The bustling city calms down once the sun goes down, but that doesn’t mean the fun ends.
Las Vegas may be the city that never sleeps but Baltimore isn’t too shabby at night either. After offices close and the traffic dies down, Charm City still has so much for people to enjoy. In fact, exploring the city at night is one of my favorite things to do because there isn’t much of a crowd.
From taking a walk around the iconic Inner Harbor to people-watching at Fells Point, here are some amusing free things you can do in Baltimore at night.
Table of Contents
Take a walk around the Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is the heart of Baltimore City, and you’ll find that it’s just as pretty, sometimes more so once the sun sets. Start at the promenade and follow the path around the luxury apartments and condominiums for stunning views of Baltimore’s skyline.
People-watch in Fells Point
Fells Point is often busier at night than it is during the day, especially on weekends. Pubs, bars, and restaurants often have live music performances that you can enjoy from the street. It’s also a great point to people-watch and see all the diverse types of people who call Baltimore home.
Drive around the city
While this might cost you a few dollars in gas money, driving around Baltimore City at night is one of my favorite things to do. It’s actually one of the few moments you can cruise without worrying about traffic and squeegee boys. You’ll appreciate the beauty of the city, guaranteed.
Take pictures with the iconic Domino Sugar sign
The Domino Sugar sign board is a Baltimore landmark that you’ll find on historical images, touristy postcards, and everything in between. It’s most beautiful at night when the neon orange glow reflects on the water beneath it.
Watch a movie outdoors
The Broadway Pier in Fells Point and Federal Hill are a few places that stream movies outdoors in the summertime. Grab a blanket and some snacks, find the perfect spot, and wait for it to get dark for the movie to start.
Spot famed Baltimore murals
Take a walk around Baltimore and keep your eyes peeled for the many famed murals that can be found on the side of buildings all over the city.
Take in the view from Federal Hill
Sit atop Federal Hill, people-watch, and take in the stunning view of the Inner Harbor in front of you. The light reflecting off the water is mesmerizing. You won’t get a better view of the 4th of July fireworks than from up here.
Appreciate the architecture
Baltimore has some stunning architecture, especially its churches. Some to take in are Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church, Basilica of the Assumption, Old St. Paul Church, and the St. Leo Roman Catholic Church. The views are different from what you see in the daytime, especially during the holiday season.
Post a pic with “the bus”
Prep for your next Instagram post by taking pictures on the huge typographic structure that spells out the word ‘bus’ near the Creative Alliance headquarters. Each letter is fourteen feet tall and seven feet wide and is big enough to accommodate two to four people. While you could do this in the daytime, we suggest doing it at night since there will be less foot traffic.
Listen to music at Power Plant Live
Power Plant Live hosts free live music you can enjoy throughout the year, especially during the summer. Head on over there at night when the music takes over and the vibe is immaculate.
Visit Patterson Park
Take a walk in Patterson Park. Pause for a moment to take in the iconic pagoda, now known as The Observatory. I especially love doing this during the holidays because the pagoda is usually decorated with lights and stands bright against the night sky.
Light City Festival
The Light City Festival is a really fun free festival to attend in Baltimore. Featuring BGE’s Light Art Walk, the light art installations and performances are out of this world. The entire Inner Harbor Promenade is lit up and you’ll have so much fun with the interactive installations.
Artscape
Artscape is the largest free arts festival in the US and the fun lasts for three days. There are concerts, demos, and visual art performances that go well into the night. The streets of Baltimore are locked down and you won’t experience another art festival like this.
Stargazing
Head over to Canton Waterfront Park and lay out a blanket. You’ll take in views of Fort McHenry, the Patapsco River, and of course, the sparkling night sky of Baltimore. The park’s only open till 8 PM so it’ll be darker in the winter months but be sure to take a jacket or extra blanket along.
For an even greater view of the night sky, head to The Observatory at the Maryland Science Center. Admission from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM is free every Friday.
Dance the night away
Many of the nightclubs in Baltimore have free admission if you go before a certain time. For example, the Euphoria Night Club has free admission before 11 PM most nights of the week. And ladies have free admission almost everywhere no matter what time they go!
Go on a free walking tour at night
There are tons of apps like GPSMyCity that offer pre-planned tours of famed sights in the neighborhood. You’ll get details like how many attractions you’ll pass, which particular attractions, the duration of the tour, how far you’ll have to walk, and much more.
Christmas Village at Inner Harbor
Every year, the Inner Harbor transforms into a German holiday market complete with a beer garden and Bavarian pretzels. There are lights and decorations and tons of stalls with local goods for sale.
Taking a walk through this Baltimore Christmas market will put you in the holiday mood for sure.
More free things to do in Baltimore at night
- Fourth of July Fireworks
- Baltimore Improv Group (free shows)
- Creative Alliance (free and paid shows in Patterson Park neighborhood)
- Free “Flicks on the Hill” in July and August on Federal Hill
- Explore the exterior of the American Visionary Art Museum, filled with installations for anyone to enjoy.
- See the Babe Ruth statue at Camden Yards (Orioles Park) near the Eutaw Street entrance
- The Walters Art Museum is open from 1pm-8pm on Tuesdays, making it the perfect weekday spot to stay out late, and it’s always free.
- Pop into the Pratt Library until 7pm, Monday through Thursday
