Find Your Park

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As the U.S. National Park Service celebrates its 100^th birthday this year, visitors will discover national parks, trails, an array of city parks and many other special events. With so much to experience, you can be sure to Find Your Park in Baltimore with the following 10 events and festivals happening in Baltimore’s beautiful parks this summer and fall.

Fort! Flag! Freedom!
Through August 28, Daily
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Join the Fort this summer to witness exciting “hands on history”! Help hoist the grand Star-Spangled Banner flag over the ramparts, be a member of a cannon crew or take part in one of the Fort’s ranger-led programs daily through August 28. On Wednesdays through Sundays (and on Saturdays and Sundays through September 11), visitors can witness living history programs and hear the Fort’s nationally recognized fife and drum corps, while kids can learn about flag making, fashions from 1814 (even try on replica uniforms!) and take part in other hands-on learning activities in the Fort’s “Citizens Stand & Young Defenders” program.

July 4th Commemoration with Presentation by “Frederick Douglass”
July 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Held inside the historic fort, Michael Crutcher, noted actor, and famous for his accurate portrayal and scholarship of Frederick Douglass, will deliver Douglass’ famous speech “The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro.” Originally given in Rochester, New York in 1852, it challenges Americans to deliver on the promise of the Declaration of Independence where it states: “all men are created equal” and to end the institution of slavery in America. Fort McHenry will recreate the atmosphere of this historic speech, with reenactors in period attire joining modern visitors as the audience. Following the speech, visitors will be invited to a question and answer session with Crutcher and NPS staff about what “The Star-Spangled Banner” meant to Frederick Douglass and means to Americans today.

Baltimore Caribbean Carnival
July 9-10
Lake Clifton Park
Capture the sounds, sights, and tastes of the Caribbean at the 35th annual Baltimore Caribbean Carnival parade and festival. Officially known as the Baltimore Washington One Carnival, this annual event draws thousands of spectators and participants from the Baltimore/Washington DC area and beyond. Beginning with a Caribbean-style parade, the festivities continue with a family, fun-filled, Caribbean festival showcasing live music and entertainment, a delicious sampling of authentic Caribbean food stalls and much more, all within Baltimore’s Clifton Park.

Artscape
July 15-17, Friday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Inner Harbor
Artscape is America’s largest free arts festival, attracting 350,000+ attendees over three days. Artscape features 150+ fine artists, fashion designers and craftspeople; visual art exhibits on and off-site, including exhibitions, outdoor sculpture, art cars, photography and the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize; incredible live concerts on outdoor stages; a full schedule of performing arts, including dance, opera, theater, film, experimental music and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; family events, such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children’s entertainers and street theater; and an international menu of food and beverages available throughout the festival site.

Third Thursday Concerts
July 21 and August 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Druid Hill Park
Bring your lawn chair, sit back, relax and enjoy a free evening of music at picturesque Druid Hill Park. Offering concerts featuring various genres of music appealing to all ages including R&B, Soul, Pop, Jazz, Latin and Rock ‘n’ Roll, the 2016 season promises to be better than ever.

Baltimore Pride
July 23-24
Mount Vernon & Druid Hill Park
Baltimore Pride has celebrated the diversity of our community in Maryland and throughout the Mid-Atlantic for more than 35 years. Attended annually by an estimated 30,000 people, Baltimore Pride is recognized not only as the premier LGBTQ event in Maryland, but also one of the largest festivals in Baltimore City. Come join cowboys, community organizers, the King and Queen of Pride and maybe a float or two at the Pride Parade, which kicks off at the corners of Madison and Cathedral streets in Mount Vernon, and travels north on Charles to Chase Street. Parade participants will compete for one of four Pride Parade Trophies: Best Car/Motorcycle, Best Float, Best Walking Groups, Best Marching Band and Best Overall Contingent. This year’s Baltimore Pride Festival features many regional and local performers, vendors, the Lady Lisa Memorial Drag Stage, a Family Zone, and plenty of fun for the whole community to enjoy.

National Park Service Centennial
August 25
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Mark your calendar for August 25 as Fort McHenry commemorates the 100^th Anniversary of the National Park Service. Continue the celebration through September 2016 with a visit to one of our scenic byways, historic trails or other exciting city parks.

Ukrainian Festival
September 9-10
Patterson Park
Enjoy a taste of Ukraine at the free annual festival, featuring homemade Ukrainian dishes, traditional dance groups, crafts and novelty vendors, a Ukrainian beer garden, a children’s area and more.

Baltimore Seafood Festival
September 17, 12-7 p.m.
Canton Waterfront Park
Get ready to experience Baltimore’s best seafood at the third annual Seafood Festival. The event features Baltimore’s favorite restaurants serving up their signature seafood dishes, live music, cooking demos by top Baltimore chefs, refreshing drinks, shopping, a family zone and more.

Baltimore Book Festival
September 23-25
Inner Harbor
The Baltimore Book Festival features hundreds of author appearances and book signings; 100+ exhibitors and booksellers; non-stop readings on multiple stages; cooking demos by celebrity chefs; poetry readings and workshops; panel discussions; walking tours; storytellers and hands-on projects for kids; street theater; live music; and a delicious variety of food, beer and wine.

For more information about Find Your Park events in Baltimore, visit baltimore.org/campaign/find-your-park.