We love our city. It’s pretty easy to find something local to do any time of the year, but there’s something about those summer month events that make them even more special. Summertime in Baltimore also means there’s entertainment everywhere. It’s a great time to be out and about. So if you’re sitting around bored in the next few months, hit up this list and head out to one of the several fun happenings that has our city buzzing this summer.
#1 Fourth of July Celebration
Of course you want to find somewhere great to celebrate our country’s independence. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has just the place. Start off with live music at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater where you can catch the U.S. Navy Band Commodores at 7 p.m., then stick around for the incredible fireworks show from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Can’t beat free admission and one heck of a show! If you’re looking to get out there a bit early to start the celebration during the daytime, walk around the shops and hit up a restaurant for dinner, or stop by the Baltimore Beach Volleyball’s “Hat Draw” Tournament at noon with walk-up registration beginning at 10 a.m. The tournament takes place at Inner Harbor’s Rash Field located on Light Street and Key Highway.
#2 Le Diner en Blanc
Translation: White Dinner. Founded nearly 30 years ago in Paris, this really cool pop-up picnic creates a unique environment with it’s exclusive all-white dress code. Today, Diner en Blanc is held in over 70 cities in 35 countries. Thousands of guests unite to dine dressed in white from head to toe. That means nothing, not even sunglasses, can be anything but white. Just be forewarned that for this event you are in charge of bringing not just white clothes, but your own white table, linens, and food. The dinner is making its Baltimore debut on July 15th and the location will be revealed the day of the event. If you’re looking for something classy and different, find out more at www.baltimore.dinerenblanc.com.
#3 One Caribbean Carnival
Who doesn’t love a Caribbean Carnival? Head down to Lake Clifton Park July 15th-16th to immerse yourself in the vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture. You can expect anything but the all-white attire of the last event we talked about because this carnival is ALL about color. This weekend transforms Baltimore with bright costumes, lively music, and of course that delicious island food. There will be a parade you’ll surely want to check out on July 15th at noon as well. The parade starts at 900 33rd Street and goes all the way to Lake Clifton Park.
#4 Artscape
Get in touch with your artistic side by visiting the 36th annual Artscape festival. This three-day event is considered the country’s largest free (yes, FREE) arts festival, making it no surprise that it welcomes hundreds of thousands of people each year. The theme this year is “Camp Artscape: Adventure Awaits.” You can expect live performances, demonstrations, art vendors, dance performances, and more. The event takes place July 21st-22nd from 11a.m. to 9p.m.
#5 Baltimore Fashion Week
Watch the latest trends strut down the runway at Baltimore’s 10th Annual Fashion Week! You can find a variety of upcoming brands and designers and enjoy some air conditioning at the Columbus Center on 701 E. Pratt Street. This year’s event will also feature a “sneakerhead” program where you can pick the brains of famous sneaker illustrators, a 10th-anniversary party, and much more.
#6 BronyCon
Have kids who love My Little Pony (or maybe you’re a big time fan yourself)? You’ve got to go to BronyCon. That’s right. The world’s largest convention for the animated TV series “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” will be back in Baltimore on August 11th and runs through the 13th. There will be a variety of themed activities, panels, and seminars. The convention began in New York City in 2011 but has since found home in Charm City where we will be hosting for the fifth straight year. The event will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center.
#7 Moonrise Festival
Looking for a place to dance? Baltimore’s premier electronic dance music festival is the place to be! Held at Pimlico Race Course where it will have it’s fourth installment, the Moonrise Festival will be producing some top performers this year such as Afrojack, Big Gigantic, Excision, and more. The event will take place August 12th-13th and will be jam packed with DJs, live bands, and performing artists on four stages featuring state of the art lighting, sound, and special effects.
#8 Maryland State Fair
It just doesn’t feel like summer unless you go to the state fair! You can live your “best days of summer” at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Go check out the horses and the livestock, hop on one of the carnival rides, or simply indulge in the plethora of fried food goodness that the fair has to offer. You’re sure to leave with a smile on your face no matter what you pick! The fair runs from August 24th– September 4th.
#9 Maryland Renaissance Festival
Take part in some olde school fun at the fictional 16th century village of Revel Grove on August 26th. Now in its 41st year, the Renaissance Festival truly feels like you are stepping back in time. You are surrounded by royal court events, performers in costume and character, and of course lots of smoked turkey legs. Yes, you’ll have to drive to Annapolis but really is that so much to ask for traveling back in time?
#10 Outdoor Movie Theater
Watching a movie outside is a whole new experience. And what better time to do that than on those warm, breezy, one-of-a-kind summer nights? Grab a blanket and some snacks and head over to one of the several outdoor movie series in the Baltimore area. American Visionary Art Museum hosts a “Flicks from the Hill” series on Thursdays from July to August. Fells Point hosts “Films on the Pier” on Wednesdays from July to August on the Thames Street Pier. Or you could head to Summer Movie Nights in Bel Air on select Friday nights from June to August at Shamrock Park.
