It’s supposed to heat back up to 100 this week. Don’t let the heat get the best of you or stand in the way of going to these upcoming festivities:
• Check out the Chautauqua living history lecture series, across the state July 5-15. The CCBC Catonsville site is the closest to Baltimore and features Frederick Law Olmsted, Thurgood Marshall and Sacagawea July 8-10
• I loved the free world music and crafts festival Salsapolkalooza at the Creative Alliance last year. This year don’t miss the family fun on July 10.
• The Native Berry Festival, also July 10, at Herring Run Park (northwest Baltimore) promises to be a good time with local food and drinks, live music and a lovely setting. I’ve never been to Herring Run so I look forward to exploring a new part of town!
•Caribbean Carnival at Druid Hill Park, July 9-11
• The Tuckahoe Steam Show on the Eastern Shore that weekend also sounds like it would be a great experience. Craft vendors, steam engine demonstrations, flea market…I do love a good festival!
• Baltimore American Indian Center’s Pow Wow at the State Fairgrounds in Timonium, July 17 & 18.
• ARTSCAPE takes place July 16-18! ArtScape is so incredibly huge, there is always plenty for everyone to enjoy. Although the crowds and heat can be overwhelming, this Baltimore tradition really is worth it. Cool down in the air-conditioned theatres by watching a music or dance performance, wander through the crowd of vendors, let your imagination run wild at the interactive and avant-garde Charles Street bridge installations (don’t miss the art cars), eat some greasy fried food or find the falafel, and do some of your own art!
• WhartScape, July 22-25. Venues TBA. Wham City’s music and arts festival is not my scene, personally, but certainly a hotbed of hipster culture and an experience to behold.
• This year’s water ballet by Fluid Movement is JASON and THE AQUANAUTS: 20,000 Legs Over The Sea. I hope to catch the Druid Hill Pool performances July 24-25 but the Patterson Park shows the following weekend should be delightful as well. I was skeptical about paying $10 the first time I went, but the whole production is so amazingly complex, it is worth it.
• If you’re in town on Sunday, August 1, stop by the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House for their neighborhood Ice Cream Social from 2-5 pm. I’ve never been to the Flag House but this would be a great opportunity to check it out.
Other recurring events that promise big fun:
• I honestly can’t keep track of all the farmer’s markets in this area, but these are always a lot of fun. Towson and Irvine Nature Center (Owings Mills) host big ones on Thursdays, Waverly’s is on Saturday, and of course the big downtown market takes place each Sunday.
• Swimming in the city’s municipal pools can be a refreshing way to cool off. I’m so happy they are able to stay open this summer (until 7:00 pm Monday-Saturday and 6:00 on Sunday)—despite threats to the Parks & Rec budget—because the Roosevelt Park Pool in Hampden is beyond awesome. I love it!
• Outdoor movies across the city. I’ve been to the Hopkins, Cross Keys and Wyman Park Dell series but have yet to check out the free outdoor movies at Little Italy, AVAM or Fells Point.
• If you haven’t already been to Taharka Bros. Ice Cream in Mount Washington, you must go!! Delicious flavors, generous servings at reasonable prices, awesome location (just off the light rail, next to Whole Foods), and wonderful mission. Check out their mobile cart and local festivals—but make a point to stop by their retail space some time.
• Pretty much every county in Maryland will be hosting a county fair this summer, so check each county’s department of commerce webpage for some smaller-scale local fun.
• First Thursday concerts at the monument in Mount Vernon
• First Fridays on the Avenue in Hampden—a classic
• Rent a paddleboat or canoe for $9/hr at Centennial Park in Howard County.
• Go on a day trip to Gettysburg! So awesome that this historic battleground is just over an hour from Baltimore.
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