All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.
Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks
June
Through June 30
Spring Illuminations. This spring, experience the Zoo in a whole new light—after dark! Once the gates close for the day, stroll through a mesmerizing display of floral and animal-themed lanterns that illuminate the night. Plus, you can savor delicious Asian-inspired bites and sips as you take in the stunning sights. Your visit supports vital wildlife conservation efforts and the Zoo’s mission to inspire a love for nature. Don’t miss this enchanting after-hours adventure! Zoo members receive a discount at check out. $28 Adult; $20 Child (ages 2-10). 6PM-10PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/spring-illuminations/#tickets
19
Twilight Thursdays: Foundry Row Summer Concert Series. Let the music play! The Foundry Row Summer Concert Series is back every Thursday through August 14th. Enjoy live performances from top local bands and a Beer & Wine Garden. This week the Soul Crackers are featured. Bring your dancing shoes for their sweet sounds of soul, Motown and beyond! FREE. 6:30PM-8PM. Foundry Row, 10100 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills. https://www.visitfoundryrow.com/events/foundry-row-summer-concert-series/
MVP Movie Night: Sister Act (1992). Join at sunset in Mount Vernon Place's verdant East Square for the first movie of the summer. When lively lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) sees her mobster beau, Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel), commit murder, she is relocated for her protection. Set up in the guise of a nun in a California convent, Deloris proceeds to upend the quiet lives of the resident sisters. In an effort to keep her out of trouble, they assign Deloris to the convent's choir, an ensemble that she soon turns into a vibrant and soulful act that gains widespread attention. Bring your own snacks and a picnic blanket or lawn chair. As always, popcorn is FREE! FREE. 8:30PM-10PM. Mount Vernon Square, E Mount Vernon Pl., Baltimore. https://www.facebook.com/events/657186050487657
20
Summer Fridays at The Shops at Kenilworth. Join The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson for Summer Fridays, a family-friendly summer of fun and excitement for all ages! Enjoy visits from family-friendly organizations, such as Irvine Nature Center and Port Discovery; each week is something different. This week, Shake Out Your Sillies with Ms. Eliza - songs, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instrument fun and a dance party. FREE. 10:30AM. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/events/summer-fridays-at-the-shops-at-kenilworth/
Twilight Stroll - Summer Solstice. Summer Solstice Stroll at the Zoo celebrating the longest day of the year! Begin your evening in African Journey, where you’ll meet the zoo's largest resident—the African Elephant. During an engaging keeper chat, discover the incredible adaptations these majestic animals use to stay cool on hot summer days. Afterwards, cool off with refreshing popsicles as you continue your adventure with a guided tour led by the Zoo’s naturalist and educator. Enjoy fun, hands-on activities and learn how different animals spend the long, sunny days of summer. It’s the perfect way to welcome the season with learning, exploration, and a little bit of wild fun! $50; $40 Members; $45 Scouts. 5:30PM-7:30PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/twilight-stroll/summer-solstice-stroll/
Summer Sounds at the Square. Summer Sounds at the Square is back for the 2025 season! Join on the first Friday night from 6-9pm for live music by The Betty White Stripes. The parking lot will be transformed into an open-air market featuring food and beverage specials available for purchase from local favorites Atwater’s, Neopol Savory Smokery, 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/#
Friday Night Live: Summer Concert Series. The Summer Concert Series at the Hunt Valley Towne Centre returns! Join the fun every Friday from June 13 through August 22 to enjoy live music from your favorite local bands! This year’s Summer Concert Series is located on the upper deck between California Pizza Kitchen and Sammy’s Trattoria. Each concert will feature a Beer & Wine Garden and free balloon art and a pre-concert magic show. This week Sagamore brings the sounds of classic rock & roll. FREE. 6:30PM-8PM. Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 118 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.shophuntvalley.com/events/summer-concert-series/
21-22
AFRAM Festival. One of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast! Hosted in Baltimore City’s Druid Hill Park, this 745-acre urban oasis draws crowds of over 150,000 each day of the festival. For two days, people from all walks of life come together to enjoy national entertainment, local eats, and much more. This year Baltimore welcomes headliners Patti LaBelle and Juvenile! FREE admission. 12PM-9PM. Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr., Baltimore. https://aframbaltimore.com/
21
Kerplunk! Free Family Art Drop-In. Kerplunk! is great for younger kids and families! Join in the Creativity Center to create fun seasonal crafts and art projects based on current exhibitions! FREE. 12PM-3PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/kerplunk-free-family-art-drop-in-3/2025-06-21/
Whiskey on the Waterfront. Whiskey on the Waterfront is back! Join Sagamore at their waterfront distillery for live music, food trucks, and delicious whiskey cocktails. In June, enjoy live music by Garrett Mabe from 1PM-5PM and sip craft cocktails in Nineteen O' Nine all day. Local vendors featuring Bmore Greek, Top Nach, Jimmy's Famous Seafood, Checkerspot Brewery, and Boordy Vineyards. FREE admission. 12PM-6PM. Sagamore Spirit Distillery, 301 E Cromwell St., Baltimore. https://sagamorespirit.com/whiskey-on-the-waterfront/
26
Twilight Thursdays: Foundry Row Summer Concert Series. Let the music play! The Foundry Row Summer Concert Series is back every Thursday through August 14th. Enjoy live performances from top local bands and a Beer & Wine Garden. This week is one of three Special Kids' Night events featuring FREE balloon art during the show and a pre-concert magic show. Speakers of the House, a high energy rock band playing classic and current favorties, will be bringing the tunes FREE. 6:30PM-8PM. Foundry Row, 10100 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills. https://www.visitfoundryrow.com/events/foundry-row-summer-concert-series/
Summer in the Squares: The Honey Dewdrops. Summer in the Squares returns with a great lineup of performances featuring Baltimore's amazingly talented musicians. This week's performance features the Honey Dewdrops: Virginia natives, Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish of The Honey Dewdrops began touring in 2009 and have called the city of Baltimore home for over 10 years. Throughout their two-decade partnership, the Dewdrops have highlighted the power and intimacy of two voices and two instruments in both live performances and recordings. Laura and Kagey constantly push the boundaries of their experimental folk sound—blending electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin and clawhammer banjo—while weaving in tight vocal harmonies. They remain committed to deepening their understanding of the world through songwriting and music.
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy an evening of music in the beautiful West Square of Mount Vernon Place! FREE. 7PM-8:30PM. Mount Vernon Place, 699 Washington Pl., Baltimore. https://www.facebook.com/events/1345487699859633
27
Summer Fridays at The Shops at Kenilworth. Join The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson for Summer Fridays, a family-friendly summer of fun and excitement for all ages! Enjoy visits from family-friendly organizations, such as Irvine Nature Center and Port Discovery; each week is something different. This week, join the Irvine Nature Center for live animal encounters, interesting animal facts and how humans can have an impact. FREE. 10:30AM. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/events/summer-fridays-at-the-shops-at-kenilworth/
Friday Night Live: Summer Concert Series. The Summer Concert Series at the Hunt Valley Towne Centre returns! Join the fun every Friday from June 13 through August 22 to enjoy live music from your favorite local bands! This year’s Summer Concert Series is located on the upper deck between California Pizza Kitchen and Sammy’s Trattoria. Each concert will feature a Beer & Wine Garden and free balloon art and a pre-concert magic show. This week get ready for an exciting, high energy rock band, Code Red, as they bring you danceable classics and current rock favorites. FREE. 6:30PM-8PM. Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 118 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.shophuntvalley.com/events/summer-concert-series/
28
Domino Day. An enormous domino build will soon be taking over the lobby of the Maryland Science Center. Domino Day, presented by Domino Sugar, is back! This year the domino display will form a mesmerizing variety of patterns and effects all centered around the theme: Around the World in 80 Days. The big topple will take place at 2:00pm, but come early to watch the builders complete the finishing touches, test a few designs of your own making, and learn how to build domino tricks that will have you toppling like a pro. FREE with admission. 10AM-2PM. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/domino-day/
Park After Dark. The Park After Dark Campout is back in Patterson Park! Registration will be available soon to sign up and pitch a tent and spend the night in the park with neighbors and fellow campers. Park After Dark is a free event and provides an opportunity for park users to immerse themselves in the great outdoors right in the heart of Baltimore. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Participate in a guided night hike, play camp games, roast s’mores, and swap stories with fellow campers as we create lasting memories together. Bring your own dinner Saturday night. Event includes S'mores Saturday night and a light breakfast and coffee Sunday morning. Check out the link for suggestions on what to bring. FREE. 3PM-9AM. Patterson Park, behind the marble fountain, E Lombard St. & S Patterson Park Ave., Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/parkafterdark
29
Patterson Park Summer Concert Series. Concerts held on Pagoda Hill every summer June through August, in the evening. There are always plenty of food vendors and other fun stuff, so be sure to check out the best free concert series in Baltimore. This week enjoy the sounds of the Bad Hombres. FREE. 6PM-8PM. Patterson Park, 27 S Patterson Ave., Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/concerts
July
3
Twilight Thursdays: Foundry Row Summer Concert Series. Let the music play! The Foundry Row Summer Concert Series is back every Thursday through August 14th. Enjoy live performances from top local bands and a Beer & Wine Garden. "4 the Road" takes the stage this week bringing you a mix of everything that you'll never forget! FREE. 6:30PM-8PM. Foundry Row, 10100 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills. https://www.visitfoundryrow.com/events/foundry-row-summer-concert-series/
4
Towson 4 on the 4th Race and 4th of July Parade. Join the 4th of July celebration fun in Towson with a 4 mile race and 1776 Family Fun Run, followed by the 4th of July Parade. Race begins at 8:15AM, with the parade to follow at 10:30AM. Free parking in the Towson Library Garage and Tolbert Garage. $35 Towson 4 on the 4th Four Mile Run; $15 1776 Family/Kids Fun Run; FREE Parade. Downtown Towson, Towsontown Blvd to Allegheny Ave., Towson. https://www.towsonparade.com/
Star Spangled Bash. This 4th of July, get ready to party at the B&O Railroad Museum’s Star-Spangled Bash—a celebration bursting with carnival fun! Get crafty with firecracker rings & confetti poppers; test your aim at the dunk tank; cool off at the splash pad; be amazed by a live juggler; dip, dye, and dazzle with a red, white & blue tie-dye T-shirt (yes, grown-ups too!); and explore historic trains & play lawn games. Enjoy a special menu from the B&O Cafe! This is one patriotic summer bash you won’t want to miss! FREE with paid admission. 10:30AM-3:30PM. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.borail.org/events/star-spangled-bash/
The Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival. This annual July 4th tradition celebrates Baltimore’s rich musical and artistic culture, especially the plethora of African American creatives moving the city forward. Bringing people together from all over the city, the festival also celebrates unity, freedom and shared history. Scenic Middle Branch Park offers views of the Baltimore City skyline and Fourth of July fireworks. Plus, Middle Branch will have the front-row seat to a drone show starting at 9:30PM. Performing this year is Navasha Daya. The festival also features arts & crafts, a children’s village, historical reenactments and more. FREE admission. 1PM-10PM. Middle Branch Park, 3301 Waterview Ave., Baltimore. https://baltimore.org/event/the-cherry-hill-arts-music-waterfront-festival/
Carroll County Fourth of July Celebration. Join the Carroll County Farm Museum for their Fourth of July Celebration featuring Carroll’s largest fireworks display! Gates open at 4pm with fireworks to go off at sundown (approximately 9:30pm). Enjoy fabulous food, fun and live entertainment before the show! $10 per car (cash only). 4PM-10PM. Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S Center St., Westminster. https://carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org/event-calendar/
Howard County's July 4th Fireworks. Join the 4th of July annual fireworks celebration in Columbia. The event features live entertainment including performances by Big Joe & the Dynaflows and Quitapenas. Bring a picnic or purchase food from on-site vendors. Parking is free - see link for locations. Columbia Lakefront Fireworks are at dark, weather permitting. FREE. 5PM-10PM. Columbia Lakefront, 10275 Wincopin Cir., Columbia. https://www.howardcountymd.gov/july-4th-fireworks
Bel Air 4th of July Parade. An annual tradition, the 2025 Parade will start at the intersection of Idlewild and S. Main and procced to the intersection of E. Gordon Street and North Main Street, at the "Welcome to Bel Air" sign. The parade will feature local celebrities and political figures, volunteer emergency responders, children's groups, entertainers and more. FREE. 6PM. Downtown Bel Air. https://belairjuly4.org/index.php
BSO Star Spangled Celebration. The BSO's Star-Spangled Celebration concert will be held at Rash Field Park prior to the city's fireworks show, featuring Sameer Patel conducting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. FREE. 8PM. Rash Field Park, 201 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.promotionandarts.org/events/baltimores-4-of-july-celebration/
Baltimore Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. Baltimore's annual fireworks celebration for July 4th will include a 15 minute fireworks display over the Inner Harbor following the BSO Star Spangled Celebration concert at Rash Field. FREE. 9:30PM-10PM. Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore. https://www.promotionandarts.org/events/baltimores-4-of-july-celebration/
Town of Bel Air Fireworks Display. The 2025 fireworks will be launched from Rockfield Park. Spectators may watch from any permitted area in or around the Town of Bel Air. FREE. 9:30PM. Downtown Bel Air. https://belairjuly4.org/schedule.php