.

25-26 OCCOQUAN FALL ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW – More than 300 crafts artisans display and sell their works at this huge annual show, Sept. 25-26 from 10 to 6 on the streets of historic Occoquan, Va. Free. 703/491-2168.

25-26 BALTIMORE BOOK FESTIVAL – Celebrate the literary arts at this tent event with local bookstores and publishers, children's books and storytellers, author signings, Sept. 25-26 at Mount Vernon Square in Baltimore. 410/837-4636, 800/282-6632.

25 CATHEDRAL OPEN HOUSE – The Washington National Cathedral offers demonstrations by master stone carvers, food, activities for children, music, dancers, behind-the-scenes tours and other activities Sept. 25 from 10 to 5 at the cathedral, Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW. It's also the only annual opportunity to climb the central tower stairway and see the bells. 202/537-6200.

26 COLUMBIA CLASSIC GRAND PRIX – Top equestrian riders compete in this annual event, Sept. 26 at 1 at the arena at Howard Community College on Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. $8 bleacher seats, $5 for 12 and under; $5 for lawn seating. 410/772-4450.

29-OCT. 3 CALVERT COUNTY FAIR – A rich celebration of the farmer's life at this festival Sept. 29-Oct. 3 at the fairgrounds on Route 231 in Barstow, Md. 410/535-0026.

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