From the time the Baltimore cherry blossoms bloom through the warm days leading up to the end of the school year, downtown Baltimore is bustling and fun. Here’s a look at some of the many ways visitors can have a blast downtown this spring:
Historic Ships extended hours
As the weather warms and days lengthen, the Historic Ships in the Inner Harbor extend their hours. During April and May, all ships are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last boarding at 4:30 p.m.
Starting Memorial Day and running through Labor Day, the 7ft. Knoll Lighthouse is also open to visitors on the weekends.
https://historicships.org/visit/hours
Rally in the Alley
On Thursday, April 10, Power Plant Live! hosts Rally in the Alley – a nighttime EDM and top 40 hit festival. Tickets to the festival, which are on sale now, include drink tickets, bar games, entry into participating venues, and a fun atmosphere boosted by music from local DJs.
https://www.powerplantlive.com/events/2025-spring-rally
Celebrating Spring at Port Discovery
From April 12-21, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is getting in on the Spring Break action with long daytime hours and seasonal activities, like garden-themed explorations and stories.
The museum is also offering a spring break camp from April 14-18, during which kindergarteners to second graders will spend the day doing fun STEAM activities and get to spend time exploring the museum.
https://www.portdiscovery.org/cls/springbreak/
Baltimore Street Food Festival
On April 12 and 13, the 5th Annual Baltimore Street Food Festival takes over Power Plant Live! The festival features dozens of Baltimore food trucks and restaurants offering food items that cost $5 or less. There will also be live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more.
Tickets are inexpensive and available now. They include entrance to the festival along with one drink. VIP admission is also available, which includes early entry, four drink tickets, food and activity vouchers and more.
https://www.streetfoodfests.com/event/baltimore
Fiesta de Mayo at Power Plant Live!
On Saturday, May 3, Power Plant Live! gets a jump start on Cinco de Mayo celebrations with a nighttime party. Throughout the venue, there will be live music, Cinco-themed swag, signature margaritas and food items and more.
https://www.powerplantlive.com/events/2025-fiesta-de-mayo
Balticon
From May 23-26, Balticon returns to downtown Baltimore. The festival, now in its fifth year, focuses on all things science fiction and fantasy. The lineup of events includes meet and greets, a cosplay contest, mingling with other fans, an art show and film festival, and more.
The festival takes place at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel and tickets are available now.
Maryland Deathfest
Every Memorial Day weekend, venues around Power Plant Live! dive into the dark side with Maryland Deathfest, a three-day death metal music event.
This year, the 20th annual Deathfest takes place May 22-25 and features dozens of death metal bands playing sets at Angels Rock Bar and Soundstage. Before the event even kicks off, on May 21, Baltimore Soundstage welcomes Pentagram along with several other bands for a pre-fest show. The rest of the weekend is also jam-packed with back to back bands.
More Live Music
Baltimore Soundstage is busy all season long, bringing a huge variety of acts to the stage, including the act Led Zeppelin 2 on April 10, Jon B with Donnie Breeze and DJ Mills on April 12, Joywave on April 18, Almost Queen on April 25, and LJR’s album release party on May 3.
CFG Arena’s spring lineup is diverse and exciting, starting with Mary J. Blige’s For My Fans tour with Ne-Yo and Mario, which comes to town on Friday, April 4.
The rest of the spring is just as impressive, including Linkin Park on May 3 and Rauw Alejandro on May 14. In addition to music, CFG Arena hosts the We Them Ones Comedy Tour on April 26 and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily circus April 11-13.
The Pier Six Pavilion concert season starts on Thursday, May 1 with the Warren Zeiders Relapse Tour, followed by a strong mix of acts including Marilyn Manson on May 13, Key Glock on June 7 and Bare Naked Ladies on June 8.
https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAa1enA/pier-six-pavilion-events
Warming Up with Waterfront Partnership
As the weather warms, Waterfront Partnership’s many outdoor activities will return to the Inner Harbor. Annual warm weather events include participation in the Wildlife Gardening program, Sunset Jams concerts, Baltimore by Baltimore markets, Waterfront Wellness exercise events and more.
Keep an eye on the Waterfront Partnership website for scheduling announcements.
https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org
Plan Ahead for the Baltimore Floatilla
On June 14, the Baltimore Floatilla returns to the Inner Harbor. This annual event provides an opportunity for kayakers, canoers and stand-up paddleboarders to make their way around the Harbor.
The Floatilla, which is co-hosted by Waterfront Partnership, Baltimore Rec and Parks and Ultimate Watersports, starts and ends at Canton Waterfront Park. But for spectators, the Inner Harbor presents a great spot to capture the action, as the paddlers move through the waters downtown.
https://baltimoreblueway.org/baltimore-floatilla-2025
Parking Downtown
Whether you’re heading to Balticon, a concert, a day on an Historic Ship, or just to wander around the Inner Harbor, planning your parking strategy is important part of the trip.
Located at 55 Market Place, right next to Power Plant Live!, Harbor Park Garage is a convenient and smart spot to consider.
The garage is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with friendly, knowledgeable staff onsite 24/7. Harbor Park is easily accessible from major routes in and out of the city, including I-83, and is clean, well-lit, and reasonably priced for drop-in parking. Plus, the garage offers great deals for visitors heading to many downtown attractions.
For more information about Harbor Park Garage, visit: https://harborparkgarage.com