Calendar of Events - Family Friendly Events

All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.

Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks

September

3-7

Maryland State Fair. The Maryland State Fair is proud to feature the thrills, chills, sights, sounds, and aromas of numerous carnival rides, games, and delectable fair food. The Maryland State Fair is the largest celebration of agriculture in Maryland. Known for delicious food, tons of free entertainment and world famous concerts. Ticket prices vary; see link for details. 5PM-9PM Thursday; 10AM-9PM Friday through Sunday. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://marylandstatefair.com/

5-7

Maryland Renaissance Festival. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 50th season August 29th and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 25th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment in Crownsville, near Annapolis. 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. $31 Adults; $27 Senior; $17 Children (ages 7-15); FREE for children 6 & under (ticket still required). 10AM-7PM each day. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/

Wild Water Splash Days Labor Day Weekend. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend on the wild side! Whether you are 1 or 100, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Just as the Zoo cares deeply about the well-being of the animal residents, your well-being is important to us too. Take a walk on the wild side and learn fun ways to make fitness and nature a part of your everyday life while gathering some interesting facts about the animals. FREE with paid zoo admission. 10:30AM-3:30PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/wild-water-splash-days/labor-day-weekend/

10-13

Summer in the Squares: Opera Baltimore. Summer in the Squares returns with a great line up of performances featuring Baltimore's amazingly talented musicians. The performance features Opera Baltimore, the city’s home for world-class opera, dedicated to presenting compelling performances, community engagement, and educational initiatives that bring opera to audiences of all backgrounds. With a commitment to artistic excellence and accessibility, Opera Baltimore continues to grow as a vital part of the city’s cultural landscape. 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 West Square, 699 Washington Pl., Baltimore. https://www.facebook.com/events/1331643495592217

11-13

Fells Point Oyster Festival. The Fells Point Oyster Festival is back!!! 2026 has a great musical lineup and of course all of the food fun and friends you love! Three days of live music, food and drinks, and fun for all! FREE Admission. 11AM-10PM. Broadway Square, S Broadway at Lancaster St., Baltimore. http://www.fellspointoysterfest.com/

12-13

Johnny Appleseed Fall Harvest Festival. Join Weber's Cider Mill Farm to celebrate their opening fall harvest weekend! Enjoy fall treats and concessions, including apple slush, apple cider donuts and more; rides on the barrel train, hillside slide and hayride; farm animals; play structures; a family-friendly skeleton walk; Trading Post and gem mining; kids' entertainment and face painting. Live music provided by Mallow Hill on Saturday and Nelly's Echo on Sunday. Food trucks will be on site both days. Tickets are for general admission to the festival; some activities require additional fees. $15 General Admission; FREE for children under 2. 10AM-6PM. Weber's Cider Mill Farm, 2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville. https://weberscidermillfarm.ticketspice.com/2026-fall-harvest-days

Maryland Renaissance Festival. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 50th season August 29th and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 25th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment in Crownsville, near Annapolis. 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. $31 Adults; $27 Senior; $17 Children (ages 7-15); FREE for children 6 & under (ticket still required). 10AM-7PM each day. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/

Mueveton + Babyfest 2026. A 5K plus health and fitness expo in Patterson Park. The event kicks off with a FREE 5K run/walk in the park. The first 100 people to register get a free t-shirt. The health and fitness expo will include health screenings, food, music, games and more! FREE. 9AM-12PM. Patterson Park Observatory, E Pratt St. at S Patterson Park Ave., Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/mueveton

Bel Air Festival for the Arts. The festival is one of the largest single day events in the Mid-Atlantic region. The festival hosts over 300 exhibitors of fine art, photography, and handmade crafts. This year marks the 59th annual festival! FREE admission. 9AM-5PM. Shamrock Park, 39 Hickory Ave., Bel Air. https://www.facebook.com/BAFA22/

Glass Art: Raven/Oriole Mosaic Tray. Create your very own decorative mosaic tray in this 2.5-hour workshop designed for ages 8+. Choose your favorite Baltimore bird and learn the art of mosaics and grouting. This workshop is beginner-friendly and is the perfect opportunity for anyone curious about the art of stained glass. $75. 1PM-3:30PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/glass-art-mosaic-tray/

17

Rescheduled Summer in the Squares: Cam Sounds & Vibrations. This is a rescheduled concert. Summer in the Squares returns with a great line up of performances featuring Baltimore's amazingly talented musicians. The performance features Cam Sounds & Vibrations, a contemporary jazz trio led by trumpetist and Baltimore native Cameron Sterrett. His taste for jazz music developed at 8 years old as his father played artists such as Miles Davis, Roy Hargrove, John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, and Cyrus Chestnut. As a teenager, he began to produce his own music and delve into making beats. Currently, he is co-owner of Dream1st Studios, a place to help local producers and artists like himself grow their network and fan base. During the weekday you can find Cameron Sterrett as a general music teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools. When the sun goes down, you can catch him playing jazz trumpet at sophisticated museums and coffee shops or in his studio producing music for the some of hottest rappers in Baltimore like Sheist, Benjiguwop, and Mecca. Most recently he has been working with rapper Igima on her latest project as well as playing solo shows with his band Cameron Sounds and Vibrations Quartet at The Peale Center for Baltimore History and Architecture. 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 West Square, 699 Washington Pl., Baltimore. https://www.facebook.com/events/1394585359232837

Urban Astronomy. Think city lights make stargazing impossible? Think again! Join the Science Center for Urban Astronomy, a special workshop where you'll get a guided tour of the nighttime sky—right from the roof of the Maryland Science Center. Using their observatory and smaller telescopes, you'll have the chance to view planets, bright stars, and other celestial highlights that shine through urban light pollution. Expert guides will point out visible constellations, share tips for stargazing in the city, and explain what makes the autumn sky unique. Come see what the city sky has to offer! Ages 8+. $25. 8PM-9PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/urban-astronomy/

18-20

St. Demetrios Greek Festival. Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church presents their 53rd Annual Greek Festival! Come join in a celebration of Greek culture, music and of course delicious food! The Greek Festival has something to offer everyone young and old. Taste the wonderful flavors of Greece, enjoy live folk dancing entertainment, listen to traditional Greek music, shop and explore the rich Greek culture! FREE admission. 5PM-10PM Friday; 12PM-11PM Saturday; 12PM-6PM Sunday. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2504 Cub Hill Rd., Baltimore. https://www.stdemetriosmd.org/festival/

Summer Sounds with Mambo Combo. Summer Sounds at the Square is sending off Summer with Baltimore’s favorite, Mambo Combo! The parking lot will be transformed into an open-air market, featuring food and beverage specials available for purchase from local favorites Atwater’s, Pono Taco, Bonjour Crepes, Kesh & Fresh, and Grand Cru Market Bar. FREE. 6PM-9PM. Belvedere Square, 529 E Belvedere Ave., Baltimore. https://belvederesquare.com/whats-up-at-the-square/summer-sounds/#

19-20

Baltimore Book Festival. The 27th annual Baltimore Book Festival will take place in the Waverly neighborhood (on 30th, 31st, and 32nd streets to the west of Greenmount Avenue). The festival was founded in 1996, inspired in part by Mayor Schmoke’s “The City That Reads” initiative. The 100% free festival features conversations and readings with hundreds of authors, and three blocks full of literary vendors, with something for people of all ages, including a dedicated children and teen stage. Enjoy authors, speakers and panelists on several different stages. View the full schedule through the link. FREE admission. 10AM-6PM. Waverly Neighborhood, 30th through 32nd Streets west of Greenmount Ave., Baltimore. https://baltimorebookfest.com/

Maryland Renaissance Festival. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 50th season August 29th and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 25th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment in Crownsville, near Annapolis. 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. $31 Adults; $27 Senior; $17 Children (ages 7-15); FREE for children 6 & under (ticket still required). 10AM-7PM each day. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/

Festival of India. A visually stunning celebration that will bring thousands of patrons to celebrate and take pride in Indian culture - art, music, dance, food, clothing, jewelry, crafts and more. This two-day cultural festival invites everyone to experience the richness of Indian heritage through arts, live performances, and community storytelling. Centering both folk and traditional arts, the event features hands‑on workshops and regional craft practices; dynamic performances spanning classical dance, folk traditions, and contemporary forms; and India’s culinary diversity. Guided by local artists, cultural practitioners, and members of Maryland’s Indian diaspora, the festival fosters cultural exchange, intergenerational learning, and community pride while transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of creativity, heritage, and shared humanity. The Shopping Bazaar will feature exhibitors from all over the East Coast who will be selling ethnic goods and services. The event will also feature Live Entertainment including DJ, Classical, Folk, and Bollywood Dance performances, Open Mic & Open Dance Floor, Henna, and the showstopper Fashion Show! The Kids' Corner will have balloons, face paint, and a magic show! FREE. 12PM-8PM Saturday; 11AM-7PM Sunday. Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd., West Friendship. https://www.festivalofbharat.org/

Breakfast with the Penguins. Rise and shine with the Zoo’s 90+ African penguins at the Penguin Coast exhibit. This exclusive VIP breakfast experience lets you explore penguin life in a private event before the Zoo opens. Enjoy dining al fresco beside our penguin exhibit! A full menu will be available as a freshly prepared buffet style meal. During breakfast, guests are treated to a special penguin keeper chat. Plus, they will help feed the penguins their first meal of the day! Don’t forget to bring your camera for this one-of-a-kind event. $75; $70 Members; FREE for Children under 2 but ticket still required. 9AM-10:30AM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/breakfast-with-the-animals/breakfast-with-the-penguins/

Hispanic Heritage Month at the Zoo. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Zoo. Featuring fun entertainment, community vendors and resources, Latin American Folkloric Dance groups and Zoo animals. Event is rain or shine, included with Zoo admission or Membership. FREE with zoo admission. 10AM-4PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/hispanic-heritage-at-the-zoo/celebramos/

Science Arcade. Science meets gaming for a full day of fun! Build your own games and play some of the Science Center's—they’re turning the Science Center into a Science Arcade. Make your way through the ultimate 8-bit obstacle course. Avoid the goombas and ghosts in a round of Super Mario Mini Golf. 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/

Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest. Get ready to experience Maryland's best seafood! Enjoy live music, cooking demos, beer, wine and cocktails, and of course, the food. $18 General Admission in advance; $20 General Admission at the door; $45 Wine, Beer & Spirits Tasting Ticket in advance; $50 Wine, Beer & Spirits Tasting Ticket at the door; $90 VIP in advance; $95 VIP at the door; $130 VIP plus half dozen steamed crabs in advance (not available at the door); FREE for ages 16 and under. 12PM-7PM. Concord Point Lighthouse, 701 Concord St., Havre de Grace. https://www.susquehannawineandseafoodfest.com/

Breakfast with the Giraffes. Rise and shine as this VIP experience takes you to the giraffe habitat before the Zoo opens. Enjoy dining al fresco while the giraffes curiously peek over at their visitors below. A full menu will be available as a freshly prepared buffet style meal. During breakfast, guests are treated to a special keeper chat. Last but not least, guests will help feed the giraffes their morning branch of acacia browse. Don’t forget to bring your camera, this is a unique opportunity to be up-close with the giraffes! $75; $70 Members; FREE for Children under 2 but ticket still required. 9AM010:30AM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/breakfast-with-the-animals/breakfast-with-the-giraffes/

Rescheduled Summer in the Squares: Simone Baron Quartet. This is a rescheduled concert. Summer in the Squares returns with a great lineup of performances featuring Baltimore's amazingly talented musicians. The performance features The Simone Baron Quartet, who brings together accordion, cello, trumpet, and percussion for an evening of original creative chamber music that moves freely and imaginatively between sound worlds. The music weaves together playful grooves with cinematic post romantic harmony, folk textures, with engaging and spontaneous interplay. The ensemble is excited to bring this project to the Mount Vernon community. 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 West Square, 699 Washington Pl., Baltimore. https://www.facebook.com/events/991870460404879

26-27

Maryland Renaissance Festival. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, begins its 50th season August 29th and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 25th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment in Crownsville, near Annapolis. 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. $31 Adults; $27 Senior; $17 Children (ages 7-15); FREE for children 6 & under (ticket still required). 10AM-7PM each day. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/

Breakfast with the Elephants. Rise and shine as this VIP experience takes you to the elephant exhibit before the Zoo opens. Enjoy breakfast while the elephants curiously peek at the guests! A full menu will be available as a freshly prepared buffet style meal. During the meal, guests are treated to a special elephant keeper chat. Last but not least, the keepers will give the elephants a special enrichment treat. Don’t forget to bring your camera to this unique dining event! $75; $70 Members; FREE for children under 2 but ticket required. 9AM-10:30AM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/breakfast-with-the-animals/breakfast-with-the-elephants/

Conservation Day - Field Work Tools & Techniques. Celebrate the importance of conservation field work at the Zoo’s Conservation Day! Learn how the Zoo and our conservation partners track and observe animals of all sizes, from box turtles to elephants. Join us for keeper chats, complete a scavenger hunt, and explore education stations throughout the Zoo. Conservation Day activities are included with your Zoo admission, all activities are weather dependent and subject to change. FREE with admission. 10AM-2PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/conservation-day/field-work-tools-techniques/

24th Annual Pigtown Festival. The 24th Annual Pigtown Festival is primed to be another event of Epic-Pork-Portions & you are invited! Over 7,000 visitors will stroll along Washington Boulevard to cheer on their favorite swine at "The Squeakness" Pig Races, dance to Dj sets at the “Pigtown Lounge”, jam out to live music on the main stage, pig out on delicious food, or local libations, shop at over 70 arts and crafts vendors and enjoy the largest KidZone of any Baltimore festival. FREE admission. 12PM-7PM. Pigtown Main Street, 793 Washington Blvd., Baltimore. https://www.pigtownmainstreet.org/

Trifecta Food Truck and Music Festival. Boasting 30+ 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. Attendees browse goods from local artisans and vendors, check out cool clothes and jewelry in several fashion trucks, and even try their 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. Prices listed increase on September 8. $39.99 General Admission; $70.89 Trifecta Ticket (early admission, infield parking); FREE for ages 12 and under. 12PM-10PM (Early Entry at 11AM). Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://www.trifectafestival.com/

Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks

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September