
Local Traditions & Customs in Baltimore, Maryland, United States
1. Federal Hill Park Sunset View
A popular spot for locals and tourists to watch the sunset with a panoramic view of Baltimore's skyline.
- Iconic Skyline View: Offers a unique perspective of Baltimore's skyline, especially during sunset.
- Community Gathering Place: A place where locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy the view and camaraderie.
- Festive Atmosphere: Features food trucks, live music, and events throughout the year.
2. Artscape
A free three-day arts festival featuring local artists, musicians, and performers.
- Celebration of Local Artists: Showcases a variety of art forms including visual arts, music, dance, and theater.
- Community Engagement: Encourages community participation through workshops, demonstrations, and interactive installations.
- Downtown Baltimore Event: Transforms the city's downtown area into a vibrant arts hub for three days every July.
3. Preakness Stakes Race
An annual thoroughbred horse race held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
- Historic Horse Race: The second leg of the prestigious American Triple Crown.
- Fashionable Event: Known for its extravagant hats and fashionable attire, particularly at the InfieldFest.
- Community Celebration: Brings together the city and horse racing enthusiasts from around the world.
4. Maryland Crab Feast
A traditional Chesapeake Bay feast featuring crabs, corn on the cob, and other local delicacies.
- Celebration of Local Cuisine: Offers a chance to taste authentic Maryland blue crab dishes.
- Community Gathering: A communal dining experience that fosters camaraderie and good cheer.
- Seasonal Event: Typically held in the summer when crabs are abundant and fresh.
5. HonFest
A three-day festival celebrating Baltimore's iconic women with a distinctive hairstyle known as the 'Hon'.
- Celebration of Local Culture: Highlights the unique style, humor, and resilience of Baltimore's residents.
- Community Participation: Encourages everyone to dress up as a 'Hon' and participate in parades and contests.
- Festival Atmosphere: Features music, food, and local vendors showcasing Hon-themed merchandise.
6. Little Italy Feast of the Madonnaria
A three-day Italian American festival held in Baltimore's Little Italy neighborhood.
- Celebration of Italian Heritage: Showcases the rich history and culture of Baltimore's Italian American community.
- Community Involvement: Includes a procession, street fair, food vendors, and live music.
- Food Focus: Features traditional Italian dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and gelato.
7. First Saturday Artwalk
A monthly event that transforms Highlandtown's streets into an art gallery.
- Celebration of Local Artists: Showcases a wide variety of artwork from local and regional artists.
- Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for visitors to meet the artists, discuss their work, and purchase pieces.
- Street Festival Atmosphere: Includes live music, street performers, and food vendors.
8. Fell's Point Fourth of July Parade
A traditional Fourth of July parade featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups in Baltimore's historic Fell's Point neighborhood.
- Celebration of Independence Day: Honors the spirit of American independence with a parade through Fell's Point.
- Community Spirit: Involves local organizations, businesses, and schools participating in the parade.
- Family-Friendly Event: Offers activities for children, such as face painting, balloon animals, and a fireworks display.
9. Baltimore Book Festival
A free annual event celebrating literature and authors, featuring book signings, readings, and workshops.
- Celebration of Literature: Showcases established and emerging authors from various genres.
- Community Education: Offers workshops, panels, and discussions on writing and publishing.
- Festival Atmosphere: Includes food vendors, live music, and a children's area.
10. Baltimore Pride Parade
A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Baltimore with a parade, festival, and concert.
- Celebration of Diversity: Highlights the strength and resilience of Baltimore's LGBTQ+ community.
- Community Unity: Brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity and equality.
- Festival Atmosphere: Includes food vendors, live music, and a family-friendly area.
11. Baltimore Wash House Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of laundry in Baltimore, featuring historic wash machines and artifacts.
- Celebration of Local History: Provides insights into how laundry was done before modern appliances.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes demonstrations and hands-on activities, such as washing clothes by hand.
- Historical Perspective: Offers a glimpse into the social history of Baltimore through the lens of laundry.
12. Christmas Ships of Baltimore
A holiday tradition where boats decorated with Christmas lights parade through Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
- Holiday Celebration: Brings the spirit of the holidays to Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
- Community Participation: Involves boat owners and volunteers from the community.
- Festival Atmosphere: Includes live music, food vendors, and a fireworks display.
13. Lafayette Square Holiday Market
A holiday market featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors in Baltimore's Lafayette Square.
- Celebration of Local Craftsmanship: Showcases handmade goods from local artists and craftspeople.
- Community Engagement: Encourages visitors to support small businesses during the holiday season.
- Festival Atmosphere: Includes live music, hot cocoa, and other holiday-themed activities.
14. Fell's Point Fun Festival
A family-friendly festival in Baltimore's Fell's Point neighborhood featuring music, food, and activities for children.
- Community Celebration: Brings together the community to enjoy food, music, and family-friendly activities.
- Festival Atmosphere: Includes live music, street performers, and a variety of food vendors.
- Family-Friendly Event: Offers activities for children, such as face painting, balloon animals, and a children's area.
15. Baltimore Seafood Festival
A celebration of Baltimore's seafood heritage featuring cooking demonstrations, live music, and crab races.
- Celebration of Local Cuisine: Highlights the importance of seafood to Baltimore's history and culture.
- Community Engagement: Encourages visitors to learn about sustainable fishing practices and local seafood industries.
- Festival Atmosphere: Includes live music, cooking demonstrations, and crab races for entertainment.