From the piers of the Inner Harbor to the charming streets of Little Italy, downtown Baltimore has a whole lot to offer visitors who want to spend time outside. This summer, safe and socially distant outdoor events abound in the downtown area, from happy hours to yoga classes.
Here’s a look at how to enjoy the outdoors in downtown Baltimore this August:
Pints in the Park
On August 14, Pints in the Park is back! The BYOB happy hour event takes place in Center Plaza on the second Friday of the month, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bring your favorite bevvie to the plaza for a fun, safely socially distant happy hour including music from DJ Six9Five, corn hole, and ping pong. You can also shop from local vendors and snack on empanadas from DMV Empanadas.
The event will return on the second Friday in September, as well.
Dining Al Fresco
There’s never been a better time to dine outside, as local restaurants expand their al fresco seating options and create pretty and practical spaces beyond the doors of their establishments.
Many downtown restaurants have opened up additional patio or sidewalk seating and some, like Little Italy’s Café Gia, has even expanded into the street, creating “parklet” dining areas that are open-air but often covered by structures designed to keep out rain and provide shade from the sun.
At Power Plant Live!, much of the revelry has been shifted outside, with the addition of new furniture for seating in the courtyard and outdoor games accessible to people grabbing food and drinks from surrounding restaurants. Leinie’s Lodge & Beer Garden’s extensive outdoor area is open, as well.
Wellness on the Water
Starting August 1, the Waterfront Partnership resumed its regular schedule of outdoor fitness classes. The classes, which take place in West Shore Park, offer a great view of the harbor –and a great opportunity to get outside while getting fit.
The class schedule includes boot camp and Dance2Fitness on Saturday mornings, two all-levels yoga classes on Sunday mornings, a line dance class Monday evening, and boot camp on Tuesday evening. Classes are taught by instructors from local fitness companies, including XPF, YogaWorks, Spirit Feet, and Federal Hill Fitness.
To maximize safety and ensure the ability to social distance, class sizes are capped at 40 participants and to join, you must register for the class. All participants will be at least 8 feet apart (spaces are marked) and masks are required except while exercising. Hand sanitizer is available but participants should bring their own water, towels, and mats.
Where to Park when Heading Downtown
When heading downtown for some quality time out of doors, convenient and central parking is key.
Harbor Park Garage, located at 55 Market Place, is just steps from the Inner Harbor, Center Plaza, Power Plant Live!, Little Italy, and many other fun spots to visit during your time downtown.
The garage, which is easily accessible from I-83 and other major routes in and out of the city, is well-lit, clean and safe, and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The garage staff is friendly and knowledgeable and always happy to answer questions about the area 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 harborparkgarage.com