After a year of COVID-related closures, postponements, and stops and starts, downtown Baltimore businesses and attractions are reemerging from their slumber. With the weather warming up and COVID-related statistics trending in the right direction, heading downtown to enjoy the sites is a fun, safe way to spend time.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap for late March and April of this year:Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Port Discovery is currently open, at less than 25% capacity, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays; tickets must be purchased in advance. The children’s museum has a regular line-up of fun events on those days, from puppet performances to craft workshops.
With spring break season looming, some upcoming activities will focus on “Springing in Spring” – learning all about springs and visiting with Gregory May, Super Spring Man.
The National Aquarium
The Aquarium opens daily at 9 a.m. Guests can choose from a variety of different types of admission, from general admission to special group tours like the Shark Catwalk Experience or dolphin training sessions. Throughout the day, guests can take advantage of numerous activities, including “4D” film experiences taking you inside the life of a dolphin or shark.
Special offers include half-price Friday nights (a great deal!) and special First Saturday and First Sunday hours for visitors with disabilities.
Dining Out
Baltimore City restaurants are open again, albeit with capacity restrictions. Many local spots have expanded outdoor seating and continue to get creative with carryout offerings.
One of the stars of downtown dining, The Capital Grille, is taking COVID safety precautions very seriously, and in addition to serving its excellent steakhouse fare to guests in the restaurant, it is still offering steaks to purchase and cook at home.
The East Pratt St. location is open for Easter (Sunday, April 4), and also has an “Easter at Home” takeaway option featuring a whole rack of the bone-in filet.
Miss Shirley’s – and its terrific downtown patio – is also open. The family-friendly, southern-inspired café is always a treat. Diners enjoying the outside space are also welcome to bring their pups; leashed dogs are invited to the patio and dog bowls for water are available.
Power Plant Live!
While some venues at Power Plant Live! remain closed or open to members only, others – including new addition Underground Pizza Company – are open and in compliance with city guidelines. The area has abundant outdoor seating, making it easy to socially distance, and activities like yard games and live music on tap.
Drag brunches will be back at Power Plant on April 17, too, with host Brooklyn Heights. Tables are available for reservation and tickets include a signature cocktail and drink specials.
Parks
Local parks are open to the public (and free); as the weather warms, there’s plenty of reason to head downtown for outdoor fun.
Kids especially enjoy Pierce’s Park, located right behind The Columbus Center, at 701 East Pratt St. The park features all kinds of fun sculptures, interactive equipment, and engaging activities, from the living willow tunnel (a great photo op) to pathways made of bricks stamped with homonyms.
Music Venues
Live music is coming back this spring at venues around downtown, including Baltimore Soundstage, Rams Head Live, and MECU Pavilion.
At Baltimore Soundstage, Pressing Strings will present a seated and socially distanced show on Friday, March 26, Journey tribute band Eclipse will perform Saturday, April 3, and on Sunday, April 18, Ministry will perform with KMFDM and Front Line Assembly.
PVRIS performs at Rams Head Live on April 23 and in May, Maryland Deathfest returns to the venue.
MECU Pavilion’s 2021 concert season kicks off in June with the Russ: Shake the Globe Tour on June 8, Umphrey’s McGee on June 25, and PRIMUS on June 26.
Where to Park when Heading Downtown
When planning your trip downtown this spring, be sure to think ahead about where to park.
Located at 55 Market Place, Harbor Park Garage is just steps from Port Discovery, the Aquarium, Power Plant Live! and many downtown restaurants and music venues.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the garage is well-lit, clean and safe. It is easily accessible from I-83 and other major routes in and out of the city, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable – they are always happy to answer questions about where to go and what to do or where to go or about the garage’s policies and approach to safety and sanitation.
For more information about Harbor Park Garage, visit https://harborparkgarage.com/