30+ Fun Things to Do in Baltimore this July

Baltimore heats up this July, starting with events celebrating America’s birthday, including the massive fireworks display over the Inner Harbor.

It’s finally outdoor movie season, with dozens of chances to catch golden oldies and recent hits under the stars. Enjoy one of the most popular series, Flicks from the Hill at the American Visionary Arts Museum, at its premiere party featuring the 1970 Gene Wilder classic, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

July is also one of the artiest months in Baltimore, thanks in part to Artscape, the largest free arts festival in America. Make your own art at any of the crafting events this month.

Summer is one of the best times to enjoy creative food and beverage events, like downtown’s Pints in the Park or a crab feast at Fort McHenry.

Fourth of July

Independence Celebration

July 2 | 7 a.m. – noon | Baltimore Famers’ Market & Bazaar
Join the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar—now in its 40th year—in celebrating our nation’s independence with special giveaways, a patriotic guest performance, and hands-on cooking classes.

Wit & Wisdom Fourth of July Bash

July 4 | 6 – 9:30 p.m. | Wit & Wisdom
Taste unlimited American classics prepared by Wit & Wisdom’s Executive Chef Zack Mills, including local flavors of the Chesapeake Bay, as you take in a panoramic view of the Inner Harbor. There will be an oyster-shucking station and an on-site snowball machine, plus face painting and other activities for children.

Independence Day Celebration

July 4 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Baltimore Museum of Industry
Watch the fireworks show from across the Inner Harbor at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Bring a picnic to this family-friendly event or purchase food and drink on site. Ticket includes parking for one car and admission for all passengers; advanced purchase required.

Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration

July 4 | 7 – 10 p.m. | Inner Harbor
Head to the heart of downtown Baltimore for the Mid-Atlantic’s biggest Fourth of July celebration. Enjoy live music from the Commodores U.S. Navy Jazz Ensemble at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater (Pratt and Light streets) at 7 p.m., and stay for a fireworks show choreographed to patriotic and contemporary music starting at 9:30 p.m.

The All American Bar Crawl

July 8 | 1 p.m. | Fell’s Point (registration at Fell’s Point Tavern)
Celebrate America’s birthday with a bar hop through Fell’s Point bars like Admiral’s Cup, Alexander’s Tavern, Todd Conner’s, and others. After registering, you’ll get a souvenir mug, patriotic party favors, and access to food-and-drink specials at participating bars. There will also be a raffle and prizes for the most festively dressed participants.

Concerts & Shows

Finding Neverland

July 1 – 2 | various times | Hippodrome Theatre
Directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus, Finding Neverland tells the story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. NPR called the production, “far and away the best musical of the year!”

Flicks from the Hill Premiere Party: “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” (1970)

July 6 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | American Visionary Art Museum
Enjoy all-you-can-enjoy beverages and food from Encantada, Golden West, SoBo Café, Sticky Rice, and Insomnia Cookies before the 2017 season of Flicks from the Hill kicks off with the 1970 classic “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.”

Cinema al Fresco — Open Air Film Festival

July 7, 14, and 21 | 7 p.m. | Ciao Bella Restaurant
Enjoy the ambiance of Little Italy and special carryout deals at restaurants as you watch an Italian-related feature film. Screenings this July include Moonstruck (July 7), Grease (July 14), and The Godfather (July 21). Free popcorn is provided.

David Blaine Live

July 8 | 8 p.m. | Hippodrome Theatre
Witness the illusions of modern magician David Blaine on his first-ever U.S. tour. Blaine promises to attempt brand-new feats as well as bring out some of the magic tricks that made him famous.

No Scrubs: 90s Dance Party

July 15 | 9 p.m. | Rams Head Live
Dance to your favorite guilty-pleasure pop songs and head-bang to underground classics at this ’90s dance party that has been going strong since 2003. Be sure to get there when doors open because this event typically sells out.

Summer Fest 2017

July 15 | Power Plant Live!
Celebrate summer in Baltimore with carnival games and contests; food trucks and local vendors; summer-themed food and drink specials; and live music from The Smooths and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

Idina Menzel

July 18 | 8 p.m. | The Modell Lyric
Known for her role in the musical drama TV series Glee and as the voice of Queen Elsa in Frozen, Idina Menzel will sing songs from her own personal catalog as well as other classic pop and musical theater favorites.

The Moody Blues

July 19 | 8 p.m. | Pier Six Pavillion
English rock band The Moody Blues have released 16 studio albums and have had 13 Billboard Top 40 hits throughout their 50-year history, including songs like “Nights in White Satin” and “In Your Wildest Dreams.”

The New Pornographers

July 20 | 7 p.m. | Rams Head Live!
Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers are touring in support of their new full-length album, Whiteout Conditions, the first release on the band’s own Collected Works Records.

Rock Ross

July 22 | 7 p.m. | Pier Six Pavilion
American rapper Rick Ross will stop in Baltimore along with supporting acts Monica, Fabolous, YFN Lucci, and Money Man.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

July 23 | 8 p.m. | Royal Farms Arena
American rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a nationwide tour that has a stop in Baltimore. Catch them while you can: Petty told Rolling Stone that this tour might be their “last big one.”

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert

July 27 – 29 | Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. | Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Immerse yourself in the magic of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as you watch a house elf make trouble, a car fly, a giant talking spider, a mysterious diary, and much more set to the iconic music you know and love from the film.

R. Kelly: The After Party Tour

July 29 | 8 p.m. | Pier Six Pavillion
American singer, songwriter, and record produce R. Kelly has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and has won three Grammy Awards. See his chart-topping singles like “Ignition” performed live at Pier Six Pavillion.

Fluid Movement Presents: Sharkespeare

July 29-30 | 5, 7 p.m. | Druid Hill Park Pool
Baltimore’s synchronized swimming troupe’s annual water ballet is an original story about Sharkespeare and his assistant Shakesbear herding their unruly crew of actors on- and off-stage at the Globe Theater Water Park and Renaissance Festival while trying to do justice to William Shakespeare’s work.

Creative & Cultural Activities

Develop Your Psychic and Intuition Powers

July 1 | 1 – 4 p.m. | Movement Lab
Psychic medium Debra Diamond will introduce you to the world of intuition at this workshop, where you’ll discover or enhance your psychic abilities. Learn telepathy, practice protection and grounding, discuss your senses, and learn how to access higher guidance for your life experience in experiential exercises.

Mount Vernon Cultural Walk (Guided Tour)

July 2 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Inner Harbor Visitor Center
Explore the fine architecture and world-renowned institutions along the Charles Street National Scenic Byway as you walk from the Baltimore Visitor Center in the Inner Harbor to the Washington Monument in the heart of Mount Vernon. Tours are offered on the first Sunday of each month (July through November).

Sondheim Finalists’ Talk

July 6 and July 8 | 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. | Walters Art Museum
Hear from the seven finalists for the Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize, which awards a $25,000 fellowship to assist in furthering the career of a visual artist or visual art collaborators living and working in the greater Baltimore region. Work from the finalists is on display at the Walters Art Museum from June 17 through August 13.

Yoga at the Zoo

July 9 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Get early access to the zoo for an hour-long Vinyasa-style yoga class right next to the penguin exhibit. After class you’ll get a complimentary beverage from Truly Spiked & Sparkling.

Boozy Succulent Building

July 12 | 6 – 8 p.m. | R. House
Grab discounted cocktails from Barr Hill and get to work on creating your own succulent planter to take home. Choose from a variety of repurposed and vintage planters, and learn everything there is to know about growing happy and health succulents.

Paint Nite: Under the Umbrella

July 14 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. | Baltimore Visitor Center
Join Paint Nite Baltimore at the Baltimore Visitor Center for a night of art and cocktails. An artist will lead your party through creating a 16 x 20” acrylic masterpiece that you get to bring home with you. No experience necessary.

Baltimore Caribbean Carnival

July 15 – 16 | noon – 10 p.m. (Saturday) and noon – 9 p.m. (Sunday) | Lake Clifton Park
Experience the sounds, sights, and tastes of the Caribbean at this annual festival, now in its 36th year. There will be international and local artists, arts and crafts vendors, food, and even a parade at noon on Saturday.

Summer Break Make & Take

July 18 – July 21 | 2 – 4 p.m. daily| American Visionary Art Museum
The American Visionary Art Museum’s education staff will open their classroom doors this July for special hands-on, drop-in art making workshops themed around food. All materials and inspiration will be provided, and you’ll leave with your own food-themed masterpiece.

Paint and Sip at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

July 19 | 5:30 p.m. | Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Get in touch with your creative—and maybe even animalistic—side as an instructor from Painted Palette Baltimore guides you through re-creating the night’s featured painting. Your ticket includes all of your art supplies and one complimentary beverage (water, soda, beer, or wine), plus a photo opportunity with a Maryland Zoo animal ambassador.

Make Night: Watercolor Atelier

July 20 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Walters Art Museum
In conjunction with the exhibition Training the Eye: 19th-Century Drawing, Fritz Briggs of the Schuler School will highlight some of the materials and techniques of 19th-century watercolor painting. Participants will hear from Walters staff about the exhibition and have the opportunity to make their own artwork.

Artscape

July 21 – 23 | Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. ; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Midtown, Bolton Hill and Station North Arts & Entertainment District neighborhoods
It’s not summer without Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival that features more than 150 fine artists, fashion designers, and craftspeople. The streets in the area are closed for outdoor exhibitions, art cars, live concerts, street theater, children’s entertainers, and plenty of food and beverage stands.

NAACP National Convention

July 22 – 26 | Baltimore Convention Center
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will hold its 108th annual convention in Baltimore. Around 8,000 people—including members from the NAACP’s 2,200 units across the world, business professionals, civil rights activists, and families—are expected to attend.

Food & Drink Events

Baltimore Beverage Passport

Through August 31 | citywide
Discover Baltimore’s flavor—and get special deals and discounts—as you collect stamps from bars, breweries and restaurants around town. Pick up a FREE Baltimore Beverage Passport at the Baltimore Visitor Center in the Inner Harbor; bring it back with at least 10 stamps and receive a complimentary glass.

World of Beer Summer Block Party Featuring Union

July 14 | 5 – 9 p.m. | World of Beer
Taste brews from Baltimore’s Union Craft Brewing as you enjoy a block party atmosphere in and outside of World of Beer. There will be food trucks, corn hole, a moon bounce, live music, and an 18-hole mini golf course.

Pints in the Park

July 14 | 5 – 8 p.m. | Center Plaza
This outdoor happy hour features live music, corn hole, Ping-Pong, local beer, and wood-fired pizza. There is no cover charge, but be sure to bring cash for beverages and food. The event is kid and pet friendly.

Sotto Sopra’s Opera Night

July 16 |6 – 9 p.m. | Sotto Sopra Restaurant
Enjoy a 5-course Italian dinner in Sotta Sopra’s 19th-century dining room while live opera performers regale you with their amazing voices. Advanced tickets are required.

Rum on the Roof: Lyn Distilling Co.

July 27 | 7 p.m. | Maryland Science Center
Taste several varieties of rum from Lyn Distilling Co. as you learn about the history and science of the rum-making process. The night includes an informal presentation, tasting, small bites, and views of Baltimore from the roof of the Maryland Science Center.

Fort McHenry Crab Feast

July 29 | 4 – 8 p.m. | Friends of Fort McHenry
Sit in the shade of the historic Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine as you sip on libations from Heavy Seas Brewery and Atlantic Wines, enjoy tunes of the Eastport Oyster Boys, and enjoy BBQ fare and Maryland crabs at this fourth annual feast. Proceeds benefit education and youth employment programs at Fort McHenry.