Summer is a great time for festivals. The sun is up longer, the weather is warm and you have more free time on your hands. They are also a cheap but fun way to gain new experiences or connect with others over a topic you love. Food, music, fashion, fun, it’s all a part of a summer festival.
Baltimore has some of the biggest and most unique festivals in the country. The African American Festival, Caribbean Festival, Honfest and Artscape have already passed, but there is still plenty to look forward to. Here are some festivals you should visit to spice up your summer before it ends.
Baltimore Pride
Baltimore Pride is a colorful and joyous occasion where thousands gather to celebrate the LGBTQ community of the city. Baltimore Pride has grown from a small rally to an immense festival of over 30,000 visitors. This year’s Pride Festival will feature live music performances, drag performances, and a kid-friendly Family Zone. The highlights of the weekend will be the Pride Parade and the Pride Block Party both happening on July 23. For more information on the lively party visit www.baltimorepride.org.
Baltimore Improv Festival
This summer festival is sure to make your sides hurt from laughing. The 10th Annual Baltimore Improv Festival will feature seven nights of comedy shows and improv workshops for people with all levels of experience. You can catch the fun from July 25-31 at the Baltimore Theater Project. The Improv performance groups will come not only from Baltimore, but from across the United States. There is a ticket cost for each show and the workshops, but all proceeds will fund the Baltimore Improv Group’s non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.baltimoreimprovfestival.org.
Galactic Con
If you need a warm-up before Comic-con, Galactic con is where you want to be on July 31. The book festival will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Columbia in Columbia, Maryland. There is a ticket price to enjoy the festival, however once in, you will be able to enjoy comic book artists, vendors and much more. Get dressed up or come as you are, but bring the whole family to enjoy the action. Visit www.galactic-con.com for more information.
Fields Festival
If you love music, and you love arts and you ALSO happen to love camping, then Baltimore has the festival for you. The Fields Festival is for camping enthusiasts who want to enjoy the fun of camping with others. The Fields Festival will feature more than 100 musicians, performing arts showcases, plays, poetry, comedy and even more entertainment. Visitors will get a full camping experience for the price of an $84 ticket. They can bring their own tent and camping gear or use the cabins and items supplied. The event is strictly 18 and over and no pets are allowed. For more information, campers should head to www.fieldsfestival.com.
Vegan Soulfest
The largest vegan festival in Baltimore will be held Aug. 20 to celebrate the benefits of being a vegan. It’s a delicious combination of food, entertainment, guest speakers and information. Vegans, non-vegans and the “vegan-curious” are all invited to enjoy the festivities. Located at the Baltimore City Community College, Vegan Soulfest is completely free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.vegansoulfest.com.
Renaissance Festival
The Medieval era was an intriguing time of knights,minstrels and princesses. Those who want to experience that time will have a blast if they attend the Maryland Renaissance Festival. The festival is held outside of Annapolis from August to October. Visitors are encouraged to dress in traditional 16th century clothing but regular clothing is still allowed. From archery, jousting and maypole dancing to comedic acts and stage plays of the period, there’s sure to be fun for everyone. More information can be found at www.rennfest.com.
For more festivals, go to www.everfest.com/maryland/baltimore-festivals.
