PickMy currently services Baltimore City, affectionately referred to as Charm City by us locals. We are thrilled about all the charms this city, and Baltimore County, has to offer its residents. There are family-friendly, outdoor events that happen every year. Some are even nationally famous!
If you’re new here, or even if you’ve been in the area a long time, there are a lot of places and events to discover. As your guide to matching you with your best life, PickMy wants to help you make the most of your new rental home!
Here are 15 unique events your new neighborhood has to offer:
- AFRAM (African American Heritage Celebration)
One of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast! People from all backgrounds come to enjoy art, entertainment, music, food, and more! - Artscape
Artscape was named one of the Best Cultural Event of 2020 by USA Today. This event is spread over several blocks of downtown Baltimore and features over 140 artists and makers displaying their musical, artistic, poetic, literary talents for over 300,000 attendees. - Baltimore Book Festival
If you’re a bookworm, the Baltimore Book Festival is the event for you! Hundreds of vendors offer thousands of books with a huge selection of genres to choose from. There is definitely something for every member of your family! - Baltimore Pride
Baltimore boasts one of the oldest Pride Festivals in the country! Not only does this family-friendly event celebrate Baltimore’s vibrant SGL community, proceeds also go towards helping hundreds of SGMs. Watch the parade, catch a drag show, and enjoy the many food trucks knowing your dollars are going towards a great cause. - Charm City Bluegrass Festival
“Bluegrass” is probably not the first thing you might think of when you think of Baltimore, but rest assured this festival delivers authentic and talented bluegrass musicians and bands. Of course there’s food and beer to help you get the full experience! - Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival
Get your spook on at this scary procession of handmade lanterns and glowing floats! There are hayrides, costume contests, a beer garden and a ton of ghoulish, family-friendly sights and sounds. - Hampdenfest
A fun and engaging community arts festival that features merchants on and around 36th Avenue in the neighborhood of Hampden in Baltimore, Hampdenfest has become a local favorite over the years. This event is “sponsored by many local community leaders and merchants working to encourage the continued improvement and economic vitality of our neighborhood and the arts.” - HonFest
Also in Hampden is HonFest! Wear your most eccentric “Hon” outfit and enjoy the Bawlmer Best Hon pageant featuring boa-clad, beehive hairdo-wearing Hons. There is, of course, food, music, and other Baltimore-themed activities to help you appreciate the working women of Charm City. - International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards
Celebrate the life and accomplishments of author Edgar Allan Poe! There’s the Black Cat Ball, Poe-themed performances, a cognac and rose graveside masquerade, the Death Weekend Bus Tour, and, of course, the festival grounds are filled with Poe-inspired entertainment and food. - Kinetic Sculpture Race
A beloved tradition in Baltimore, the Kinetic Sculpture race features a parade of human-powered sculptures and floats engineered by inventive local artists. These original creations are wacky, funny, and downright impressive. - Light City Baltimore
Don’t miss the incredible light installations setup downtown and along the Inner Harbor! This magical display of illuminated, interactive will “wow” the whole family. This festival is free to all, features 100% local food and drink, and is fully-accessible, which we think is totally awesome. - Maryland Film Festival
Hosted at the Parkway Theatre, this annual, 5-day event screens 40 feature films and 100 short films. “The mission of the Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) is to bring films, filmmakers, and audiences together in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere that reflects the unique aspects of our community … Film for Everyone!” - Miracle on 34th Street
A tradition that began in 1947 by a couple living in Hampden on 34th Street, this neighborhood is lit up every year with an incredible amount of lights and holiday decorations. Beginning just after Thanksgiving and going on until New Year’s Eve, you can drive through to witness a magical display of creativity and holiday spirit! - Madonnari Arts Festival
A three-day chalk festival in Baltimore’s Little Italy. In times gone by, wandering artists in Italy, called i madonnari, traveled from town-to-town earning money by creating elaborate chalk murals directly on the road. Today, international artists come to Baltimore to continue the tradition with food, entertainment, and music for all. - The Preakness Stakes
The third week of May is an exciting time in Baltimore! Dress up in your Sunday-finest and a fancy hat to watch the horses races from the Grand Stands while sipping on a Blacked Eyed Susan.
While we think this list will keep you busy all year long, there’s still so much more in Baltimore City and Baltimore County that will make you glad you decided to make this area your home.
If you’re still looking for a rental in Charm City, let PickMy connect you with local landlords who are just as excited as we are to have you here.