This autumn, the new, the neighbourhoods of millennial hotspot Baltimore will come alive with a wide range of festivals that celebrate its rich history.
Baltimore Book and Light Festival – 1-10 November 2019
Brilliant Baltimore is a celebration of art, light, literature, music and innovation that is perfectly set along the city’s eclectic waterfront. Over the last two decades, the Baltimore Book Festival has showcased hundreds of cutting-edge authors and this year’s line-up is no different. Headliners include chef and television host Carla Hall, actor Hill Harper (The Good Doctor) and New York Times bestselling author Dave Cullen (Columbine, Parkland.) Elsewhere, Light City will showcase a collection of 20 light installations from artists around the world, while the festival’s Neighbourhood Lights programme partners with Enoch Pratt Free Library to present free evening activities at eight libraries across the city. The ten-day cultural celebration concludes with a Fireworks Finale on Sunday, 10 November, where the Inner Harbour basin will be illuminated with a colourful and dynamic show.
Hampden Fest – 21 September 2019
What started out as a local community event organised by the Hampden Village Merchants has now evolved into a neighbourhood arts festival that draws tourists and locals alike. The event hosts three stages of music and art performances, kids’ activities and four blocks of arts and crafts vendors, there is plenty to see, watch and buy. Food lovers will want to check out the abundance of local Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay and local Hampden cuisine– from pit beef and crab cakes to locally brewed beer, there is plenty to tingle your taste buds.
Edgar Allan Poe Festival – 5-6 October 2019
Now in its second year and held on the 170th anniversary of the poet’s death in Baltimore, the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival is a fabulous free two-day outdoor event that features Poe-themed performances, art, vendors and food. The festival celebrates Poe’s life, works and his influence in the arts and takes place across the street from the poet’s former house; now a museum open to the public. With family-friendly activities, plenty of poetry and art, it’s a great way to find out more about one of the world’s most famous poets.
Madonnari Arts Festival – 6-8 September 2019
This three-day cultural event will showcase chalk paintings created by artists directly on the pavements of Baltimore’s Little Italy neighbourhood. The free outdoor chalk festival includes live music, street performers, participatory art, art markets and al fresco dining. The history of street painting in Italy dates to the 16th century and this Baltimore festival pays homage to the neighbourhood’s roots by hosting artists from around the globe.
Baltimore Running Festival – October 19 2019
Widely regarded as one of the best races on the East Coast and now in its 19th year, participants are invited to choose from five distances. So whether punters are in it for the long haul with a marathon, fancy a quick 5km or even a team relay, there’s something for everyone. Revellers can take in the many sights of Baltimore while they pound the pavement, with each race finishing in the picturesque Inner Harbour where the celebration village – complete with live music, food and much deserved drinks – awaits.
