Baltimore Events and Festivals
(Baltimore, Maryland - MD, USA)
Baltimore's calendar of festivals and events is a busy affair, with the city playing host to a huge range of events - some specific to the city itself and others marking national holidays. The city's diverse ethnic population makes its mark on the Baltimore calendar with a number of events, while music and food-related events reflect the Baltimorean passion for life.
There is always a wide range of things to see and do whilst staying in the vibrant city of Baltimore. Below is a list of Baltimore's main annual festivals.
National Public Holidays
- 1st January - New Year's Day
- Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
- 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
- Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
- Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
- 4th July - Independence Day
- First Monday in September - Labor Day
- Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
- 11th November - Veterans Day
- 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
- 25th December - Christmas Day
Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Babe Ruth's Birthday - January 6th, the city pays tribute to its greatest sporting hero at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Admission is free and food and drink provided
- Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Parade - January 16th, the city celebrates the famous black rights activist with a parade across the city beginning at Martin Luther King Boulevard. Expect floats, live bands and church choirs
February
- East Coast Jazz Festival - mid-February, sponsored by the Fish Middleton Jazz Scholarship Fund, this event sees young jazz artists compete for recognition and the coveted festival title
- Wedding On Ice - February 14th, married couples are invited to renew their wedding vows at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink in an official ceremony
March
- Antique Bottle Show and Sale - early March, Baltimore plays host to the Atlantic coast's biggest bottle and antique glass show and trading fair. Held at the Community College of Baltimore County's Essex Campus in Towson
- St. Patrick Parade - mid-March, this celebration of the great Irish saint sees floats parading across the city, starting at North Charles Street and finishing at Pratt Street
April
- Baltimore Jewish Film Festival - the Gordon Center for Performing Arts hosts this popular festival in which varieties of films made by Jews or with Jewish themes are screened
- Baltimore Waterfront Festival and Volvo Ocean Race - this annual event sees all manner of maritime-related interests including races, tours of boat interiors and seafood cooking demonstrations
May
- Baltimore Blues Festival - Paterson Park is the location for this festival of all things related to the genre of music known as the blues. Expect live music, food and drink, and a fair where enthusiasts trade old recordings, musical instruments and other collectible items
- Preakness Crab Derby - dates vary, this event sees some fine crustaceans pitted against each other in a number of races held in front of a large gathering of spectators. The crabs are generally owned and raced by local celebrities, while all proceeds from the event go to charity
June
- Showcase of Nation's Ethnic Festivals - this festival sees Baltimore pay tribute to its ethnic communities and all that they bring to the city with celebrations of food, music, dance and crafts held at venues across the city
- Summer Concert Series - throughout June, held at the Harborplace Amphitheater, this event sees live bands showcasing their talents every Friday night under the sponsorship of Planet Hollywood
July
- Artscape - this outdoor event sees three stages on Mount Royal Avenue dedicated to showcasing the best in music and performing arts from every genre. Food and drink are also available at this popular and well-attended event
- Harborplace's Birthday Celebration - early July, this annual event sees Baltimore celebrate the birthday of its main attraction. Expect all manner of festivities including live music and the cutting of a giant birthday cake
August
- German Festival - Baltimore dedicates an entire weekend to celebrating the contributions of its German community. Expect traditional German food, music and entertainment
- USS Constellation Museum Anniversary Celebration - this annual celebration gives visitors the chance take a tour of the USS Constellation and watch a variety of artillery demonstrations, along with plenty to keep the kids occupied
- Hot August Blues and Roots - held mid-August in Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville, MD approximately 20 minutes north of Baltimore
September
- Irish Festival - mid-September, this event sees Baltimore hosting a variety of festivities in celebration of its Irish history and heritage. Expect traditional food, dancing, crafts and performances
- Baltimore Book Festival - late September, this event is a celebration of all things literary. Expect a variety of literary presentations including readings of poetry and classic novels as well as cookbook demonstrations
October
- Baltimore International Rhythm and Drumming Society (B.I.R.D.S.) Festival - this event see the local percussion groups gather to promote world peace through the medium of their music
- Taste of Baltimore - early October, this event sees the city hosting a variety of events involving over 70 of the city's restaurants and a variety of radio personalities. Food and drink are available for sampling at the pavilion in Oriole Park
November
- Baltimore's Thanksgiving Parade - November 19th, this annual parade sees floats and bands make their way across Baltimore's downtown area to celebrate thanksgiving and mark the beginning of the Christmas season
December
- Washington Monument Lighting Ceremony - early December, Baltimore city officially marks the beginning of the holiday season with a variety of events including a giant firework display, performances by local choirs and free refreshments
- New Year's Eve at Inner Harbor - the city welcomes the new year at the Inner Harbor with a variety of festivities including a parade of giant papier-mâché puppets, street party, fireworks and ice skating