Sunday, Oct. 17

Festival The West River Heritage Day Oyster Festival takes place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Captain Salem Avery Museum, 1418 E. West Shady Side Road. There will be musical entertainment, featuring Tim and Savannah Finch, along with the Eastmann String Band. Also, the winner of the society's $5,000 raffle will be announced. Admission is $6, free for children 12 and younger. Information: 410-867-4486 or go to shadysidemuseum.org.

Monday, Oct. 18

Candidates forum Joanna Conti, John Leopold and Mike Shay, candidates for Anne Arundel County executive, are the speakers at the Severn River Association's Candidate Forum at 7 p.m. at Calvary Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd. in Annapolis. The event will be moderated by Howard Ernst, political science professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. The public will have the opportunity to ask the candidates questions. Information: 410-268-1776.

Conservation The Maryland Environmental Trust presents a free informational course on "Conservation Easements — Legal and Financial Aspects" from 8:45 a.m. to noon at People's Resource Center, Conference Room A, 100 Community Place in Crownsville. Registration and information: 410-514-7901.

Blacksmith group The Chesapeake Forge Blacksmith Guild meets at 7 p.m. at Kinder Farm Park, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville. Members learn new techniques while working on projects. No gate fees. Information: 410-222-6115.

Tuesday, Oct. 19

Lecture Fall meeting of the South River Federation features a talk by Dr. Robert Lawrence, professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, titled "Human Health and the Chesapeake Bay," at 7 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's headquarters, Philip Merrill Environmental Center, 6 Herndon Ave., Annapolis. Information: 410-224-3802.

Wednesday, Oct. 20

Wednesday Republican Breakfast Club Group meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Rockfish, Sixth Street and Severn Avenue in Eastport, for breakfast and discussion. Jim Wilhelm will speak on "Campaign Issues, News and Needs." Cost is $12.

Thursday, Oct. 21

'Fashion for a Cause' A benefit for Hospice of the Chesapeake will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Paradigm, 179 Main St. in Annapolis. Tickets are $75 per person. Information: 443-837-1530 or hospicechesapeake.org.

Open house The Early Childhood Music Department of the Peabody Preparatory holds an open house at 7 p.m. at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Room 201, 801 Chase St., Annapolis. Parents and children through 6 years old are welcome. Information: 410-269-5343.

Rotary Club The Annapolis Rotary Club meets at noon at the Annapolis Yacht Club, 2 Compromise St. Two club members will give classification talks, discussing their careers and participation in Rotary. Information: 410-353-4722 or 410-980-6115.

Friday, Oct. 22

Lecture Richard McComb will deliver a lecture, "An Introduction to the Reading of Kierkegaard," at 8:15 p.m. in St. John's College's Francis Scott Key Auditorium, 60 College Ave., Annapolis. Information: 410-263-2371.

Saturday, Oct. 23

Family concert The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra presents "Symphony in Space" at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis. Program includes music from television and the movies. Tickets are $12. Information: 410-263-0907.

Classical concert The Annapolis Opera opens its 38th season at 8 p.m. with "Concert of Stars," featuring Jason Stearns, at St. John's College's Key Auditorium, 60 College Ave., Annapolis. For tickets and information, call 410-280-5640 or go to annapolisopera.org.

Composting demonstration Learn how to make compost and what native plants to grow in your garden at 11 a.m. at Quiet Waters Park at the Wildwood Trail. Participants will receive a free compost bin and goody bag. Park entrance fee of $6 applies. Information: 240-381-4174.

Flea market St. Andrew's United Methodist Church holds an indoor country flea market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 4 Wallace Manor Road in Edgewater. Spaces are $10; tables are $5. The thrift shop will be open. Information: 410-269-7671.

Future

Fundraiser Anne Arundel County's fundraiser "Disco Magic" will be held from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Nov. 5 at the Hilton BWI Airport Hotel. Guests are asked to wear their best disco attire for this retro event. The event features silent and live auctions, vacation getaways, and a 50/50 cash raffle. Proceeds benefit YWCA programs for victims of domestic violence. Information: 410-626-7800.

Cocker Spaniel Adoption Day The Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue group will hold an adoption day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Annapolis Petsmart, 2601 Housley Road, Annapolis. Information: cockerspanielrescue.com.

Events and cancellations for the Anne Arundel County datebook may be submitted by e-mail to arundel.calendar@baltsun.com. Information should be sent at least 10 days before the event.