Feeling the Beat
Autumn is a fantastic time in Baltimore City, as the temperatures (and humidity) start to drop, kids head back to school, and football season heats up. There’s always a lot to do in downtown Baltimore – but fall is an especially fun time to make the trip.
Here’s a look at some of the fun events and experiences happening this fall in the city:
Downtown Baltimore’s music venues – both indoors and out – continue their strong lineup of shows throughout the autumn.
From live acts to DJ-led sets and dance parties, Baltimore Sound Stage has an excellent lineup over the next few months. On Sept. 6, Miami soul singer Jason Joshua takes the stage, followed by a visit from The 502’s on Sept. 7. Later in the month, Bikini Kill comes for a two-night run (Sept. 11-12) and a variety of different metal acts will stop in.
Pier Six Pavilion, one of the best outdoor venues in the country, hosts shows through the end of October, including country star Jon Pardi (Sept. 5), jam band heroes The String Cheese Incident (Sept. 29), Keith Sweat and guests on Oct. 6, Ray LaMontagne and Gergory Alan Isakov on Oct. 8, the Kidz Bob Live tour on Oct. 11 and, finally, rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on Oct. 16.
Ram’s Head Live! has a fun and diverse lineup coming up, including a Chappell Roan night on Aug. 24, Nu Metal band Nümb on Sept. 6, Silversun Pickups on Sept. 13, Bowling for Soup with Wheatus and Don’t Panic on Sept. 17, Yo La Tengo on Sept. 22, and 80’s tribute act The Legwarmers on Oct. 4.
Plus, Hanson will visit Baltimore for two nights, Oct. 11-12, with Matthew Sweet the first night and Phantom Planet the second.
The schedule at CFG Bank Arena was hot all summer – and that continues into the fall. On Aug. 23, Usher takes the stage and on Sept. 7, the Kirk Franklin Reunion Tour stops in town. Sept. 12, Pearl Jam brings its Dark Matter World Tour to Baltimore and on Sept. 13, Hans Zimmer will be at the Arena. September shows also include Twenty One Pilots (Sept. 15), Maxwell (Sept. 21), Charli XCX and Troye Sivan (Sept. 26) and Nick Cannon’s MTV Wild ‘N Out Live Tour (Sept. 27).
In October, Billie Eilish (Oct. 4) and Sabrina Carpenter (Oct. 5) come to town and, on Oct. 8, Olympian Simone Biles and the Gold Over American Tour will arrive.
Power Plant Live!
Power Plant Live’s Friday Night Live! concert series continues through Aug. 30 and big events at Power Plant continue through the fall, including a Hot Country Nights show from Mitchell Tenpenny on Sept. 19, The Big Dill pickle festival on Sept. 21, the Fall Rally in the Alley party Sept. 28 and a concert from Everclear on Oct. 12.
Charm City Live
On Saturday, Sept. 21, head downtown to War Memorial Plaza and the streets around it for Charm City Live, a new free festival organized by Baltimore City. The party features vendors of all kinds, plus an impressive lineup of live music, co-headlined by Method Man & Redman and Monica.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Port Discovery is helping kids gear up for fall with its annual back-to-school event, Set Sail for School, in Aug. 24. The museum’s events continue into the fall, too, with medieval programming, Queens & Kings & Knights & Things, on Sept. 28, plus regularly scheduled activities, like story and music times, each week.
Baltimore by Baltimore
Baltimore’s own creative “Music & Makers” festival, Baltimore by Baltimore, will pop up at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater on Sept. 7 and Oct. 5. The festivals feature artists, makers, musicians, food trucks and vendors from the local community.
The lineup changes each month – but it’s always fun.
Baltimore Running Festival
The annual Baltimore Running Festival takes over downtown on Friday and Saturday, October 13-14.
On Friday, the Baltimore Convention Center opens its doors to the public for a free Health & Fitness Expo. The races – which include a variety of lengths – take place on Saturday, followed by an awards ceremony.
The course runs throughout several neighborhoods, but both the start and finish lines are downtown. The marathon and 10K start near Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the 5K starts on Light St. close to where it intersects with Pratt St., and the half marathon starts on Pratt St. The finish line is also on Pratt St. at McKeldin Square – right in the middle of downtown.
During the day on Saturday, visitors can cheer on runners throughout the course, and root for the finishers at the Celebration Village, near the finish line in the Inner Harbor.
Big Dill Pickle Festival
This fall, don’t miss out on one of Baltimore’s most unique and flavorful events, the Big Dill Pickle Festival! On September 21, head to Power Plant Live! for a day filled with pickle-themed fun, including live music, delicious pickle-inspired foods, games, and activities for all ages. Whether you’re a pickle aficionado or just looking for a fun outing with friends and family, this festival promises a memorable experience. For more details, visit the Big Dill Pickle Festival’s official page.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a downtown Baltimore hotspot all year long – and the fall is no exception. Each day in September, Aquarium guests can take advantage of tons of different programs and events, like sunrise tours, dolphin training sessions, behind-the-scenes looks at the sharks, and 4D experiences focused on sharks, octopi, and turtles.
Parking Downtown
This fall, whether you’re heading downtown for a kids’ event, to see some live music, to cheer on your favorite runner, or for any other reason, don’t forget to make your parking plans before you leave.
Harbor Park Garage, at 55 Market Place, is prime parking for downtown attractions and events. The garage is conveniently located next to Power Plant Live!, just steps from the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, all the downtown music venues, and tons of restaurants and attractions.
Harbor Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is accessible to I-83 and other major routes in and out of downtown Baltimore. The garage is clean, well-lit, and staffed 24/7 by a friendly, knowledgeable crew who are love answering questions about nearby attractions, the neighborhood, and more.
Plus, Harbor Park is reasonably priced and offers deals for visitors going to many downtown destinations.
For more information about Harbor Park Garage, visit https://harborparkgarage.com/