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

October

2-4

ZooBOO! Celebrate the fall season with the Maryland Zoo's annual ZooBOO! festival! This year’s festivities will span several weekends throughout the month of October and will include exciting seasonal activities. Enjoy an inflatable corn maze, pumpkin patch, seasonal crafts, sack races, costume contests, food trucks and vendors, face painting, trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo, visits from Zoo mascots, and more! Halloween costumes are encouraged all month long! ZooBOO! is included with Zoo admission. FREE. 10AM-4PM each day. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/zoobooo/

Fell's Point Fun Festival. Celebrate 60 years of FUN with the Fell's Point Fun Festival! The Fell's Point Fun Festival began in 1967 as a fundraiser to raise money to fight against a project that would have linked 1-83 and 1-95 and demolished an extensive area of Fell's Point. Thanks to the initial organizers of this festival the neighborhood fought back and Fell's Point as we know it was saved. Since then, the Annual Fell's Point Fun Festival has grown to cover 6 city blocks in the heart of this beautiful historic, eclectic, and unique neighborhood. Enjoy three days of food, drinks, vendors, music, family fun and community for this special festival. FREE admission; Drink Ticket packages available for purchase (see link). 5PM-9PM Friday; 11AM-7PM Saturday & Sunday. Fell's Point, Thames St. from Caroline St. To S Wolfe St., Baltimore. https://www.fellspointfest.com/

3-4

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/

3

Grown-Up & Me: Magic for Little Ones. In this special magic class for preschool and kindergarteners, School of Magic Arts will help little ones as they take their first exploration of stage magic. Students will get to dress up like real magicians for storytime and make a magic craft. After that, they’ll learn their very first magic trick (with the help of their grown-up!). “Grown-Up and Me:” Magic for Little Ones is an awesome and unique bonding experience that they won’t soon forget. $20; $17 Members. 10AM. Creative Alliance Creativity Studio, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/grown-up-and-me-magic-for-little-ones/

Costume Creations. Learn the basics of costume design and tips for building props and other accessories—just in time for trick-or-treat season! Participants will focus on crafting their own helmet, mask or headdress using a personalized template to insure it fits perfectly. Add the finishing touches on your handmade masterpiece by using a variety of painting techniques and cardboard props for a little extra flair. This workshop will require two people working together to create one piece (fit to one of the participants). The pair can either be an adult and child or two adults. Admission to the exhibits is not included. All necessary supplies are provided. $40. 10:15AM-12:15PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/costume-creations/

Baltimore by Baltimore - The Capsule: A BxB Homecoming. Baltimore by Baltimore is a grassroots music and makers festival dedicated to showcasing the city’s vibrant creative communities. Each Baltimore by Baltimore festival is produced by a leader representing a different artistic or cultural community in Baltimore, and they bring together musicians, performers, small businesses, and organizations to program the event. This unique producer model allows us to pass the mic to different communities in our city and showcase a diverse array of talent, genres, and vibes. Before the festival finishes the season, they are giving Harborplace the send-off it deserves! Their very own arts council, Create Baltimore, and civic storytelling agency for the city of Baltimore CharmTV, will take over the amphitheater one last time tapping into the nostalgia of Harborplace and the spirit of Homecoming season for a timeless display of art, music, and community! FREE. 12PM-7PM. Inner Harbor Ampitheater, 201 E Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/baltimore-by-baltimore

Glass Art: Mosaic Crab Tray. Piece together a mosaic tray! Create your very own decorative mosaic crab tray in this 2.5-hour beginner friendly workshop designed for ages 8+. This workshop is the perfect opportunity for anyone curious about the art of stained glass and grouting. Cost does not include exhibit admission, however reduced admission tickets are available to participants. All necessary materials provided. $75. 1PM-3:30PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/glass-art-crab-tray/

Market on Main: The Fall Edit. Fall vibes are officially here! Enjoy this festive fall edition of Market on Main featuring local makers, unique finds, good eats + sips, and a full day of autumn fun! Expect live music, face painting, pumpkin decorating, balloon art and more! FREE admission. 10AM-4PM. Hunt Valley Towne Center, 118 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.shophuntvalley.com/events/market-on-main/

Honey Harvest Festival. This event is the bees’ knees — a sweet celebration of honeybees, fall harvest traditions, and local artisans. This family-friendly festival brings together food, music, crafts, and nature. Guests can enjoy honey extractions, encounter local wildlife, explore the history of Oregon Ridge, and shop from regional vendors and honey producers. $5. 11AM-5PM. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation-and-parks/events/honey-harvest-festival-oregon-ridge-nature-center-0

Clay & Sound: A Family Rattle-Making Workshop. Explore the magic of sound and clay in this hands-on, intergenerational rattle-making workshop for children ages 7+ and their parents or caregivers. Together, participants will discover ancient musical instruments of the Americas and explore how rattles have long been used for storytelling, celebration, and connection across cultures and time. Working side by side, caregivers and children will learn easy, step-by-step hand-building techniques and experiment with sound, texture, and form to create their own unique instruments. This welcoming, collaborative workshop invites families to slow down, make together, and create handmade rattles that carry ancient history and a shared creative memory. No prior experience with clay, instruments or music is needed. All materials, tools and instrument firing included. $18; $15 Members. 12PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/clay-sound-family-rattle-workshop-english/

9-11

ZooBOO! Celebrate the fall season with the Maryland Zoo's annual ZooBOO! festival! This year’s festivities will span several weekends throughout the month of October and will include exciting seasonal activities. Enjoy an inflatable corn maze, pumpkin patch, seasonal crafts, sack races, costume contests, food trucks and vendors, face painting, trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo, visits from Zoo mascots, and more! Halloween costumes are encouraged all month long! ZooBOO! is included with Zoo admission. FREE. 10AM-4PM each day. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/zoobooo/

9-10

Maryland State BBQ Bash. The MD State BBQ Bash is a barbecue themed street festival featuring the Maryland State BBQ Championship, with more than 25 competition teams from the Mid-Atlantic area and beyond competing for cash prizes and the chance to compete in the annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, TN and The American Royal in Kansas City, MO. In addition, 40 amateur teams will compete in the MD State BBQ Bash Tailgate Challenge to see who has the best ribs and chicken while competing for cash, prizes, and bragging rights. For more than 20 years, the MD State BBQ Bash has grown to be one of the largest, most fun, and most anticipated events of the year in Downtown Bel Air. Great food, great music, great people, the Maryland State Barbecue Championship, and the MD State BBQ Bash Tailgate Challenge have combined to create a tradition that you will want to be a part of this year and in the years ahead. See link for event map and music schedule. There is free parking all around downtown Bel Air on the weekends, and there will be a shuttle bus running from Bel Air Elementary School (30 E Lee St) and Homestead Wakefield Elementary School (900 S Main St). Admission is free; food, drinks and more available for purchase. FREE admission. 4PM-10PM Friday; 12PM-10PM Saturday. Downtown Bel Air, 2 S Bond St., Bel Air. https://downtownbelair.com/events/md-state-bbq-bash/

Pokémon Party. Pikachu, I choose you! Calling all pokémon trainers, masters, and enthusiasts! Grab your Pokédex and embark on a journey to the Maryland Science Center for an overnight adventure. Legend has it, there are pokémon hiding around every corner of the Science Center—and you gotta catch ’em all! Build and test Pokéball launchers, explore Ditto slime and create an evolution kaleidocycle. Battle and trade in the dedicated TCG arena and access a gym and multiple Pokéstops all from the comfort of your sleeping bag before lights-out! $71.21 Super Science Sleepover; $39.19 Pajama Party Only (no sleepover); FREE for children under 3 (no sleepover). 5:30PM-9AM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/pokemon-party/

Urban Astronomy. Take a tour of the stars above Baltimore! City lights might make stargazing seem impossible, but with the right tools and expert guidance, you may be surprised to find out what is visible in the nighttime sky above our urban center. Using the Maryland Science Center’s rooftop observatory and a few smaller telescopes, you will have the chance to view planets, bright stars, and other celestial highlights that shine through urban light pollution. This is a facilitated experience intended for adults and children ages 8+. Expert guides will point out visible constellations, share tips for stargazing in the city, and explain what makes the autumn sky unique. $25. 8PM-9PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/urban-astronomy/

10-11

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 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 for members; FREE for children under 2 (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/

Fall Harvest and Arts Festival. An outdoor celebration of migrating raptors, live birds of prey demonstrations, food trucks, art vendors, live music, fall family activities, and crafts. $5 per vehicle. 10AM-4PM. Cromwell Valley Park, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd., Parkville. https://baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation-and-parks/events/fall-harvest-and-arts-festival-cromwell-valley-park

Lantern Making. Come create your favorite Patterson Park animal lantern with Creative Alliance! Maybe a duck, squirrel, or Oriole bird? Create a glowing lantern in these special workshops at Creative Alliance, then bring them to march in Baltimore’s only Great Lantern Parade in Patterson Park! All ages welcome, all supplies provided. FREE; $5-$10 suggested donation. 12PM-3PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/lantern-making/2026-10-10/

Spooky Science. Explore the mystical magic of Halloween with science! Calling all witches, wizards, and warlocks—gather on over to the Maryland Science Center for an afternoon filled with magical science fun! Create your own wearable amulet. Learn about the Science Center's favorite special effects using magic—well, science. Cast a spell to over a color-changing potion. And many more secrets hidden throughout the building! FREE with paid admission. 12PM-4PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/spooky-science/

Das Best Oktoberfest. Maryland's oldest running craft beer festival is now built for families too! Complete with two crazy pumpkin drops and a fall carnival. Plus craft beers, wines, ciders and schnapps will fill up your souvenir glass as you enjoy this day long festival in the infield. Bier ist wunderbar! $75 VIP Admission (12PM entry); $45 General Admission (1PM entry); $20 Carnival Ride Tickets Add-On; $10 Pumpkin Drop Seed-Ball Add-On. 12PM-5PM. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://baltimore.dasbestoktoberfest.com/

Oktoberfest in Havre de Grace. Oktoberfest is back and bigger than ever in beautiful Havre de Grace! Get ready to raise a stein because one of Harford County’s most anticipated autumn traditions is returning to Concord Point Park. Immerse yourself in authentic German culture with famous German beer and delicious, traditional German fair by Prost! Enjoy the lively atmosphere as the Enzian Volkstanzgruppe & Enzian Kapelle bring the house down with spirited German music and dazzling dancers. Explore a diverse selection of local food trucks, enjoy fine wine, and brouse unique merchandise and craft vendors. FREE. 12PM-7PM. Concord Point Park, 700 Concord St., Havre de Grace. https://explorehavredegrace.com/event/oktoberfest-in-havre-de-grace-4/

Potions Workshop. School of Magic Arts celebrates Creative Alliance's favorite holiday with their popular Potions Workshop! Take a slightly spooky, slightly silly journey into the world of chemical-reaction-based stage magic. You’ll be making astonishing potions that grow, vanish, and even do color changes. Your monsters will be the hit of the block as they show off their new skills for Halloween! $35; $30 Members. 2PM-3PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/potions-workshop/

Celebrate a Baseball Legend: Chuck Thompson. Step into the world of baseball and Baltimore history at Hunt Valley Towne Centre. Join Hunt Valley Towne Centre & PressBox as they honor legendary broadcaster Chuck Thompson and introduce a new generation to the voice, passion, and spirit he brought to baseball and Baltimore. Chuck Thompson helped bring the game to life for generations of fans. Now, Hunt Valley Towne Center and PressBox are bringing that same energy and hometown spirit to a day filled with fun, family, music, and memories! Hosted by Stan “The Fan” Charles, a former friend of Chuck Thompson, joined by those who knew him best this event will include baseball-inspired fun & memorabilia from The Babe Ruth Museum, face painting, refreshing sips by The Greene Turtle, live music and family-friendly fun for all ages. Whether you remember Chuck Thompson from his iconic broadcasts or are discovering his name for the very first time, come learn about the man behind the voice and the incredible mark he left on Baltimore sports. FREE admission. 3PM-6PM. Hunt Valley Towne Center, 118 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.shophuntvalley.com/events/celebrate-a-baseball-legend-chuck-thompson/

Movies on Main. Make it a night the whole family will love! Enjoy a free, family friendly film under the open sky - this month the movie is Hocus Pocus! Perfect for a relaxing night out. Bring your crew and lawn chairs, grab a spot and enjoy the show. FREE admission. 6:30PM (sunset). Hunt Valley Towne Center, 118 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.shophuntvalley.com/events/movies-on-main/

Urban Astronomy. Take a tour of the stars above Baltimore! City lights might make stargazing seem impossible, but with the right tools and expert guidance, you may be surprised to find out what is visible in the nighttime sky above our urban center. Using the Maryland Science Center’s rooftop observatory and a few smaller telescopes, you will have the chance to view planets, bright stars, and other celestial highlights that shine through urban light pollution. This is a facilitated experience intended for adults and children ages 8+. Expert guides will point out visible constellations, share tips for stargazing in the city, and explain what makes the autumn sky unique. $25. 7:30PM-8:30PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/urban-astronomy/

Danny Joe's Haunted Tree House Live. Halloween is coming and Teddy Bear has a lot of big questions about what is real and what is pretend on Halloween night. Thankfully, his favorite preschool teacher, Danny Joe, knows just how to explain the sometimes scary and sometimes silly traditions of Halloween through the language of play. Join for a not-too-spooky, super-silly Halloween on-stage episode of Danny Joe’s Tree House, live from Creative Alliance! They’re taking a Rocky Horror Picture Show meets Svengoolie-inspired approach to make this an extra-interactive Halloween spectacular with singing, dancing, games, silliness, and plenty of opportunities to join in the fun. One lucky little monster will get the chance to spin Tubeystein’s Wheel of Spooky Tricks & Treats! Kids + grownups: Come in Costume! Dress like a monster, witch, ghost, superhero, princess, dinosaur, or whatever your wonderfully weird imagination dreams up. So grab your costume, bring your favorite grownup, and get ready for some tricks, treats, tunes, and totally kid-friendly Halloween fun. No tricks, just treats at Danny Joe’s Tree House! $17 Adults; $12 Children; Discount for Members. 11:30AM-1PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/danny-joes-haunted-tree-house-live/

Clay & Sound: A Family Rattle Making Workshop. Explore the magic of sound and clay in this hands-on, intergenerational rattle-making workshop for children ages 7+ and their parents or caregivers. Together, participants will discover ancient musical instruments of the Americas and explore how rattles have long been used for storytelling, celebration, and connection across cultures and time. Working side by side, caregivers and children will learn easy, step-by-step hand-building techniques and experiment with sound, texture, and form to create their own unique instruments. This welcoming, collaborative workshop invites families to slow down, make together, and create handmade rattles that carry ancient history and a shared creative memory. No prior experience with clay, instruments or music is needed. All materials, tools and instrument firing included. $18; $15 Members. 12PM-2PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/clay-sound-family-rattle-workshop-spanish/

Lantern Making. Come create your favorite Patterson Park animal lantern with Creative Alliance! Maybe a duck, squirrel, or Oriole bird? Create a glowing lantern in these special workshops at Creative Alliance, then bring them to march in Baltimore’s only Great Lantern Parade in Patterson Park! All ages welcome, all supplies provided. FREE; $5-$10 suggested donation. 4PM-7PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/lantern-making/2026-10-21/

23-25

24-25

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/

Fright Reads Book Festival. Terrify yourself at Fright Reads Book Festival! Veteran-owned and operated, this festival of horror, science fiction, fantasy, dystopia, and thrillers will have you screaming with delight! Featuring authors, actors, artists, and creators of all kinds, this event is family-friendly and full of spine-tingling fun! $25 General Admission Saturday; $20 General Admission Sunday; $40 General Admission Weekend Pass; $65 VIP Saturday; $60 VIP Sunday; $110 VIP Weekend Pass; FREE for children 12 & under. 12PM-6PM both days. Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd., West Friendship. https://www.frightreads.com/

Fall, Fun, and Frights. Experience family-friendly autumn charm at Baltimore County’s working farm with hayrides, cuddly critters, and — for those who dare — the haunted barn. FREE. 10AM-4PM. Ag Center and Farm Park, 1114 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation-and-parks/events/fall-fun-and-frights-ag-center-and-farm-park-0

The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & The Dia de los Muertos Festival. With over 20 years of monumental lantern making and spectacle-creating under their belts, the diverse communities of Baltimore come together each year to create The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade and Festival in Patterson Park! Festival begins at 4PM, Parade is at 7PM. FREE. 4PM. Patterson Park, Pulaski Monument, Eastern Ave. at S Linwood Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/the-great-baltimore-lantern-parade-the-dia-de-los-muertos-festival/

30-31

Trail or Treat. Gather treats as you venture deeper into the Marshy woods. Encounter frights along the way. Costumes are welcome! $3 per person. 11AM-1PM. Marshy Point Nature Center, 7130 Marshy Point Rd., Middle River. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation-and-parks/events/trail-or-treat-marshy-point-nature-center

Tricks and Treats on the Ridge. Dress up in your best costume and stroll through the woods and meadow to learn about the tricks plants and animals have up their “leaves”. Participants will get a treat at each stop so bring your treat bag. Hike is approximately one-half mile. Advance registration is required. Groups will leave from the Nature Center in 15-minute intervals. $3. 5PM-9PM. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation-and-parks/events/tricks-and-treats-ridge-oregon-ridge-nature-center

Breakfast with the Elephants: Halloween. Join the Zoo for this special Halloween edition of their famous breakfast series! Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet alongside the elephant exhibit while the elephants receive some fun Halloween enrichment treats. During breakfast, guests will be treated to a special keeper chat. Don’t forget to bring your camera to this unique dining event! $75; $70 Members; FREE for children under 2 (ticket still required). 9AM-10:30AM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/breakfast-with-the-animals/breakfast-elephants-pumpkin-smash/

Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks

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October