All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.
Interested in a family friendly events list? Check out Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks!
May
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
2-3
Flower Mart. Baltimore's oldest free public festival! This year’s festival features nearly 70 plant, craft, and food vendors, and nonprofits involved with the greening of the city. There will be educational workshops and lectures, musical performances on two stages and, of course, Lemon Sticks! In addition to a great line up of local musicians, the Conservancy has assembled 11 workshops and lectures on “green” themes. Stop in the Learning Pavilion and learn about flower arranging, observing nature through watercolor, hear about Hilton Carter’s latest book, or engage in a tasting of mead of gin made from botanicals. In addition to participating in two workshops in the Learning Pavilion, the National Aquarium will be hosting children and families in making native plant seed balls. Stop by the Aquarium’s booth to get nerdy with nature and learn about how you can support the health of the bay from your own backyard. All performances, lectures and workshops are FREE to attend. Check out the full list of programs and performances using the link. FREE admission. 11AM-8PM. Mount Vernon Place, 699 Washington Pl., Baltimore. https://mountvernonplace.org/flower-mart/
2
Adult Prom: Disco Rodeo. Dust off your boots and shine up your sequins—it’s time to hit the dance floor at Adult Prom! This year, the Zoo’s Mansion House Porch is transforming into the ultimate mashup of glitter, groove, and giddy-up for a night of high-energy fun. Round up your herd and get ready to two-step and hustle under the disco lights, with music, classic prom traditions, and a dazzling mix of cowboy cool and funky flair that’ll keep you dancing ‘til the cows come home! Ticket includes an open bar and appetizers, meet and greet with animal ambassadors, a DJ, dancing and prom court contest, photo opportunities, a silent auction and mechanical bull rides! Take your Disco Rodeo to a new level with an exclusive animal experience VIP add-on! $100; $30 VIP Farmyard Experience Add-On. 7PM-11PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/adult-prom/
Outdoor Spring Family Movie Night - Moana 2. A fun-filled evening at Foundry Row! Bring your family and friends to enjoy an exciting movie night. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and get cozy while watching Moana 2. All ticket proceeds go towards the Owings Mills Volunteer Fire Company. Registration is required–only one ticket is needed per family and gets you access to Balloon Art and a Swag Bag! (One swag bag per family.) More details sent upon registration. Check-in will begin at 7:30pm. The movie will begin at 8:00pm. $10 per family. 7:30PM. Foundry Row, 10100 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills. https://www.visitfoundryrow.com/events/outdoor-spring-family-movie-night/
3-4
Towsontown Spring Festival. Step right up to one of the largest festivals on the east coast! 2025 marks the 56th year and the festival is one you won’t want to miss. If you are a thrill-seeker, cotton candy eater, music lover, or just a Baltimore explorer, this is your kind of festival. Enjoy carnival rides, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, vendors and more. FREE admission. 10AM-8PM Saturday; 1PM-6PM Sunday. Located on Chesapeake, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Baltimore Avenues, Towson. https://www.towsontownfestival.com/
3
May Boat Lake Clean-Up. Join in cleaning up Patterson Park for May! This Saturday (the first Saturday of the month) the FIRST monthly boat lake clean up for 2025. Meet at the northeast corner of the lake, grab your tools, then spread out to pick up trash, pull trash out of the Lake, cut overgrown weeds, and anything else that needs to be done... You pick your job! Coffee, snacks, trash grabbers, gloves, nets and trash bags provided. Feel free to bring your own sunscreen, gloves and water bottle, if you like. If the event is canceled due to weather, you will be emailed using the email address you provide on sign up. Sign up using the link. FREE. 8AM-9AM. Patterson Park, Eastern Ave. at S Luzerne St., Baltimore. https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/web-admin/app/#/join-party?k=01lknk1kdrszlk
Kinetic Sculpture Race. Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race. Each May, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) produces and hosts the East Coast Kinetic Sculpture Race Championship on the shore of Baltimore’s Harbor in central Maryland. The eight-hour race covers 15 miles—mostly on pavement, but also including a trip into the Chesapeake Bay and through mud and sand. Race course runs from AVAM, through downtown, over to Little Italy, through Fells Point and over to Canton, up through Patterson Park, across Butchers Hill and Washington Hill, through Little Italy and downtown again, and ends back at AVAM in Federal Hill; see link for full race map. FREE. 9AM-7PM. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.avam.org/kinetic
Belvedere in Bloom. Belvedere in Bloom is returning to the Square! Shop local artists and craft makers, enjoy live music from Jimmy Solesky, and of course grab your favorites from the BSQ Merchants. Rain date is May 17. FREE admission. 12PM-3PM. Belvedere Square, 529 E Belvedere Ave., Baltimore. https://belvederesquare.com/event/belvedere-in-bloom-4/
BARCS Block Party. There’s so much fun to be had at the inaugural BARCS Block Party, presented by B’More Dogs Hon! This family-friendly event includes a variety of activities including putt putt golf stationed around the Avenue, a cornhole tournament and live music on the lawn, adoptable animals from BARCS, and wristbands to receive food and drink specials from participating businesses. Adult ticket includes entrance, putt-putt, and a wristband for food and drink specials; youth ticket includes entrance and putt-putt. $20 Adults; $10 Youth (under 18); $60 Cornhole Team Ticket (for 2 adults). 12PM-4PM. The Avenue at White Marsh, 8125 Honeygo Blvd., Nottingham. https://www.barcs.org/fundraising-events/barcs-block-party
Jedi Academy. Calling all young Padawans and wise Jedi Masters—spend the afternoon training in the Maryland Science Center’s Jedi Academy. Take on a series of Star Wars themed science and engineering challenges, brush up on your lightsaber skills, and make your escape from the Death Star before the Rebel Alliance makes it explode! FREE with paid admission. 12PM-4PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/jedi-academy/
Painted Screens Family Workshop. Painted screens are a unique Baltimore folk art. This workshop will include a short film on the history of the painted screen and early painted screen artists and a demonstration of the painted screen technique. Paint a small screen to take home with you based on provided designs or create your own! Suitable for all ages. $17; $12 Members. 1PM-2:30PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/painted-screens-family-workshop-may2025/
Super Science Sleepover - In a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Head to the Maryland Science Center for a night of family fun in a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Track down kyber crystals and use The Force to keep them balanced. Explore distant planets—from the galactic cities to the outer rim. Hone your computer science skills to find and defeat a cloaked Star Destroyer, and more! This event is intended for families with children ages 5+. Younger siblings are welcome to join, but are not permitted to sleep over. All attendees must purchase a ticket. Children must have an adult in their party. $65 Sleepover Ticket; $35 Pajama Party Ticket; FREE for children ages 0-2. 5:30PM-9AM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/super-science-sleepover-star-wars/
Dylan Tribute Night. After a 3-year hiatus, Creative Alliance is thrilled to welcome back theirincredible Bob Dylan tribute show. Dylan turns 84 this May, so come celebrate him. Once again, hosts are The Complete Unknowns, a special project devoted to interpreting Dylan’s songs, comprised of five veteran musicians from the tight Baltimore musical community. Lead by singer-songwriter Sam Nitzberg of The Old Part Of Town who has curated this and other tribute shows at the CA over the years, the band also includes lead guitarist Alex Queral (inDeadNation, Charm City Reactors, and a visual artist who’s shown his work at the Creative Alliance), Kirk Kness (Stewbone, Jerry Tripsters) on keyboards, Edward Graham (Soul Magnets) on bass, and drummer Jim Hannah (Boister, Caleb Stine, Rumba Club, and a multitude of other bands). This is not just another tribute band — just as Dylan’s done to keep things fresh in his own live performances, The Complete Unknowns’ sets feature quite a few revamped arrangements and reworkings from this deep and varied song catalog. Guest musicians will include some local favorites - The Honey Dewdrops, Zadia, Talbot Mayo and Canydman & the Baltimore Show. $35 General Admission; Discount offered on tickets for members. 7:30PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/dylan-tribute-night2025/
6
Julius Rodriguez. You can find Julius Rodriguez in many places. You could walk into a packed jazz haunt and bear witness to him behind the piano with energy practically surging from his fingers through the room. You might scroll up on social media and catch him alternating from drums to bass to guitar at the speed of a jump cut. You may also step onto festival grounds and see him on stage either solo or accompanying another likeminded visionary, jamming like his life depends on it. No matter where, the New York-born and Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer electrifies any lane. By doing so, he also transcends perceived boundaries between genres and styles, redefining the music to mirror his own fluid creative inclinations and delivering a sound that’s solely his alone. $30 General Admission; $20 Members; $15 Virtual. 7:30PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/julius-rodriguez-may2025/
8-11
Baltimore Greek Festival. Celebrating its 53rd year, the Baltimore Greek Festival brings Greek culture, food and wine to the community. Savor the finest homemade Greek food and pastries and enjoy family-friendly activities. Bring your dancing shoes and celebrate the music of Greece. Enjoy a Greek Happy Hour on Thursday from 5PM-9PM, the main festival Friday and Saturday from 11AM-9PM, and Sunday from 11AM-7PM. FREE admission; $20 Wines of Greece Tasting ticket (includes 5 Greek wine tastings). 5PM-9PM Thursday; 11AM-9M Friday & Saturday, 11AM-7PM Sunday. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W Preston St., Baltimore. https://annunciationbaltimore.org/Festival
8
Learning to Live Fully: Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation. Mindfulness practices to support ease and skillfulness in meeting the challenges of daily life. “Between the stimulus and response, there is a space. And in that space lies our freedom and power to choose our responses.” Victor Frankl. This monthly program will be sharing ways to meet the challenges of daily life by staying connected to choices without reacting to people and situations. This is an opportunity to discover well-being within your body and mind regardless of your situation. $10 suggested donation. 6:30PM-7:30PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/learning-to-live-fully-introduction-to-mindfulness-meditation2025-2025-03-13/2025-05-08/
Stoop Stories: Look for the Helpers. Join The Stoop for “Look for the Helpers: Stories about first responders, good neighbors, and unexpected heroes." Live music provided by The Honey Dewdrops. The Stoop Storytelling Series is a Baltimore-based organization that empowers individuals and builds community through the sharing of personal stories. The live shows and podcast feature everyday people telling the extraordinary true tales of their lives, and workshops offer skills and support for everyone to share their tales. $35 General Admission; Discount offered to members. 7PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/stoop-stories-look-for-the-helpers-may2025/
9-11
Baltimore Birding Weekend. It’s time to welcome back our warblers, orioles, tanagers, flycatchers and more during the annual Spring Baltimore Birding Weekend. There will be an exciting itinerary of bird watching field trips. Spring is the ideal time to catch a glimpse of international winged travelers as they stop by Baltimore’s green spaces for a brief visit on their way to summer nesting in the north! Enjoy guided walks or a boat ride to Hart-Miller Island to search for birds. Cost varies depending on activity. Friday through Sunday, times and locations vary. See link for more details: http://baltimorebirding.com/
10
Lock House Craft Beer & Wine Festival. A fun-filled day spent along the beautiful Susquehanna River in the shadow of the Lock House Museum. Beer & wine, lots of good food, live music featuring the Tumblehome Band and Samantha's Duo, artisan crafts, kiddie play area, cornhole, and hula hoops! People come for the beer & wine and stay for the vibe. This is a rain-or-shine event. All proceeds benefit the Lock House Museum for education and historic building upkeep. $40 Sampling Ticket includes souvenir cup and unlimited sampling; $15 General Admission; FREE for children. 11AM-5PM. Lock House Museum, 817 Conesteo St., Havre de Grace. https://www.thelockhousemuseum.org/2025-lock-house-beer-and-wine-festival
Baltimore's Wazobia Art & Cultural Festival. Come celebrate Baltimore’s Second WAZOBIA Arts and Cultural Festival! This vibrant event will celebrate the rich artistic and cultural diversity of our city, allowing families and community members to interact with local artists and musicians all while experiencing the energy and culture of the African Diaspora community. Join in for a day filled with creativity, inspiration, and community spirit as Baltimore comes together to honor art and heritage in a truly inclusive celebration. FREE. 1PM-5PM. City Springs Elementary/Middle School, 100 S Caroline St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baltimores-wazobia-art-cultural-festival-tickets-1215729943989
13-16
Sunrise Tours at Pimlico. Enjoy a free, guided 20-minute walking tour offering an insider look into Thoroughbred racing. You will have an opportunity to: watch Preakness contenders during morning workouts; meet a jockey and learn about their gear and training; visit the Starting Gate, Stakes Barn and Paddock; talk with trainers, owners and special guests; see the Baltimore Police Mounted Unit; and visit the Winners Circle and meet owners of retired racehorses. Tours run continuously from 6am-9am Tuesday to Friday, with last registration at 8:45am. Friday tours are the most popular-come earlier in the week if possible. FREE. 6AM-9AM. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore. https://www.preakness.com/pimlico-tours
15
Alibi Breakfast. The Alibi Breakfast is a tradition steeped in turf lore. Dating back to the 1930s, it’s where champions are celebrated, rivalries are renewed, and the stage is set for an unforgettable Preakness weekend. Join horsemen, media, and racing enthusiasts for the 150th Preakness Stakes Alibi Breakfast at the historic Pimlico Race Course in the Terrace Dining Room and Hall of Fame Dining Room. $67 General Admission. 9AM-11:30AM. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore. https://www.preakness.com/alibibreakfast
May Tree Care. Help care for young trees in Patterson Park! Meet in the park to weed and mulch the young trees that have been planted in the last couple of years in the middle of the park. No experience is necessary! Organizers will have the supplies, they just need the hands. (Dress to get dirty.) In the case of inclement weather (rain, bad air quality, tornado, blizzard, etc) those who have registered will be emailed to let them know if the event is canceled. Sign up using the link provided; meet location to be shared soon. FREE. 6PM-7:30PM. Patterson Park, Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/parkcalendar
16-17
150th Preakness Weekend. Celebrate the legacy and iconic history of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes as part of an incredible weekend that features the finest contenders in Thoroughbred horse racing. As the Middle Jewel of the coveted Triple Crown, the Preakness returns as Baltimore’s biggest and most luxurious entertainment and curated hospitality experience. From indoor dining in the Grandstand to premium outdoor viewing from the 1/ST Finish Line Suites and the famous Turfside Terrace, guests will enjoy everything the Preakness has to offer. The Infield Fan Zone will be hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Ticket prices and times of events vary - see link for details. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore. https://www.preakness.com/
16
Mud to Music: Clay Flute Making. Musical instruments have helped us communicate and express ourselves since the dawn of human culture. Learning about the musical instruments of the ancient Americas and building and playing our own unique instruments helps us to awaken the memory of our connection to nature, cultivate presence through working with clay, and experience joy through sound and music-making. In this hands-on workshop you will learn about ceramic musical instruments that have been made across Central and South America for thousands of years and learn to build your own working clay flutes. All materials, supplies and firing are included. No previous experience with clay, instruments, or music is needed! Ages 15+ $20 Registration; $18 Members. 6PM-9M. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/mud-to-music-clay-flute-making-w-melissa-hyatt-foss-may2025/
Interactive Movie Night: Pulp Fiction. Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction has been the number 1 requested Interactive Movie Night for several years and Creative Alliance is finally making it happen! Shout the lines with Jules and Vincent, enter the Jack Rabbit Slims twist contest, play the Pulp Fiction games, and more! Themed attire is encouraged, however no real or realistic looking weapons will be allowed at this event. Event is 21+. $24 General Admission; $20 Members. 8PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/interactive-movie-night-pulp-fiction/
21
Luciane Dom from Rio de Janeiro. Multilingual singer, songwriter and producer, Dom is part of a new generation of contemporary artists from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil who bring poetic themes such as Black diaspora, feminism, empowerment, as well as social reflections that impact the construction of their emotions. Luciane Dom is a dynamic artist with a growing global footprint in the music industry. $30 General Admission, Discount offered for Members; $15 Virtual. 7:30PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/luciane-dom-from-rio-de-janeiro/
23
"Celebrity Wisdom" with Heather Moyer. What happens when you combine celebrity memoirs with improv comedy scenes? Celeb-hilarity. Come hear excerpts from Matthew McConaughey, Paris Hilton, Suzanne Somers, and more — then watch some of the best improvisers in Baltimore create comedy scenes on the spot! $25; Discount offered for Members. 8PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/celebrity-wisdom-w-heather-moyer/
24-25
Brew at the Zoo. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Baltimore’s wildest beer festival! Enjoy your favorite craft brews while wandering through the Zoo and encountering incredible animals, all in support of the Zoo's largest fundraiser of the year. With so much excitement planned, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Plus, every ticket supports animal care and wildlife conservation efforts. Tickets include all day admission to the Zoo, unlimited sampling, live music, access to food and vendors, a watermelon eating competition and an elephant watermelon smash. Upgrade to a Roar & Pour Pass and enhance your festival experience. Passes include exclusive merch, private parking, a food truck voucher, and more! $70 Sampling Ticket; $40 Non-Drinking Ticket; $85 Super Sipper (larger sampling cup); $116 Roar & Pour Pass (Saturday); Animal Experiences available with additional ticket purchase. 1PM-7PM Saturday & Sunday. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/brew-at-the-zoo/
24
Can I Kick It? Monkey Man. Hip Hop beats vs Cult Classics! Can I Kick It? screens cult classics and contemporary martial arts/action favorites while DJ 2-Tone Jones live scores the film, scene-by-scene, with a blend of genres such as hip hop, soul, and funk. Get ready to experience the thrilling and thought-provoking debut film from Dev Patel, Monkey Man. Presented in partnership with Can I Kick It, this screening features Jordan Peele’s unmistakable touch as producer, ensuring a unique cinematic experience that blends edge-of-your-seat action with sharp social commentary. $20 General Admission; $15 Members. 8PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/can-i-kick-it-monkey-man/
30
Music Under The Dome: David Bowie. Sit back, relax, and blast off to the far reaches of the galaxy with Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars! Freak out in a moonage daydream as planetarium operators zoom you through the cosmos. Sing along all the way to Suffragette City and boogie among the constellations—’cause you know it’s all worth while. Music Under the Dome is an immersive planetarium experience featuring in-house curated imagery set to a music playlist. Each show is uniquely developed to complement the soundtrack, and is only available at the Maryland Science Center. Check in for the show early and enjoy a complimentary happy hour, complete with adult beverages, special science demonstrations, and access to space exhibits. 21+ event. $35. 7PM-10PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/david_bowie/
31
Pours for Paws. The 5th annual Pours for Paws, presented by Jenner Law, will include beer sipping, spirits and cocktail sampling, live music, vendor market, games and a snuggle 'sesh with adoptable dogs from BARCS! Tickets include unlimited drink samples, live music and games. Food trucks will be onsite for food purchases. Upgrade to a VIP for early admission (12PM), lunch from Blue Pit BBQ, a full size collective glass, one full pour of your choice and exclusive tastings. $40 General Admission; $70 VIP; rices increase by $5 if purchased at the door. 12PM-4PM. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt St., Baltimore. https://www.barcs.org/fundraising-events/pours-for-paws
Farmers' Markets
Baltimore Farmers' Market. Nestled at the intersection of Jones Falls Expressway (JFX) and Holliday and Saratoga Streets, discover the essence of local flavors and creativity at the Baltimore Farmers’ Market, Maryland’s premier producer-only market. Indulge in a diverse range of fresh produce, artisanal meats, dairy, and seafood. Explore an array of handcrafted goods, from clothing and home furnishings to bath products and unique artworks. Immerse yourself in a vibrant community hub where you can shop for everything from nourishing essentials to one-of-a-kind treasures, all while supporting local vendors and celebrating the heart of Baltimore’s culture. The Baltimore Farmers’ Market takes place rain or shine every Sunday, April through December from 7AM-12PM (quiet shopping hours from 7AM-9AM). Holliday & Saratoga Sts., Baltimore. https://farmersmarketbaltimore.org/
Fells Point Farmers' Market (year-round). Located at the corner of Broadway and Thames Streets in historic Fell’s Point, this market is a long-standing tradition. (You can still see the old stall numbers etched in the curbs surrounding Broadway Square). Stop by for grab-and-go bites, fresh produce and spirits from local distillers. Located just blocks away from downtown hotels, it’s also easily accessible from Water Taxi Landing 11. Open Saturdays, December through April, from 9AM-12:30PM; May through November from 8AM-12:30PM. Broadway & Thames Streets, Baltmore. http://www.fellspointfarmersmarket.com/
Pratt Street Market. Looking for an exceptional lunchtime experience? All the things to eat, from sweet and savory to everything in-between, as well as local artisans and small businesses selling art clothing, jewelry and other goods! Check it out beginning May 1st through October on Thursdays from 11AM-2PM. Located at Pratt and Light Sts., Baltimore. https://godowntownbaltimore.com/prattstreetmarket/
32nd Street Farmers' Market (year-round). The Waverly Farmers Market is more than a source of good food, it’s also the Charles Village social event of the week. Open year-round, rain or shine, the market provides fresh fruit and veggies, thick slabs of meat ready for the barbecue as well as baked goods and preserves, among other culinary delights. Open Saturdays 7AM-12PM, all year long. Located in the parking lot at the intersection of E 32nd Street & Barclay Street, Baltimore. https://www.32ndstreetmarket.org/map/