All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.
Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks
August
28-September 1
Maryland State Fair Weekend Two. The Maryland State Fair is proud to bring you competitive agriculture exhibits, carnival thrills and games, live music and entertainment, and fantastic food and drinks for three weekends at the end of summer! Check the Fair's Facebook page for additional information and discounts. Advance purchase of tickets comes with a discount. Ticket prices shown here are at the gate. $15 Adults; $12 Seniors (62+); $10 Children (Ages 6-11); FREE Children Under 5; Some events, carnival rides and games may have an additional fee. Gates: 5PM-9PM Thursday; 9AM-9PM Friday-Monday. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://marylandstatefair.com/
30-September 1
Wild Water Splash Days. Dive into the ultimate summer bash at Wild Water Splash Days! Enjoy thrilling water slides, splash pads, and bounce houses that promise endless fun for kids of all ages. But the excitement doesn’t stop there—our animal residents are joining the festivities! Watch them cool off and make a splash in their own special ways. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer day. FREE with Zoo admission. 10AM-4PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/wild-water-splash-days/labor-day-weekend/
Maryland Renaissance Festival. Unique among most festivals, including renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a story line and progresses each year forward in the timeline of Henry VIII, through all his reign and all six of his wives. This season the year is 1539, and as ever, the King’s love life is the source of gossip. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 49th season August 23rd and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 19th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment. The 27 acre Village of Revel Grove comes to life each autumn with more than 200 professional performers on ten stages, a 3,000 seat arena with armored jousting on magnificent steeds and streets filled with village characters. Join His Most Royal Highness King Henry VIII in the forests and glades with over 140 artisans exhibiting crafts in their own renaissance shops, five taverns featuring cool libations, 42 food and beverage emporiums providing a vast array of succulent and sweet treats to sate even the most hearty of appetites. Special admission pricing reduces tickets for all customers the first three weekends from August 23rd through September 7th. $26 Adults (16-61); $14 Child (7-15); $23 Senior (62+); FREE Children Under 7; Group tickets also available. 10AM-7PM. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/
30
CatVideoFest 2025. Enjoy over 70+ minutes of fluffy, cute, and rambunctious antics of the furry critters you know and love! CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic memes. The festival is curated and edited by Seattle-based filmmaker and cat enthusiast, Will Braden. $15 General Admission; $10 Members. 1PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/catvideofest-2025/
September
4-7
Maryland State Fair Weekend Three. The Maryland State Fair is proud to bring you competitive agriculture exhibits, carnival thrills and games, live music and entertainment, and fantastic food and drinks for three weekends at the end of summer! Check the Fair's Facebook page for additional information and discounts. Advance purchase of tickets comes with a discount. Ticket prices shown here are at the gate. $15 Adults; $12 Seniors (62+); $10 Children (Ages 6-11); FREE Children Under 5; Some events, carnival rides and games may have an additional fee. Gates: 5PM-9PM Thursday; 9AM-9PM Friday-Sunday. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://marylandstatefair.com/
4
Community Sing Along. Each fall, Opera Baltimore brings live music to some of the city’s most beloved outdoor spaces with their Fall for Opera concert series. These free performances are their way of sharing opera with the wider Baltimore community—no ticket required, just bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a beautiful evening under the open sky. Whether you're a longtime opera lover or curious to experience it for the first time, Fall for Opera is designed to welcome everyone. No dress code, clap when you want to—just come as you are and enjoy world-class music in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. Concerts feature favorite artists performing a lively mix of opera hits and musical theater classics. You may hear a tune you recognize, or discover something new that stays with you long after the last note. FREE, RSVP to join the sing a long through the link provided. 7PM-8PM. Mt Vernon Square - West, 699 Washington Pl., Baltimore. https://www.operabaltimore.org/events-tickets/fall-for-opera-in-mount-vernon-2025
5
Opera Balcony Concert. Join Opera Baltimore in Patterson Park for a live balcony concert performance from the decks of the Patterson Park Observatory! Experience the power of live opera, connect with community, and discover why you'll #FallForOpera! This Fall for Opera performance is made possible by Opera Baltimore's collaboration with Friends of Patterson Park and through funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior and managed by the Baltimore National Heritage Area. FREE. 6PM-7PM. Patterson Park Observatory, Patterson Park, S Patterson Park Ave. & E Lombard St., Baltimore. https://www.operabaltimore.org/fallforopera
6-7
Maryland Renaissance Festival. Unique among most festivals, including renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a story line and progresses each year forward in the timeline of Henry VIII, through all his reign and all six of his wives. This season the year is 1539, and as ever, the King’s love life is the source of gossip. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 49th season August 23rd and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 19th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment. The 27 acre Village of Revel Grove comes to life each autumn with more than 200 professional performers on ten stages, a 3,000 seat arena with armored jousting on magnificent steeds and streets filled with village characters. Join His Most Royal Highness King Henry VIII in the forests and glades with over 140 artisans exhibiting crafts in their own renaissance shops, five taverns featuring cool libations, 42 food and beverage emporiums providing a vast array of succulent and sweet treats to sate even the most hearty of appetites. Special admission pricing reduces tickets for all customers the first three weekends from August 23rd through September 7th. $26 Adults (16-61); $14 Child (7-15); $23 Senior (62+); FREE Children Under 7; Group tickets also available. 10AM-7PM. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/
6
Baltimore by Baltimore Festival. A music and makers festival series hosted every first Saturday of the month, May - October, at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. A free celebration of the music, makers, and munchies that make Baltimore truly special at the gem of the city, the Inner Harbor Waterfront. The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore team and a rotating selection of emerging Baltimore producers offer a day of unique family-friendly activities, food, and performances at the famed Inner Harbor Amphitheater. This month, the festival is curated by Baltimore's own eco-superstar, Mr. Trash Wheel and his colorful crew! FREE. 2PM-8PM. Inner Harbor Amphitheater, Light St. and Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/bxb2025-sept
Fall for Opera Outdoor Concert at The Lot. Each fall, Opera Baltimore brings live music to some of the city’s most beloved outdoor spaces with their Fall for Opera concert series. These free performances are their way of sharing opera with the wider Baltimore community—no ticket required, just bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a beautiful evening under the open sky. Whether you're a longtime opera lover or curious to experience it for the first time, Fall for Opera is designed to welcome everyone. No dress code, clap when you want to—just come as you are and enjoy world-class music in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. Concerts feature favorite artists performing a lively mix of opera hits and musical theater classics. You may hear a tune you recognize, or discover something new that stays with you long after the last note. FREE; RSVP using the link provided. 5PM-6PM. The Lot - Hamilton Lauraville Mainstreet, 4500 Harford Rd., Baltimore. https://www.operabaltimore.org/events-tickets/fall-for-opera-hamilton
7
Mueveton + BabyFest 5K & Health and Fitness Expo 2025. This health and fitness expo kicks off with a FREE 5K run/walk in Patterson Park. There will be several partner organizations on-site offering health screenings and fun activities including a Kids' Tennis Play Day, face painting, health and wellness resources, and more. Post 5k food provided by Leftover Love and SaveMart. FREE admission. 9AM-12PM. Patterson Park Observatory, Patterson Park, S Patterson Park Ave. & E Lombard St., Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/mueveton
13-14
Baltimore Book Festival. Baltimore book lovers unite where words take center stage in the heart of Waverly! Celebrating it's 26th year, the Baltimore Book Festival brings you author talks, workshops, readings and more. This year's lineup features over 80 authors, six stages, literary panels, youth events and a kickoff reception on September 12 at Peabody Heights Brewery. Enjoy chatting with and perusing the wares of booksellers and publishers from all genres, a diverse selection of food and brew in the surrounding neighborhood and live events. FREE admission. 10AM-6PM. Waverly, E 30th, 31st and 32nd Streets between Greenmount Ave. and Barclay St., Baltimore. https://baltimorebookfest.com/
Maryland Renaissance Festival. Unique among most festivals, including renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a story line and progresses each year forward in the timeline of Henry VIII, through all his reign and all six of his wives. This season the year is 1539, and as ever, the King’s love life is the source of gossip. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 49th season August 23rd and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 19th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment. The 27 acre Village of Revel Grove comes to life each autumn with more than 200 professional performers on ten stages, a 3,000 seat arena with armored jousting on magnificent steeds and streets filled with village characters. Join His Most Royal Highness King Henry VIII in the forests and glades with over 140 artisans exhibiting crafts in their own renaissance shops, five taverns featuring cool libations, 42 food and beverage emporiums providing a vast array of succulent and sweet treats to sate even the most hearty of appetites. $26 Adults (16-61); $14 Child (7-15); $23 Senior (62+); FREE Children Under 7; Group tickets also available. 10AM-7PM. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/
14
Bel Air Festival of Arts. The 2025 Festival will mark the 58th annual Bel Air Festival for the Arts. With up to 300 artists, photographers and craftspeople, the show represents one of the largest one-day events in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The show includes some of the finest and most unique fine art, photography, and hand-made crafts on the east coast. The festival features continuous live entertainment on the bandshell stage. A wide variety of wonderful foods are available. Profits from food concession sales go directly to benefit Bel Air Parks and Recreation programs. Offering a great opportunity for early holiday shopping, as well as food, entertainment, and activities for the children, the Bel Air Festival for the Arts is an event the entire family will enjoy. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the festival grounds. Remember, the Bel Air Festival for the Arts is ALWAYS a "rain or shine" event. FREE admission. 9AM-5PM. Shamrock Park, 39 Hickory Ave., Bel Air. https://belairrec.org/bel-air-festival-of-arts/
19-21
St. Demetrios Greek Festival 2025. Come join a celebration of Greek culture, music and of course delicious food at the 52nd annual Greek Festival! There is something for everyone at this cultural festival - taste the wonderful flavors of Greece, enjoy live folk dancing, listen to traditional Greek music, and visit the many shops and explore the rich culture that only Greece has to offer. FREE admission. 5PM-10PM Friday; 12PM-11PM Saturday; 12PM-6PM Sunday. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2504 Cub Hill Rd., Parkville. https://www.facebook.com/events/st-demetrios-greek-orthodox-church/st-demetrios-greek-festival-2025-/659229053770265/
19
Summer Sounds. It’s time to close out the 2025 Summer Sounds season with The New Romance! The parking lot at Belvedere Square will be transformed into an open-air market from 6pm to 9pm, featuring food and beverage specials available for purchase from local favorites Atwater’s, NEW Pono Taco, Prigel Family Farm, and Market Bar. FREE. 6PM-9PM. Belvedere Square, 529 E Belvedere Ave., Baltimore. https://belvederesquare.com/whats-up-at-the-square/summer-sounds/#
20-21
Maryland Renaissance Festival. Unique among most festivals, including renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a story line and progresses each year forward in the timeline of Henry VIII, through all his reign and all six of his wives. This season the year is 1539, and as ever, the King’s love life is the source of gossip. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 49th season August 23rd and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 19th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment. The 27 acre Village of Revel Grove comes to life each autumn with more than 200 professional performers on ten stages, a 3,000 seat arena with armored jousting on magnificent steeds and streets filled with village characters. Join His Most Royal Highness King Henry VIII in the forests and glades with over 140 artisans exhibiting crafts in their own renaissance shops, five taverns featuring cool libations, 42 food and beverage emporiums providing a vast array of succulent and sweet treats to sate even the most hearty of appetites. $26 Adults (16-61); $14 Child (7-15); $23 Senior (62+); FREE Children Under 7; Group tickets also available. 10AM-7PM. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/
20
Trifecta Food Truck and Music Festival. Boasting 40+ of Maryland’s most popular independently owned food trucks, festival-goers can expect a wide variety of savory and sweet options, including barbecue, seafood, burgers, vegan options, Jamaican, Greek, Indian, cupcakes, ice cream, and so much more. Browse goods from 60+ local artisans and vendors, check out cool clothes and jewelry in several fashion trucks, and even try your hand at axe throwing, rock wall climbing and archery. In addition to the wide array of food trucks and vendors, the nucleus of Trifecta is, and always will be, the music! The diversity of the mostly local bands is the pride & joy of 24-7 Entertainment at Trifecta and the fan support for these bands on stage is amazing and infectious. Reduced ticket prices through Labor Day; Family & Friends deal available - buy 3 tickets get one free. $30 General Admission in advance; $40 at the gate; FREE for children under 12. 11AM-10PM. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://www.trifectafestival.com/
Science Arcade. Science meets gaming for a full day of fun! Build your own games and play some of the Science Center's as the Center is turned into a Science Arcade. Craft the ultimate cardboard pinball machine. Turn yourself into an 8-bit video game character. Practice your aim while experimenting with velocity and pool noodles. Plus a few more surprises await you—no quarters needed. FREE with paid admission. 12PM-4PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/science-arcade/
27-28
Maryland Renaissance Festival. Unique among most festivals, including renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a story line and progresses each year forward in the timeline of Henry VIII, through all his reign and all six of his wives. This season the year is 1539, and as ever, the King’s love life is the source of gossip. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 49th season August 23rd and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 19th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment. The 27 acre Village of Revel Grove comes to life each autumn with more than 200 professional performers on ten stages, a 3,000 seat arena with armored jousting on magnificent steeds and streets filled with village characters. Join His Most Royal Highness King Henry VIII in the forests and glades with over 140 artisans exhibiting crafts in their own renaissance shops, five taverns featuring cool libations, 42 food and beverage emporiums providing a vast array of succulent and sweet treats to sate even the most hearty of appetites. $26 Adults (16-61); $14 Child (7-15); $23 Senior (62+); FREE Children Under 7; Group tickets also available. 10AM-7PM. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/
27
17th Annual Cockeysville Fall Festival. Come see all the fun at the 17th Annual Cockeysville Fall Festival! With a beer garden by Das Bierhalle, live music, local vendors, inflatables, food trucks, adoption fair with local rescues and a pumpkin patch for the kids, you don't want to miss this fundraising event to benefit the Cool Kids Campaign, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting pediatric oncology patients, survivors and their families. FREE admission. 11AM-4PM. Cranbrook Shopping Center, 594 Cranbrook Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.cockeysvillefallfestival.com/