With swimming and seafood festivals, summertime is one of the best seasons to visit Baltimore.
I’m not going to lie to you. Summer in Baltimore could be humid and there could be some sweating involved. But let me guarantee that whatever activity you’re sweating through will be worth it! From family-friendly activities you can do daily to events you should not miss – this list has you covered!
Go for a Swim
Baltimore has an endless number of outdoor and indoor swimming pools that you can take advantage of throughout the year such as the Patterson Park Swimming Pool or the Maryland Athletic Club. And while an outdoor pool is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day, a swimming hole or beach would be better.
The Beaver Dam Swimming Club has a freshwater quarry with a rope swing while Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park has a designated swimming area as well as amenities for a picnic, hiking, and other fun activities.
You could go for a dip in the refreshing Patapsco River at Patapsco Valley State Park, or take in views of the Chesapeake Bay at North Point State Park. The options are endless.
Catch a Concert
While Baltimore’s Royal Farms Arena has set a stage for leading acts such as Guns N Roses, Tim McGraw, J. Cole, and Justin Beiber, there are tons of smaller concert venues throughout Charm City.
Sometimes you’ll find performers singing their hearts out at the Pier Six Pavilion, the Baltimore Soundstage, or even the pubs and bars that line Fells Point. Check out their summer schedules before you plan your visit.
Grab a Drink
Speaking of pubs and bars, Baltimore neighborhoods such as the Inner Harbor, Harbor East, Hampden, and Fells Point are meccas of watering holes from the high-end and classy to the gritty, neighborhood spots around the corner.
Summertime is the perfect time to check them out because there’s usually outdoor seating, live music, and a good vibe all around.
Have a Picnic
Canton Waterfront Park, Druid Hill Park, and Sherwood Gardens are just a few spots in Baltimore where you can have a lovely picnic with an even lovelier view. You can get out of the house, take in the weather, and enjoy Baltimore at its finest.
Pick up lunch from some of Charm City’s finest restaurants such as Attman’s Delicatessen, Luigi’s Italian Deli, or Cosi on South Charles Street.
Attend an Orioles Game at Camden Yards
The Baltimore Orioles play at Camden Yards well into the summer and there are always tons of amazing visiting teams such as the Washington Nationals, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, go for the atmosphere!
Baseball season has such a family-friendly vibe with the sights and sounds – and let’s not forget the delicious stadium foods!
Go to a Farmers’ Market
One of the ways I love to spend a warm summer day is to go to a Farmers’ Market. I can get there early in the morning, have a cup of coffee (Zeke’s Coffee, anyone?), pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables, and have a meal from one of the many Baltimore-based food vendors that have stalls there (shout out to Dangerously Delicious Pies for their delicious Crab Supreme pie!).
Some of my favorites to check out are the 32nd Street Farmers Market, the Baltimore Farmers Market and Bazaar on E Saratoga Street, and the Govanstowne Farmers’ Market at Loyola University.
Check out an Annual Summer Baltimore Event
Baltimore Pride
Usually scheduled around June, Baltimore Pride is a way for everyone in the neighborhood to come together to celebrate LGBTQ culture. The event attracts thousands of people and is one of the oldest Pride celebrations in the nation.
It’s not just one parade you can enjoy – there’s a high-heel parade, a pet parade, a drag parade, and so much more. The whole celebration turns into a family-friendly block party complete with food trucks, live music, and so much more.
Artscape
One of the largest free outdoor arts festivals in the United States, Artscape attracts artists and art appreciators from all over. It’s been featured in tons of magazines such as USA Today and is an iconic cultural event that shouldn’t be missed. Often held toward the end of August, you’ll come across interactive art exhibits, workshops, performances, food vendors, and much more.
AFRAM
With entertainment, live music, and activities for the entire family, AFRAM is a free event that celebrates Baltimore’s African American heritage. It’s great for attendees of all ages because there are activities dedicated to each such as arts and crafts, carnival mask making, African drumming, and much more.
There are even vendors who will assist you in researching your DNA and genealogy if that interests you. And you’re definitely not going to want to miss all the food, drink, and special appearances and performances they schedule each summer.
HONfest
HONfest is an event that you can find only in Baltimore because it celebrates the people and neighborhoods of BMore that shaped the city into what it is today. It’s hosted on the second weekend in June in one of Baltimore’s quaintest neighborhoods, Hampden.
You can spend the entire day visiting all the cute little shops that line The Avenue that takes part in one way or another, or people watch all the lovely participants who come dressed in leopard prints, cat-eye glasses, and beehive hairdos. Even better, come dressed up yourself and compete in the annual Miss Hon pageant for your chance to be Baltimore’s Best Hon!
Summer Restaurant Week
Hosted during July/ August, Summer Restaurant Week in Baltimore is a highly awaited event that lets you try the delicious cuisine in some of Charm City’s most famed restaurants at a fraction of the price. Over a hundred establishments participate and offer prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch, or dinner; the chefs make sure to include some of the most popular culinary concoctions they have on their menu.
