Local Traditions & Customs in Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Baltimore, United States, Baltimore, Culture & Entertainment, Local Traditions & Customs

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.