Clear your calendars: It’s the peak of festival season.
The sheer number of celebrations is part of the fabric of Baltimore. Turn one corner and you’ll stumble into fans in town for a lineup of heavy metal bands; go around another and you might find rows upon rows of plant vendors giving their best gardening tips. The hard part? Trying to remember all that Baltimore and its surrounding counties have to offer.
We’re here to help you plan. From music-focused soirees to cultural parades, from small-town traditions to major East Coast events, here’s your monthly guide to some of the most notable Maryland festivals — including some worth making a day trip for. Use our handy calendar to browse what’s happening; scroll below to find details and map out your weekends.
Did we miss anything big? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to check back each month as we add more festivals and details that crop up.
Sept. 2026: Books, beer and more
Maryland State Fair
Aug. 27-30 | Sept. 3-7 | Sept. 10-13
Maryland’s largest celebration of agriculture unfolds over three weekends at the end of summer. The musical headliners have yet to be announced, but the Maryland State Fair will, as always, feature rides, food vendors and livestock exhibits and competitions. Check back closer to the event for more details.
Time: 5 p.m. Thursdays | 9 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday
Price: $7 to $15
Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds (2200 York Road, Timonium)
Family friendly? Yes
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Aug. 29-30 | Sept. 5-7, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 | Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
Anne Arundel County’s sprawling ren faire returns to Revel Grove with nine weekends of turkey legs, live drama and music, artisans, crafts and vendors. Be warned: Tickets online sell out quickly.
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: TBA
Location: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis
Family friendly? Yes
Baltimore Comedy Festival
Sept. 2-7
The 10th annual Baltimore Comedy Festival — which features more than 75 professional performers from around the country, including Charm City comics such as Danielle “Woo Woo” Wooten, Kiragu Beauttah and Lyric — will bring the belly laughs to multiple city venues.
Click here for the full schedule, which includes performances at the Baltimore Comedy Factory (5625 O’Donnell St.), the Maryland Center for History and Culture (610 Park Ave.) and the Port Comedy Club (813 S. Broadway).
Time: 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday | 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday | 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday
Price: Many events are free; others range from $6.28-$31.75. Buy tickets here.
Location: Various locations
Family friendly? No, you know the places stand-up often goes
Afro Plus Fest
Sept. 4-6
This three-day festival celebrates global Black music and culture with performances from headliners like Tems, Davido, Wizkid and Alkaline, as well as special guests including Lil Baby, Latto, Sexyy Red and Chief Keef. And the concerts are just part of the equation: There will also be rides and games, dozens of food vendors, and art and fashion showcases.
Time: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday | 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday | 1 p.m to 11 p.m. Sunday
Location: Northwest Stadium Complex (1600 Ring Road, Landover)
Price: $149 and up
Family friendly? Yes
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
Sept. 4-7
Enjoy a full schedule of things to do at Greenbelt’s Labor Day Festival, including carnival rides, a table tennis tournament, walking tours, a diaper derby, a pie-eating contest, and the presentation of the Outstanding Citizen Award, for starters. There are no shortage of activities for kids and adults alike at the four-day festival.
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: $22.58 to $104.90 for carnival access
Location: 955 Shoppers Way, Largo
Family friendly? Yes
Charm City Live
Sept. 5
Boyz II Men and Case will headline Charm City Live, which is back for a fifth year this fall. DJ Keebee, Uncle E, DJ Tanz and Porkchop will also play sets at the free one-day event.
Time: 12 to 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: War Memorial Plaza (100 Holliday St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Downtown Largo Festival
Sept. 5
Environmental stewardship and cultural inclusivity are part of the mission at the Downtown Largo Festival, which features a farmers market, gardening demonstrations and local vendors.
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: 955 Shoppers Way, Largo
Family friendly? Yes
Afroflavour Food Festival
Sept. 5
Celebrate an afternoon in Frederick filled with African culture, including authentic cuisine by Aduke’s Kitchen and young performers who sing, dance and more.
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Carroll Creek Linear Park (50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick)
Family friendly? Yes
Towson Fall Festival
Sept. 5
Shop from more than 70 local vendors and food trucks while bands like Midnight Mimosa and Firekite perform at this all-day event at Towson Courthouse Gardens. The kids can tire themselves out in moon bounces, too.
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Towson Courthouse Gardens (400 Washington Ave., Towson)
Family friendly? Yes
Prince George’s County Fair
Sept. 10-13
Maryland’s longest-running fair, which began in 1842, features livestock showcases, baked goods competitions, live music and carnival rides.
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Price: $5 to $6, free for children 4 and under
Location: The Show Place Arena (14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro)
Family friendly? Yes
Annapolis Songwriters Festival
Sept. 10-13
This fifth annual event puts music first with concerts featuring Young the Giant and Grammy nominees like Maggie Rose and Valerie June at various Annapolis venues like Rams Head on Stage and Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre.
Time: 2 p.m. Thursday | 11 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Price: Prices vary based on concert
Location: Various venues. Click here for the schedule.
Family friendly? No, this is more for an adult festival vibe
Maryland Seafood Festival
Sept. 11-13
Head to Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis for a seafood extravaganza. The annual festival dates to 1966 and features live music, with this year’s lineup headlined by cover bands Weird Science (Saturday) and Kelly Bell Band (Sunday). Food will be available for purchase from Sherri’s Crab Cakes, Old Fireman’s BBQ, King Cheffe and more.
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday | 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: $14.26-$139.49
Location: Sandy Point State Park (1100 E. College Parkway, Annapolis)
Family friendly? Yes
In the Streets
Sept. 12
Come explore downtown Frederick with tens of thousands of others along several blocks on Market Street. Check out the art, live music, food and more that the area has to offer, including a craft beverage experience from the area’s breweries and distilleries from noon to 5 p.m. The real party starts at 5 p.m., when the In the Streets after-party ($5 cover charge) is hosted at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater for those 21 and over.
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Carroll Creek Park (50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick)
Family friendly? Yes
Silver Spring Jazz Festival
Sept. 12
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will headline the 21st annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival, which features seven acts on two stages, including Washington bands Oh He Dead and the JoGo Project.
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Veterans Plaza (1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring)
Family friendly? Yes
Bowie International Festival
Sept. 12
Kick off the fall celebrating the food, music and dancing of cultures from around the world.
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Allen Pond Park (3330 Northview Drive, Bowie)
Family friendly? Yes
Ukrainian Festival
Sept. 12-13
Join the 50th anniversary celebration of Baltimore’s Ukrainian Festival this year as they celebrate the culture and heritage of Ukraine. Enjoy a number of performances, including from live bands and traditional dancers, while perusing the vendors selling art, drinks and, of course, food.
Time: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday | Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free
Location: St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church (2401 Eastern Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Anne Arundel County Fair
Sept. 16-20
Say goodbye to summer with all the trademark fun at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. Pie-eating contest? Check. Pig races? Tractor pulls? You bet.
The five days of fun in Crownsville will feature two new shows this year: Dinosaur Takeover and the Firefighter Training Show. Live music acts scheduled to perform include 8 Ball Deluxe, Oracle Band and Zo Miller.
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday | 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday | 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free (ages 9 and under) | $10.95-$16.95
Location: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville)
Family friendly? Yes
Great Frederick Fair
Sept. 18-26
From goat shows and carnival rides to a mullet contest and a beer garden, there’s something for everyone at Frederick’s annual nine-day fair.
Music fans can purchase separate tickets for the marquee concerts like three-time Grammy nominee Daughtry (Friday) and the Pop2000 Tour featuring 98 Degrees’ Jeff Timmons, LFO, O-Town and Ryan Cabrera (Saturday).
Time: Times vary based on day
Price: $10 online or $15 at the gate. Kids 10 and under are free. Parking is $10-$15.
Location: Frederick Fairgrounds (797 E. Patrick St., Frederick)
Family friendly? Yes
Washington Ukrainian Festival
Sept. 18-20
The 23rd edition of this three-day celebration of Ukrainian culture will feature live music from 2022 Eurovision Song Contest winner Kalush Orchestra, folk-rock band Gerdan and others. Attendees can enjoy Ukrainian cuisine such as holubtsi, a.k.a. stuffed cabbage, and the crispy meat pies called chebureki.
Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday | 11 a.m. to dusk Sunday
Price: Free Friday | $20 (Saturday; good for both days) | $15 Sunday | Free under 21
Location: St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (15100 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring)
Family friendly? Yes
Old Ellicott City’s Main Street Music Fest
Sept. 19
The Ellicott City Partnership decided to put the Main Street Music Fest on hiatus in 2025 amid competing events in the area, but the festival that typically features over 50 bands performing on six stages will return this year.
Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Main Street, Ellicott City
Family friendly? Yes
Hyattsville Arts Festival
Sept. 19
Over 100 talented artists, as well as food trucks, live bands and vendors, will come together for the 17th annual Hyattsville Arts Festival.
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Hyattsville Municipal Building (4310 Gallatin St., Hyattsville)
Family friendly? Yes
Baltimore Book Festival
Sept. 19-20
In the City That Reads, this one’s a no-brainer. The 27th annual Baltimore Book Festival takes over Waverly for two days with speakers across stages at Red Emma’s, Peabody Heights Brewery, Urban Reads and more. Check out the full schedule for events with D. Watkins, DewMore Baltimore, Elizabeth Letts and other writers.
Time: 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Various locations along 30th to 32nd streets to the west of Greenmount Avenue in Waverly
Family friendly? Yes
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival
Sept. 19-20
Little Feat, the California band that developed a deep bond with Maryland while recording the 1974 classic “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” here, will be coming through the area for perhaps the last time on their farewell tour, headlining the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival with the Yonder Mountain String Band and Béla Fleck.
Time: 10 a.m.
Price: $88.78 to $587.05
Location: Sandy Point State Park (1100 E. College Parkway, Annapolis)
Family friendly? Yes
Festival of India: Namaste Maryland
Sept. 19-20
Over 20,000 members of Maryland’s Indian diaspora attend this festival every year to celebrate the art, culture and heritage of Bharat.
Time: 12 to 8 p.m. Saturday | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Howard County Fairgrounds (2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship)
Family friendly? Yes
All Things Go Festival
Sept. 25-27
Columbia is one of three host cities for the annual All Things Go Festival, alongside New York City and Toronto. This year’s three-day concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion features alt-rock headliners such as Hayley Williams, Mitski and Lola Young, Swedish pop star Zara Larsson and Maryland native Rico Nasty.
Time: 3 p.m. Friday | 11 a.m. Saturday | 11:30 a.m. Sunday
Price: $169.25 to $1,020.30
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia)
Family friendly? Yes
Oktoberfest
Sept. 26
Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, a historic German parish in Federal Hill, hosts the traditional autumn celebration of German food, beer and polka music with a silent auction, a raffle and games for children.
Time: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church (110 E. West St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival
Sept. 26
The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival honors 50 years of Alex Haley’s “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” in Annapolis with food, music and Black history.
Time: Noon to 7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis)
Family friendly? Yes
Abell Community Street Fair
Sept. 27
Welcome fall’s arrival at this annual event, which since 1973 has celebrated the North Baltimore neighborhood known for its brightly painted rowhouses.
Local musicians set to perform “porch concerts” include emo band Still Bones, singer/songwriter Dominique Diglio and pop-electronic artist Pangelica. Aside from music, fairgoers can enjoy local food trucks, local vendors, a silent auction and more.
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Abell Avenue and 32nd Street, Baltimore
Family friendly? Yes
Oct. 2026: Boats, lantern parades and more
Fell’s Point Fun Festival
Oct. 2-4
The 60th annual Fell’s Point Fun Festival will once again bring upward of 50,000 attendees to the historic waterfront neighborhood for a weekend of live music, food trucks and shopping.
Time: 5 p.m. Friday | 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Robert Long House (812 S. Ann St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
College Park Day
Oct. 3
College Park Day, which has live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and an Artist Alley, doubles as an opportunity to explore the College Park Aviation Museum with free admission.
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: College Park Aviation Museum and Airport (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park)
Family friendly? Yes
Annapolis Sailboat Show
Oct. 15-18
Fleets of monohulls and catamarans will dock in Annapolis for an event full of deals and opportunities to book your next seafaring vacation.
Time: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Price: $32 for adults, $10 for children 7 to 15, free admission for children 6 and under
Location: City Dock (1 Dock St., Annapolis)
Family friendly? Yes
Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & Día de los Muertos Festival
Oct. 24
The Mexican Day of the Dead tradition and good old Baltimore creativity march hand in hand for this annual event, with a parade featuring lanterns and costumes, plus live music and food trucks.
Time: 4 to 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Patterson Park (2601 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
May 2026: Jazz, horse racing and more
Flower Mart
May 1-2
Baltimore’s oldest free public festival celebrates the blossoming of springtime with a marketplace for flower and plant vendors, arts and crafts, and other products made or grown by locals. Founded in 1911, Flower Mart has expanded in recent years to include an educational component that encourages Baltimoreans to appreciate the potential of urban green spaces. And, as always, there are plenty of food options, including the festival’s longtime signature snack, the lemon stick: half a lemon with a peppermint straw.
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Mount Vernon Place (699 Washington Place, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Charm City Fringe Festival
May 1-3
Charm City Fringe was founded in 2012 to provide a stage for the bolder, less conventional side of Baltimore’s theater and performing arts scene, spanning genres from spoken word to dance to one-person plays. The nonprofit’s 2026 festival kicked off in April, and the second weekend will feature innovative works from playwrights Claudia Brown, James Bunzli, Thann Tolley and more.
Time: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday | 12 p.m. Sunday
Price: $18 to $98
Location: The Peale (225 Holliday St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Children under 14 admitted with a parent or guardian
Asia North Festival
May 1-31
Since 2019, Towson University’s Asian Arts & Culture Center has presented the monthlong Asia North Festival in Baltimore’s unofficial Koreatown in Station North. The opening ceremonies for the Asian arts and cultural festival — taking place at the SNF Parkway Theatre from 5 p.m. to midnight on May 1 — will include live music from Plant Dad and Hello Fans, and the art exhibition “Shoes at the Door” curated by Dylan Kaleikaumaka Hill. Events throughout the month will include everything from art walks to food tastings to dances.
Time: Check out the schedule of events throughout May
Price: Free
Location: Various locations across Station North
Family friendly? Yes
M3 Rock Festival
May 2
Merriweather Post Pavilion revives the spirit and sound — and occasionally the big hair and glammy eyeshadow — of ’80s metal and hard rock with the annual M3 Rock Festival. This year’s headliners include Queensrÿche, Tom Keifer, White Lion, Faster Pussycat and Trixter.
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: $55 to $625
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia)
Family friendly? Yes
Kinetic Sculpture Race
May 2
You never know what feats of creativity and engineering you’ll see charging down the streets of Baltimore the first Saturday of each May. Dozens of teams build outlandish mobile works of art that travel a 15-mile route through the city and even float through the Inner Harbor. This year’s race, whose theme is “Fantasy and Folly,” begins and ends at the American Visionary Art Museum, with a midday gathering in Patterson Park.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: American Visionary Art Museum (800 Key Highway, Baltimore) and Patterson Park (2601 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Laurel Main Street Festival
May 2
Laurel’s historic downtown district hosts a day of food, shopping, games and live entertainment that kicks off with a morning parade.
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Main Street, Laurel
Family friendly? Yes
Annapolis Book Festival
May 2
Bestselling authors Brigid Kemmerer and Annabelle Gurwitch and local authors David Gendell and Erica L. Green are among the guests who will speak at the 23rd annual Annapolis Book Festival. Don’t forget to stick around for food, live music and a used book sale, too.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Key School (534 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis)
Family friendly? Yes
Sligo Creek Fest
May 2
For a few hours, Sligo Creek Parkway becomes a street festival with food, drinks, tree climbing and an electrofishing demonstration. Musical entertainment includes jazz and soul from DuPont Brass, children’s music from Rocknoceros, and crowd-pleasing covers from Capital Effect and Amy Andrews.
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Sligo-Dennis Avenue Park (10200 Sligo Creek Parkway, Silver Spring)
Family friendly? Yes
Towsontown Spring Festival
May 2-3
Over 100,000 people typically turn up for Towson’s annual street festival, now in its 57th year, for carnival rides, a beer garden and food trucks. Festivities will kick off with an opening ceremony on Saturday, preceded by bagpipers, a color guard and a performance of the national anthem. Bands performing this year include Crushing Day, FireKite, Burnt Bridges and The Rocking Taco Cats.
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday | 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free (rides require tickets, or a $35 wristband for unlimited rides)
Location: Baltimore County Historic Courthouse (400 Washington Ave., Towson)
Family friendly? Yes
Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
May 2-3
Hundreds of sheep and their owners, some of whom will compete in shearing competitions, will descend on Maryland for one of the world’s largest festivals dedicated to sheep and wool. This year’s featured breed: the Scottish Blackface. The festival will also feature food, music and workshops focused on fiber arts and sheepdog training.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Price: $12.50 per person per day, and free admission for those under 18
Location: Howard County Fairgrounds (2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship)
Family friendly? Yes
Wine Village
May 7-10 | 13-17 | 20-25 | 27-31
For the fourth year in a row, a green stretch of the Inner Harbor next to the Maryland Science Center will host a free daily event inspired by wine festivals in Germany. For most of May, 30 local and international wines will be on offer, along with bratwurst and pretzels, kid-friendly drinks, live music and picnic areas.
Time: 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays | 1 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day
Price: Free admission. Food and drink are sold individually.
Location: West Shore Park (401 Light St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes, although obviously many of the beverages are only for those 21 and over
VinylCon
May 8-9
VinylCon, an opportunity for music lovers and record collectors to buy and sell vinyl, began in Los Angeles before expanding to other cities. After a successful first outing in Baltimore last October, VinylCon will now be held twice a year, with another weekend to follow in the fall. Back Pay, a Baltimore nonprofit that recognizes session musicians of yesteryear and pays them based on what collectors have spent on albums they played on, will have a booth spotlighting Maryland-based Gil Scott-Heron collaborator Carl Cornwell.
Time: 3 to 10 p.m. Friday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Price: $8.23 to $30
Location: Union Craft Brewing (1700 W. 41st St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Remfest
May 9
The Greater Remington Improvement Association’s annual festival includes various vendors and food trucks. Bands curated by the Ottobar and Monozine will play on a main stage, and another stage will host kid-friendly entertainment.
Time: 12 to 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Remington Avenue between 27th and 29th streets, Baltimore
Family friendly? Yes
Monkton Music Festival
May 9
An impressive bill of 10 rootsy regional favorites, including Baltimore singer-songwriter Caleb Stine, Annapolis indie folk ensemble Pressing Strings and Delaware jam band the Fitzkee Brothers, will perform on two stages in northern Baltimore County. Proceeds from the tickets will benefit Camp Puh’tok’s summer camp scholarship programs and after-school music programs for local students.
Time: 11 a.m.
Price: $60 for adults, $20 for ages 6-15, free for ages 5 and under
Location: Puh’tok in the Pines (17433 Big Falls Road, Monkton)
Family friendly? Yes
Books in Bloom Festival
May 9
The 10th annual celebration of storytelling in Columbia’s Merriweather District is emphasizing teen voices and local Maryland authors this year. Celebrate with book talks, author signings, spoken word performances, a children’s zone and food from local restaurants. Writers scheduled to appear include Jason Reynolds (“Coach”), Karen Outen (“Dixon, Descending”) and Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman (“For the Girls Who Do Too Much”).
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Color Burst Park (6221 Mango Tree Road, Columbia)
Family friendly? Yes
Maryland Craft Beer Festival
May 9
IPAs, ciders and sours, oh my! Come thirsty for this rain-or-shine event put on by the Brewers Association of Maryland. Beer samples from dozens of breweries across the state are included in the ticket price. (Not drinking? Entry is cheaper if you’re just there for the live music, food and vendors.) Check out which businesses will be pouring — and what they’ll be serving — so you can plan your tasting route.
Time: 12 to 1:30 p.m. for VIPs | 1:30 to 5 p.m. for general admission
Price: $20 to $70, depending on ticket tier
Location: Carroll Creek Park (50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick)
Family friendly? Yes
Reisterstown Bloomin’ ArtFest
May 9
Every year on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, Reisterstown showcases local creativity with a juried arts and crafts festival, as well as live music, children’s activities and food vendors.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Franklin Middle School (120 Main St., Reisterstown)
Family friendly? Yes
Greenbelt Green Man Festival
May 9-10
The Greenbelt Green Man Festival is organized by the Chesapeake Education, Arts and Research Society, a nonprofit “dedicated to the health of all who share the Chesapeake watershed environment.” Enjoy family-friendly activities like face painting, sidewalk chalk, mosaic workshops and a drum circle as you take in live entertainment that includes bluegrass from The Duckpins, Afro-Brazilian music from Batalá Washington, and David Bowie covers from Totally Bowie.
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Roosevelt Center (131 Centerway, Greenbelt)
Family friendly? Yes
Black-Eyed Susan Day
May 15
The George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes are a time-honored tradition that precedes Preakness; both events will be held in Laurel this year before returning to Baltimore in 2027. Dress up to watch 3-year-old fillies compete for the Black-Eyed Susan race’s $300,000 purse.
Time: 10 a.m.
Price: $145 to $297
Location: Laurel Park (198 Laurel Race Track Road, Laurel)
Family friendly? Yes
Preakness
May 16
While its longtime home at Pimlico Race Course is undergoing renovations, the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park’s racetrack. Some of the world’s top thoroughbreds will compete in the Triple Crown, with Preakness as the middle jewel after the Kentucky Derby and before the Belmont Stakes. Worth noting: There’s no accompanying InfieldFest this year because of the change in venue.
Time: 9 a.m.
Price: $495 to $2,168
Location: Laurel Park (198 Laurel Race Track Road, Laurel)
Family friendly? Yes
George ‘Spider’ Anderson Music & Arts Festival
May 16
George “Spider” Anderson was the first Black jockey to win the Preakness Stakes in 1889. And while the big race isn’t at Pimlico this year, the fifth annual festival named for Anderson will continue to bring food, live music, horseback rides and best-dressed contests to the streets of Park Heights.
Time: 1 to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: 4800 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore
Family friendly? Yes
Gaithersburg Book Festival
May 16
This year’s Gaithersburg Book Festival features poets Fran Abrams and Randall Amster, novelists Sarah Adler and Rabih Alameddine, family-friendly activities in the Children’s Village and workshops for aspiring writers.
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Bohrer Park (506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg)
Family friendly? Yes
Wine in the Woods
May 16-17
Free samples from local wineries, breweries and restaurants are available along with food and drink for purchase at the 32nd annual wine festival in Symphony Woods outside Merriweather Post Pavilion. If you’re interested in more than libations, there will also be live music across genres on both days and artisanal vendors selling everything from clothes to candles.
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: $30 to $85
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia)
Family friendly? Lower-priced “non-taster” tickets are available for attendees under 21
Arbutus Arts Festival
May 17
The 53rd annual Arbutus Arts Festival will feature a health fair, a children’s corner with a train ride and petting zoo, a beer garden, and local distilleries and food vendors. The bands Major Company and AcoustiCafe will perform.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: 5407 East Drive, Halethorpe
Family friendly? Yes
Spring Street Fair
May 17
This College Park event includes unique attractions like live cooking demonstrations and hobby horse races in addition to vendors, games and live music.
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Davis Hall (9217 51st Ave., College Park)
Family friendly? Yes
Maryland Deathfest 2026
May 21-24
The 21st edition of “America’s biggest annual metal party” will once again present four days of screams and sludge over Memorial Day weekend, with over 80 bands representing every possible subgenre of extreme music across five stages. Headliners this year include Grave, Rotting Christ, Pig Destroyer, Cephalic Carnage, God Dethroned and Mortician.
Time: 3:30 p.m. Thursday | 3 p.m. Friday | 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: $42 to $373
Location: Angels Rock Bar (10 Market Place, Baltimore), Baltimore Soundstage (124 Market Place, Baltimore), Market Place (121 Market Place, Baltimore), Power Plant Live! (34 Market Place, Baltimore), Nevermore Hall (20 Market Place, Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages admitted, but attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and the lyrics and decibel levels may not be appropriate for younger children
Artscape
May 23-24
Legendary hip-hop band The Roots and soul veteran Stephanie Mills will headline the main stage at America’s largest free outdoor arts festival. Alongside the usual sprawl of outdoor food and drink vendors, there will be indoor attractions including film screenings and In Conversation panels at Baltimore Center Stage, the second annual Scout Art Fair, a puppet-making workshop at Everyman Theatre and other family-friendly Kidscape activities.
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Baltimore City Hall (100 Holiday St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Brew at the Zoo
May 23-24
The Maryland Zoo’s largest fundraiser of the year offers a chance to enjoy unlimited samples of over 80 craft brews, wines, ciders and seltzers while visiting with the animals, checking out live bands, and partaking in trivia competitions and family-friendly games. Who doesn’t want to see an elephant smash a watermelon while drinking a watermelon-flavored High Noon?
Time: 1 to 7 p.m.
Price: $40 to $70
Location: The Maryland Zoo (1 Safari Place, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Caribbean Wine & Music Festival
May 23-24
A festival at a winery means no shortage of vinos to try as you dance the day away. Linganore will offer over 40 of its wines at this celebration that includes dozens of boutique vendors and live music from DJ Sprang International, Pan Masters Steel Orchestra and Image Band. Tickets include a stemless wine glass for samples, and nondrinkers will receive two complimentary nonalcoholic drinks.
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: $40.27 to $81.43
Location: Linganore Winecellars (13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy)
Family friendly? Yes
Sowebo Arts & Music Festival
May 24
The award-winning Sowebo Arts & Music Festival, held in the streets around historic Hollins Market and staffed by volunteer Southwest Baltimore residents, shouldn’t be overlooked just because it now takes place at the same time as the much larger Artscape. In addition to an impressive list of food and arts and crafts vendors, four stages will feature an eclectic array of Baltimore bands and performers, including Femi the DriFish, Barnyard Sharks, MC Brooks and Mojo Collective.
Time: 12 to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Hollins Market (26 S. Arlington Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Memorial Day Meltdown
May 25
Amid a groundswell for hardcore punk in Baltimore, Soundstage will open up the pit for a summit of fast and loud bands from around the country. Los Angeles’ Terror headlines the fest, with New York’s Pain of Truth and Crush Your Soul sharing the stage with one of Baltimore’s top reigning hardcore bands, End It, as well as local upstarts Fightback.
Time: 4 p.m.
Price: $39
Location: Baltimore Soundstage (124 Market Place, Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages
Greek Food, Wine & Culture Festival
May 28-31
Baltimore’s 54th annual celebration of Greek culture features authentic cuisine (this year with carryout options), a silent auction, traditional Greek music and dance groups.
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday | 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation (24 W. Preston St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Annapolis Irish Festival
May 29-30
Celtic rockers like Virginia’s Carbon Leaf and Annapolis’ Dublin 5 will perform, along with the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipes & Drums, at Anne Arundel County’s annual celebration of Irish culture.
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday
Price: $30.73 to $221.31, or free for 12 and under
Location: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville)
Family friendly? Yes
Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival
May 30
Celebrate the last weekend of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Symphony Woods next to Merriweather Post Pavilion. A Parade of Cultures leads to the Chrysalis stage, where the live entertainment will span music, dance, fashion and martial arts.
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods (10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia)
Family friendly? Yes
Anne Arundel Asian American Festival
May 31
The Anne Arundel Asian American Festival will return for its third year to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage in Maryland. The stage program includes live music, martial arts demonstrations and traditional dance companies, along with educational exhibits and interactive workshops.
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: $13.92 to $19.95, or free for 12 and under
Location: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 Generals Hwy., Crownsville)
Family friendly? Yes
June 2026: Wine, air shows and more
First Thursday Festivals
June 4, July 9, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3
On the first Thursday of every month in the summer (or the second Thursday of July), WTMD curates a lineup of two indie bands often featured on the station’s airwaves — a mix of locals and national touring acts — for a performance on the waterfront in Canton.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Canton Waterfront Park (3001 Boston St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Let’s Go! Music Festival
June 5-6
Alternative rockers Sublime and Fitz and the Tantrums and pop hitmakers Natasha Bedingfield and AJR will headline the sixth annual Let’s Go! Music Festival just outside Annapolis.
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: $104.37 to $769.29
Location: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville)
Family friendly? Yes
Hampden Highlights Festival
June 6
When the long-running HonFest came to an end in 2024, the Hampden Highlights Festival emerged as a successor to kick off summers on The Avenue. Celebrate the neighborhood with a day of live music, food and fundraising efforts for local nonprofit organizations.
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: West 36th Street, Baltimore
Family friendly? Yes
Marlboro Day Parade & Festival
June 6
Upper Marlboro’s annual celebration includes a parade, live entertainment, food, vendors and games for kids.
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro
Family friendly? Yes
Asia on the Creek
June 6
The Asian American Center of Frederick puts on this display of art, music, dance and food every year to celebrate the dozens of diverse countries that make up the Asian continent. Try new cuisine or take in a traditional cultural performance while you enjoy activities for the whole family.
Time: 12 to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Carroll Creek Outdoor Amphitheater at Carroll Creek Park (50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick)
Family friendly? Yes
Baltimore by Baltimore
Starting June 6
The Baltimore by Baltimore Waterfront Music & Makers Festival, or BxB, is the Waterfront Partnership’s way of showcasing some of the best music the city has to offer. Take in performances spanning a variety of genres on several Saturdays throughout the summer on the outdoor Inner Harbor stage.
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Inner Harbor Amphitheater (201 E. Pratt St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Wine on the Water Caribbean Wine & Arts Festival
June 7
Admission to the Middle Branch Park event includes a complimentary glass and wine tasting, plus live music from Kurlou Reggae Allstars and Strykers Posse.
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Price: $44.52
Location: Middle Branch Park (3301 Waterview Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? The event’s described as “an adults environment” for those 21 and up, though “children may attend if necessary”
Baltimore Pride Parade
June 13
Baltimore Pride Week, with events from June 8-14, is capped with marching bands, floats and special guests at the annual Pride Parade on June 13. “Charm City Homecoming” is the theme for this year’s celebration of Baltimore’s LGBTQIA+ community. Elsewhere in the state, Old Ellicott City Pride kicks off on June 6.
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Druid Hill Park (900 Druid Park Lake Drive, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Fest of Spring: Wine, Food & Music Festival
June 13
Say goodbye to spring with wine tastings, local cuisine and live music at Fest of Spring. You can feel good about indulging, too: The team behind the festival advocates for autism awareness and donates a portion of proceeds to recognized autism initiatives.
Time: 1 to 9 p.m.
Price: $25 for ages 13 and up, free for ages 12 and under
Location: Carroll Park (1500 Washington Blvd., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Frederick Festival of the Arts
June 13-14
This outdoor art festival in downtown Frederick showcases work from local artists against the backdrop of gorgeous Carroll Creek Park. The town is worth the day trip as you ponder purchasing fine art and walk along the creek to shop, dine and drink at several stops.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Carroll Creek Park (50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick)
Family friendly? Yes
Columbia Festival of the Arts: LakeFest
June 12-14
The Merriweather Arts and Culture Center presents LakeFest, three days of live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts on the lakefront in downtown Columbia. This year’s eclectic musical lineup includes Canadian roots rocker Ariel Posen, Arizona soul singer and bassist Nik West, and Togolese singer and bandleader Dogo du Togo.
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Columbia Lakefront (10275 Wincopin Circle, Columbia)
Family friendly? Yes
Stars & Smiles Foodie Festival
June 13-14
Some of the region’s best food, drinks and desserts are on offer on the National Harbor waterfront. The rain-or-shine event will also feature a live DJ.
Time: 11 a.m.
Price: $23.18 to $87.21
Location: 137 National Plaza, Oxon Hill
Family friendly? Yes
AFRAM
June 19-21
This Juneteenth weekend, celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the East Coast’s largest African American festivals. This year’s lineup will feature Charlie Wilson, Tamia, The Lox and some of the greatest singers to ever come out of Baltimore, including Mario, Ultra Naté and Paula Campbell. Enjoy local eats, carnival mask making, African drumming, activities just for kids and more.
Time: 3 to 9 p.m. Friday | 12 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Druid Hill Park (900 Druid Park Lake Drive, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
A Taste of the DMV: Food, Music & Culture Festival
June 19-21
A Taste of the DMV celebrates the sights, sounds and flavors of the region with three days of live music, art, shopping, drinks and more than 150 food vendors between M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards. Musical performers include Courtland Johnson, Wise Da God, Rebel Rose and Ikea Damone. There’s also a family day on Sunday with kid-friendly activities, but don’t worry: You can still escape to the beer garden, which is strictly 21-plus.
Time: 7 p.m. Friday | 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: $17.85 to $428.67 for ages 12 and up, free for ages 11 and under
Location: Camden Yards Sports Complex (1101 Russell St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes, other than Friday’s opening party, which is only 21-plus
Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore
June 24-30
For an entire week, the Inner Harbor will host U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships, flyovers by the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, and other events to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the nation’s armed services. Watch ships arrive on Wednesday and leave on Tuesday. Associated festivals at the Inner Harbor, in Fells Point and on the Baltimore Peninsula will include farmers markets, movie screenings, live entertainment and a crab soup cook-off.
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
Price: Free
Location: Inner Harbor Amphitheater (201 E. Pratt St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Dundalk Heritage Fair
June 26-28
After coming back from the dead last year, the Dundalk Heritage Fair — organized by the Heritage Association of Greater Dundalk — will present three days of live music, rides, food vendors, a beer garden, arts and crafts, and activities for kids.
Time: 12 to 10 p.m.
Price: $10
Location: Heritage Association of Greater Dundalk (2717 Playfield St., Dundalk)
Family friendly? Yes
SummerFest
June 27
Celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in Gaithersburg with live music, food trucks, local breweries and a fireworks display. Stay for the glow-in-the-dark after-party where LED-lit hula hoopers, jugglers and stilt walkers will make their way through the crowd.
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Bohrer Park (506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg)
Family friendly? Yes
July 2026: Independence Day, Caribbean culture and more
Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival
July 4
The ninth annual Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival is a great way to view the Fourth of July fireworks from South Baltimore without braving the hectic traffic and parking downtown. Mighty Mark and TT The Artist, two 21st-century champions of the city’s homegrown club music sound, are among this year’s performers.
Of course, there are multiple July 4 celebrations across Baltimore and in the surrounding counties, like Howard’s Columbia Lakefront festivities. Check back closer to Independence Day for a more thorough list.
Time: 1 to 10 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Middle Branch Park (3301 Waterview Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Baltimore Washington One Carnival
July 10-12
The Baltimore and Washington area’s 45th annual celebration of Caribbean culture will include a street parade and three days of live entertainment and food vendors.
Time: 3 to 10 p.m. Friday | 12 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Druid Hill Park (900 Druid Park Lake Drive, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
July 15-19
The 16th annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival will debut a new format this year with meet-and-greets, workshops and a Sunday jazz brunch. Performers include Gerald Albright, Karen Briggs and Gerald Veasley.
Time: TBA
Price: $39.11 to $214.99
Location: MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino (101 MGM National Ave., Forest Heights)
Family friendly? Yes
Disability Pride Arts Fest
July 18
Make Studio, a collective of disabled artists, will present its fourth annual festival, with stage performances as well as mini art workshops for portraiture and sculpture.
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Enoch Pratt Free Library (400 Cathedral St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Clarksville Sunflower Festival
July 18-July 26
Talk about an Instagram moment. Soak up all the florals at this festival, where you’ll find sunflower fields, wildflower patches, animals and more. Brave the crowds on the weekends for live music, vendors and food, or take it easy with a weekday visit sans those amenities but likely with a lot more room.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Price: $11.37-$363.27
Location: Mary’s Land Farm (4979 Sheppard Lane, Ellicott City)
Family friendly? Yes
August 2026: Agriculture, Renaissance Festival and more
Howard County Fair
Aug. 8-15
Square dancing, a garden tractor pull, livestock exhibitions and other agricultural attractions at the Howard County Fair celebrate farm life in Maryland.
Time: TBA
Price: $10 general admission, $5 for senior citizens, free for children 7 and under
Location: 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship
Family friendly? Yes
Maryland Latino Festival
Aug. 9
Dance to live music at the Maryland Latino Festival, which features a number of performances from acts such as El Chaval de la Bachata, Los Ilegales de Lempira, La Sonora Dinamita and more. Food will also be available, adding to the fun for the whole family.
Time: 10 a.m.
Price: $28.88
Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds (2200 York Road, Timonium)
Family friendly? Yes
Haitian Caribbean Festival
Aug. 11
Check out vendors, food, live music, dancers and more at the family-friendly, fourth annual festival celebrating Haitian and Caribbean culture.
Time: 1 to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Patterson Park Observatory (Pratt Street and Patterson Park Avenue)
Family friendly? Yes
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Aug. 14-22
Founded in 1949, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair features livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, live music and food vendors.
Time: TBA
Price: TBA
Location: 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg
Family friendly? Yes
SubScape
Aug. 28-30
Wax Atlas Record and Stereo Exchange, Baltimore Showplace and Natural Velvet’s Kim Te first teamed up to launch SubScape in 2024 as part of a long tradition of festivals taking place the same weekend as Artscape that represented the more experimental and underground side of the Baltimore music scene. Now that Artscape has moved to earlier in the year, though, SubScape remains in the late summer. This year’s festival is relocating from Station North to downtown Baltimore, with Philadelphia hardcore band Soul Glo headlining a bill that includes great local acts like Combat, Dosser, Super City and the recently reunited Krack.
Time: TBA
Price: Free
Location: Le Mondo (406 N. Howard St., Baltimore) and Current Space (421 N. Howard St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages are welcome, but it may get loud and/or weird.
Music City Maryland Festival
Aug. 29
The Reverend Horton Heat, Texas’ kings of the punk-rockabilly fusion known as “psychobilly,” will headline the seventh annual Music City Maryland Festival. The Dive Bombs, Ghost Town Radio and Mallow Hill are a few of the other bands that will perform on two stages on the beautiful 12-acre Catonsville festival grounds.
Time: 12 to 10 p.m.
Price: $15 to $25, or free for children under 12
Location: The Vortex at CAA Park (202 Ingleside Ave., Catonsville)
Family friendly? Yes
Love Groove Festival
Aug. 29
The 10th annual Love Groove Festival, founded by native Baltimorean and composer John Tyler, will see live musical performances from Robert Glasper, Saba, Alex Vaughn and a host of other acts. The event, which celebrates Black and brown creatives, will also have local food vendors, art galleries, a petting zoo and family-friendly games.
Time: 12 to 8 p.m.
Price: $29 to $209
Location: Point Park (1215 Willis St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
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