(Enlarge) Tall ships will highlight anniversary festivities at Historic St. Mary's City.

With economic news continuing to look grim, now is not the time for most folks to splurge on summer fun. But fear not, because the state of Maryland has just the ticket: a lineup of no-cost events for the month of June, which has been designated "free month" by the state's Office of Tourism.

One of the biggest free events takes place this Friday-Sunday, June 20-22, down in St. Mary's County. It's Maryland's 375th Birthday Celebration Weekend, and it comprises a series of events designed to spotlight the region that was not only Maryland's first colony, but served as the state's first capital as well.

"The reason we're pushing Maryland's 375th birthday is because we're Maryland's birthplace," explains Carolyn Laray, the tourism manager for St. Mary's County. "Maryland was founded here. Actually, at St. Clements Island is where the (voyager ships) Arc and the Dove first landed, but the colony was established a few miles up the river in historic St. Mary's City."

The historic birthday kicks off with an all-day celebration Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Historic St. Mary's City, located off Route 5. For the occasion, tall ships will sail along the St. Mary's waterfront, and visitors can hop aboard the vessels and participate in activities, Laray says.

"Our biggest event is the birthday party," Laray notes. "It'll be an event full of activities done up 17th century style."

There will be period music performed by regional artists Calico Jack, David Norris, Ship's Company and David Hildebrand. The food will also have an olde-timey bent, as will the crafts vendors. There will also be a performance of Maryland composer N. Lincoln-DeCusatis' composition "Terrae Mariae: A Creation Story" by the Chesapeake Chamber Orchestra. The day will close with a fireworks display. Call 240-895-4107.

Also on Saturday, a Juneteenth Celebration will be held at noon in Freedom Park in Lexington Park, located at Route 235 and Tulagi Place. Juneteenth is holiday commemorating the ending of slavery, and the event will be marked by a showing of cultural diversity with a jazz concert featuring saxophonist Phillip Martin and gospel singing with the Rev. James Flowers Jr. and Family. Call 301-862-4868.

The weekend closes with a family event June 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the College of Southern Maryland's Leonardtown Campus (22950 Hollywood Road). "Celebrate Family, Fun and Fitness" will let visitors take part in races and a 3.75-mile walk runs through historic Leonardtown. Also on the agenda will be a moon bounce, face painting, balloon stomp and kids fitness challenge. Call 301-934-7703.

For more details, call the St. Mary's County Division of Tourism at 800-327-9023.

More free fun

If you can't make it out to St. Mary's County this weekend, the state has a plethora of other free events in store for the rest of the month of June.

Train gardens and antique cars will be in ample supply during Depot Day, which takes place Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., on Main Street in the Carroll County town of Union Bridge. The annual event will also include tours of the Lehigh cement plant, which is sponsoring the day. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 410-775-2566.

A Celebration of the Arts takes place Saturday, June 21, 6:30 p.m., at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold. This evening will showcase performances by students and faculty from the college's dance, music and theater departments. Call 410-777-2218 or go to aacc.edu/performingarts.

A Battle of Westminster "Corbit's Charge" Commemorative Weekend happens June 26-28 in downtown Westminster and on the West Grounds of the Carroll County Multi-Service Center. This event includes a Civil War encampment, period music, l-history actors, a commemorative ceremony and parade and a Civil War Ball. Hours are Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 410-876-8249 or see pccwrt.addr.com.

In nearby Laurel, the 31st Montpelier Summer Concert Series will feature live music Fridays, June 26, July 10, 17 and 24, and Aug. 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m. It all takes place on the Montpelier Mansion grounds, 9652 Muirkirk Road, at Route 197. Call 301-776-2805 or go to www.pgparks.com.

Come Saturday, June 27, the Tilghman Island Summer Seafood Festival will serve up the state's favorite delicacies at the Tilghman Volunteer Fire Company and adjacent Kronsberg Park. Besides the obvious, this event also features live music, crab races, and Queen and Little Miss contests. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 410-886-2677.

Also on June 27, the Carroll County Agriculture Center will host its 38th Anniversary Celebration at its home on 700 Smith Ave. This event will be marked by 40 vendors, free refreshments, plants, local produce, juried crafters and gourmet foods. Hours are 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 410-848-7748 or go to carrollcountyfarmersmarket.com.

Vintage cars will take center stage Saturday-Sunday, June 27-28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., when the 22nd annual Mid-Atlantic Chevelle Show revs up. It can be found at the North East Community Park in North East (at the head of the Chesapeake Bay in Cecil County). The show is touted to be the largest gathering of 1964-72 Chevelles and El Caminos on the East Coast. Call 410-257-5022 or go to northeastchamber.org.

The month closes out with an Independence Day celebration, held by the town of Havre de Grace at Tydings Memorial Park.

The event happens June 30-July 5, and includes a carnival all six days. It concludes Sunday, July 5 with a parade at 2 p.m., a concert at 7 p.m., and fireworks beginning approximately 9:30 p.m. Call 410-939-4362.

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