Baltimore is a distinctive city, one whose hometown heroes include cult film maker John Waters, musical nonconformist Frank Zappa and an NFL mascot named after Edgar Allan Poe, and where beloved annual events include toilet bowl races and a Da Vinci-worthy chalk art festival. This fall, get away to Charm City to experience some of the wonderful ways Baltimore showcases its uniqueness.
Toilet Bowl Races
Hampden, one of the most “Baltimore” neighborhoods in the city, hosts one of the most quintessential Baltimore races during Hampdenfest on September 9. Dozens of superhero-clad competitors will climb atop toilet bowl chariots to race down Chestnut Avenue during the annual Toilet Bowl Races, a highlight of the annual neighborhood festival that also features three stages of live music, local beer, food and vendors.
Master-Level Chalk Art
The Madonnari Arts Festival celebrates the art of street painting still commonly practiced on the streets of Italy for two days on the one-ways of Baltimore’s Little Italy. Listen to live music, eat authentic Italian cuisine, and watch master Madonnari artists from all over the world create beautiful works of chalk art within this year’s theme of “freedom” the weekend of September 9-10.
Living History
Celebrate Defenders’ Day at one of Baltimore’s most historic landmarks, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the weekend of September 9-10. See history come alive with reenactments of the War of 1812, when Francis Scott Key was inspired to write “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the fort. The weekend also features music, fireworks and a parade.
Reunion Central
Baltimore is a hot spot for reunions of all kinds, whether it’s for family, Greek life, military, school, or seventh-grade summer camp. The Baltimore Reunion Expo is a resource for all of your get-together needs, plus the afternoon event September 9 includes activities like Paint N Sip, casino games, children’s activities, karaoke and more.
Harry Potter and Other Superheroes
Let your geek-flag fly at two fantasy-themed conventions this September in downtown Baltimore. Harry Potter lovers will unite at Potterverse from September 8-10. Fans of all things super will get a chance to compete in a costume contest, pick up comics, and meet famous superheroes like Wonder Woman Lynda Carter at the 18th Annual Baltimore Comic-Con, which is September 22-24.
Must-See Modern Art
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum debuts one of the hottest exhibits this season with a showcase that explores more than 50 artworks by acclaimed 20th-century artist Jacob Lawrence. The celebrated painter depicts African-American life through bright colors and geometric patterns and shapes. The collection includes pieces from collectors in and around Maryland in the exhibit that runs September 9 through January 7.
Seafood Overfloweth
Baltimore is known for its riches of crabs, oysters, rockfish and other gastronomic wonders found under the sea. On September 16, join fellow seafood-lovers at the Baltimore Seafood Fest, a waterfront event in Canton that features a wealth of seafood, cooking demos and children’s activities.
America’s Only Rock Opera Society
The Baltimore Rock Opera Society is one of the city’s performing arts gems, producing original rock operas with lavish sets and killer voices. The group’s fall show, The Terrible Secret of Lunastus, is an action-comedy about space, with performances September 15 through October 8.
Books Galore
The Baltimore Book Festival transforms the Inner Harbor into a bibliophile’s wonderland. The September 22-24 event features book sales, author signings, poetry readings, and panel discussions. Featured guests this year include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and National Book Award winner Alice McDermott. You’ll also get the chance to meet a Guerrilla Girl and writer Virginia Grohl, mom of Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl.
Baltimore Innovation Week
Baltimore was recently named one of the fastest-growing cities for tech companies and entrepreneurs. Get in on the trend during Baltimore Innovation Week from September 29 to October 7 with events related to development, science, business, media and more.
Edgar Allan Poe Madness
Edgar Allan Poe died under mysterious circumstances on October 7, 1849 in Baltimore. Visit his grave at Westminster Burying Ground, or his family home, which is now the Poe House and Museum. Read “The Raven,” cheer for The Ravens and/or sip a Tell Tale Heart IPA from local brewer Raven Beer to really get in the Poe mood.
Baltimore Beer Week
Speaking of beer, enjoy the fruits of Baltimore’s craft beer scene explosion during the official Baltimore Beer Week, which runs October 13-22. Check out special events like the Baltimore Water Taxi’s guided tours of Baltimore taverns and Das Best Oktober Fest at M&T Bank Stadium.
Baltimore Running Festival
You may want to race in the Baltimore Running Festival just for the crab-shaped medal, but even if you’re not running, the festival, which is October 20-21, features fun wellness activities that are free, and open to the public. Check of the Nava Health and Vitality Expo, where you can find deals on active wear and health care products, or on race day October 21, visit the BGE Home Celebration Village, which features live music, interactive games, a kids fun zone and food and drink options.
Behind Closed Doors
Doors Open Baltimore on October 28-29 offers access to more than 50 historic and eccentric locations throughout the city, many of which aren’t normally open to the public. Check out the Arabber Preservation Society, which still supports the tradition established in the years following the Civil War of vendors selling fruits and vegetables from colorful horse-drawn carts. Also visit the Duchess of Windsor Museum at Adele Corner House, a private residence that pays homage to Baltimore-born Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, with memorabilia, newspapers of her life with Edward VIII, and replicas of her jewelry.
