There’s always something happening in Charm City – especially in the summertime!
Summertime in Baltimore is one of the best seasons to visit and explore Charm City because, in addition to all of the attractions and entertainment that’s there throughout the year, there are tons of annual events on the schedule.
From one of the oldest Pride festivals in the nation to the ginormous Maryland State Fair, there’s no saying what you could experience while you’re there. Check out the following events which are definitely worth planning your visit around.
Wine & Food Festival
- Address: Timonium Fairgrounds – 2200 York Rd. Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
- Dates: End of June
- Website
Almost all of Maryland’s wineries come together to celebrate the tiny fruit that brings so much joy to people all over the world. The annual Wine & Food Festival is the place to sample different wines, try your hand at a wine tasting, and attend cooking demonstrations where the dish is obviously infused with wine.
Don’t be fooled by all the alcohol – this is a family-friendly event with lots of activities for those who don’t drink or those who are underage such as arts and crafts, face painting, pony rides, live entertainment, and some of Baltimore’s best food stalls.
Chesapeake Seafood Festival
- Address: Baltimore Inner Harbor
- Dates: Mid-June
- Website
Crabs. Wine. Beer. Live music. All-around family fun. That’s what the Chesapeake Seafood Festival comprises. Baltimore knows seafood like no other, from crabs and oysters to shrimp and scallops – and there’s no better place to taste it all than at the Chesapeake Seafood Festival.
You can spend the day eating and drinking while supporting local restaurants and food trucks. There’s also live music, boutique stalls, and fun activities for the entire family. It’s a great way to spend the day enjoying delicious foods and having a good time, Baltimore style.
Baltimore Pride
- Address: Various Locations & Virtual
- Dates: Mid-June
- Website
One of the largest events in Charm City, Baltimore Pride is also one of the oldest Pride celebrations in the United States. More than 30,000 activists and participants attend each year – a large growth from the dozens of people who were there when the event initially started in 1975.
The event lasts around ten days and includes everything from a drag brunch and fashion show to meet-and-greets and parades. The family-friendly event is an ongoing party you’re not going to want to miss.
4th Of July in Baltimore
- Address: various locations
- Dates: July 4th
- Read our Full Guide to 4th of July in Baltimore
Maryland State Fair
- Address: Timonium Fairgrounds – 2200 York Rd. Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
- Dates: End of August
- Website
No summer in Baltimore is complete without a visit to the Maryland State Fair. The sounds, sights, and smells – all of it just overtakes your senses with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia that is the definition of summer fun. Kids, adults, the elderly – everyone has a fun time on the rides and playing the games (a large stuffed animal, anyone?).
There are live music performances, livestock shows, arts and crafts tables, and so much else to see and do. Let’s not forget the funnel cake, deep-fried Oreos, and all the other state fair goodies you can feast on while there.
Artscape
- Address: The University of Baltimore – W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Dates: Mid-August
- Website
Hosted by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, Artscape is one of the largest free outdoor festivals in the United States.
This celebration has been around for over 40 years and attracts over 300,000 people to Baltimore’s Arts and Entertainment District. There are interactive art exhibits, live performances and demonstrations, hands-on workshops, food vendors, and so much more.
Baltimore Book Festival
- Address: Mount Vernon Place
- Dates: Early September
- Website
As a person whose idea of a good time is chilling on her sofa in pajamas with Thai take-out and an enjoyable book, it’s no surprise that the Baltimore Book Festival is my favorite event on this list. You can spend hours browsing tent after tent of new books, rare books, inexpensive books – your choice.
There are even tons of food stalls, activities for kids, and meet and greet opportunities where you may get the chance to meet your favorite author. Book lovers, go prepared with luggage on wheels or a sturdy backpack because you’re leaving with so many books.
AFRAM
- Address: Druid Hill Park – 900 Druid Park Lake Dr, Baltimore, MD 21217
- Dates: End of August
- Website
AFRAM is one of the largest African American festivals on the entire East Coast, attracting over 100,000 people each year.
The free event celebrates the African American heritage of Baltimoreans through vendors that explore DNA and genealogy, live music and entertainment, and other activities for the entire family – arts and crafts, carnival mask making, African drumming – the options are endless.
Let’s not forget all the mouth-wateringly delicious drinks and food vendors that will be in attendance.
Summer Restaurant Week
- Address: Various locations
- Dates: July/ August
Baltimore is home to an array of restaurants. No matter your culinary preferences, you’ll find some of the best classic American, Greek, Lebanese, Chinese, Italian, and Thai cuisine in the DMV. It’s no secret that some of these fine dining establishments can be costly and the bill runs up quickly.
Summer Restaurant Week is one of the best ways to experience these restaurants without worrying about the bill. Hundreds of famed restaurants participate by offering prix-fixe menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It gives people the chance to try some of the most popular culinary offerings at a fixed fraction of the cost. Past participants include Limoncello Baltimore, Dovecote Cafe, and Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen.
Fells Point Fun Festival
- Address: 812 S Ann St, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Dates: September – October
- Website
The Fells Point Fun Festival started in 1966 as a way of getting the community together to raise money and awareness and oppose the proposed I-95 freeway that was supposed to run through the neighborhood.
While it accomplished its goal in the first year, the festival continues to be an annual tradition to this day. It now attracts over 700,000 attendees, all of whom come to celebrate the distinct neighborhood with live entertainment, arts and crafts, cultural programs, drinks and food vendors, and more.
More things to do in Baltimore this summer
- Go to an Orioles baseball game
- Catch a show at the Merriweather Post Pavilion
- Hope on a cruise to Bermuda and the Bahamas
- Visit the 32nd Street Farmers Market
- Run the Annual Arbutus Firecracker 10k
