Spring is in the air and in downtown Baltimore, that means there are plenty of fun activities to help you make the most of Charm City. Whether you’re looking for a fun foodie event, something to please the whole family, or a cultural experience, there’s something happening for you downtown this spring.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
It’s always a good time to dine downtown! This spring, downtown will taste especially great during fun food-oriented festivals and events, including an ode to wings and a celebration of all things Mexican.
On Saturday, March 23, Power Plant Live! hosts the Baltimore Wing Festival, featuring hot and spicy creations from wing aficionados all over the city. Tickets to the festival include access to over 20 wing and food vendors serving more than 60 types of wings, a cheese fry bar, a craft beer garden, bounce houses and other family activities, eating contests (for wings, French fries and ranch dressing!) and much more.
https://www.powerplantlive.com/entertainment/event/6645
Power Plant Live! will also get an early start on Cinco de Mayo, with a fun fiesta scheduled for May 4. The party includes margaritas, tacos and even a nacho eating contest. Plus, pinatas!
https://www.powerplantlive.com/entertainment/event/6379
Anytime of year is a great one to visit Port Discovery Children’s Museum, though this spring might be the most interesting time of all. The museum is currently under construction – updating the space and adding new exhibits – but special pop-up exhibits are open during the process.
That includes a Construction Zone in the Atrium, which is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In the Construction Zone, visitors can design and build a mini-robot, build with giant blocks, learn about physics while launching a rocket toward a “mini-moon,” jump around in the Game Zone, and embrace their dramatic side on stage or while watching performances in the Black Box Theater.
Guests can also learn about the new exhibits being built, including the Port Exhibit and the SkyClimber.
https://www.portdiscovery.org/Construction
Until the end of March, Port Discovery is hosting weekly performances as part of the Discovery Stage Series. The performances, which are put on with the help of the Maryland State Arts Council, are interactive events designed for kids aged two and above.
https://www.portdiscovery.org/play/discovery-stage-series
Think you might have what it takes to be a street performer in Baltimore? Or want to check out the people who might? Head to the Inner Harbor Amphitheater on April 13 to watch (or participate in) auditions for the Baltimore Waterfront Street Performer program. Auditions start at 4 p.m. and will conclude around 7 p.m.
Auditions are run by the Waterfront Partnership; those considering auditioning should apply online first.
https://waterfrontbaltimore.org/events/baltimore-waterfront-street-performer-program-auditions/
On May 4, get downtown early to nab a prime spot to watch the 21st annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. The race, which is organized by the American Visionary Arts Museum, runs all around the harbor and lasts from about 10 a.m. until the late afternoon. It’s a wild and entertaining time – something that could only happen in Baltimore.
https://www.kineticbaltimore.com/
MECU Pavilion at Pier Six opens for the season on May 11, with a show from British band Bring Me the Horizon. From there, the lineup continues, fast and furious, with a diverse range of acts, from Boyz II Men to Greta Van Fleet to Steve Miller Band.
https://www.livenationvenue.com/pier-six-pavilion
Mark your calendars for Little Italy’s Feast of St. Anthony, which takes place in early June. The annual Italian festival includes live entertainment, dancing, games and plenty of terrific Italian food (including desserts!). The festival is very family-friendly and the cost is simply a $1 donation. (Though some elements of the festival may include additional fees.)
http://www.littleitalymd.org/events.html Where to Park when Heading Downtown
No matter where you’re headed downtown, planning your parking strategy ahead of time is a smart move. We offer discounted baltimore parking as well as inner harbor parking
Located at 55 Market Place, Harbor Park Garage is a great location to start and end any trip to downtown Baltimore. The garage is close to the Inner Harbor’s restaurants, shops and bars, and is only a short walk from Power Plant Live!, Port Discovery, MECU Pavilion, the Inner Harbor and more.
The garage is easily accessible from major routes in and out of the city, including I-83. It safe, well-lit and has 24/7 staffing. The Harbor Park crew is friendly and knowledgeable and will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the neighborhood, where to go and what to do.