1)Hike or Bike at Gwynns Falls
Gwynns Falls Trail begins at the I-70 Park & Ride trailhead and follows the Gwynns Falls stream to the Middle Branch and the Inner Harbor of the Patapsco River. It contains 15 miles of a unique urban hiking and biking trail which provides access to a scenic and historic greenway stream valley in Baltimore City.
Also check out Druid Hill Park, Patterson Park, or for some more advanced hiking and rock climbing, Rocks State Park.
2) Visit Edgar Allen Poe’s Grave
Give yourself a spook and head over to Westminster Hall and Burying Ground. There you can visit Poe and his wife, Virginia Clemm. Look a little further and you will find some other prominent Maryland citizens including James Calhoun, Baltimore’s first mayor, and James McHenry, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
3) Listen to Live Music
There’s nothing like sitting in the warm open air listening to some good live tunes.
The First Thursdays Concerts in the Park series takes place on…any guesses? That’s right, the first Thursday of every month during the summer (July-September). The shows run from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. under the Washington Monument in West Mt. Vernon Park. Food and drinks are available for purchase from local vendors, or you can bring your own food. These concerts are great for families and people of all ages.
Friday Night Live! is another great option. These free concerts take place every Friday beginning at 8:00 p.m. at Power Plant Live! You must be 21 or older to attend most of these concerts.
4) Watch an Outdoor Movie
Save the movie theaters for when it’s cold and you need to coop yourself up indoors. During the warm summer evenings, take advantage of these free outdoor movie events.
“Flicks from the Hill” takes place every Thursday from July 11th to August 22nd. The American Visionary Art Museum hosts these free movie screenings, which begin at 9:00 p.m. Bring a blanket and grab a spot on Federal Hill to enjoy the screening. Not only is the movie free, the American Visionary Art Museum is open with free admission from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Flicks nights.
Another option is the Little Italy Open Air Film Fest (Cinema Al Fresco). Every Friday in July and August on the corner of High and Stiles Streets, you can set up a lawn chair and listen to live music (beginning at 7:00 p.m.) or grab some yummy Italian cuisine, then enjoy an Italian-related film beginning at 9:00 p.m.
5) Travel by Charm City Circulator for a Self-Guided Tour
These eco-friendly shuttles service residents, students, tourists and anyone else who wants a ride for free around Baltimore. The Charm City Circulator is the perfect way to get around town for a day of sightseeing. It saves you the hassle of finding parking while lessening pollution and congestion. Shuttles arrive every 15 minutes at each designated stop.
6) Climb to Federal Hill Park
If you want to see one of the best panoramic views of Baltimore, Federal Hill is the place to go. A public park since 1789, it was used as a celebration point following the ratification of the new “Federal” U.S. Constitution. It was also used during the Civil War and the War of 1812 as a lookout point. It’s a little bit of a climb, but once you reach the top, you’ll see it was worth it! Federal Hill is a short walk from the Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center and many other local attractions.
7) Artscape and Beyond
The 32nd annual Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival, located on Mount Royal Avenue, will occur this year on July 19th through the 21st. Artscape features over 150 fine artists, fashion designers and craftspeople. Enjoy several visual art exhibits as well as concerts and performing arts including dance, theater and film. This is a great festival for families – you’ll find hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children’s entertainers and lots more.
Out of town that weekend? There is plenty of other art around Baltimore that you can view for free anytime. General admission to the Walters Art Museum is free, as are the outdoor exhibits at the American Visionary Art Museum, to name a couple.
8) Spend the Day in D.C.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. D.C. is totally not in Baltimore. Yes, I may be cheating a little on this one, but it’s just so close by and there are SO many free things to do there! You cannot go the whole summer without spending a day in D.C. From the 19 museums, galleries and zoo that make up the Smithsonian Institution to the National Mall and monuments, it would be impossible to not be able to fill up your day with free activities.
Check out Washington, D.C. on the Cheap to find other D.C. deals and discounts.
9) Wander the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar
Open every Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. underneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday and Saratoga streets, this is Maryland’s largest producers-only market. I have to admit, although admission is free and vendors are often giving out free samples, it’s highly unlikely that you will be able to walk away without spending any money after walking through the copious amounts of fresh produce, seafood, meats, fresh baked goods, cheese, local cuisine stations serving breakfast and lunch, plants and herbs as well as unique crafts and collectables. However, many things you’ll find at this market are things you would normally purchase at a supermarket anyway, so it’s better to buy it fresh and local, right?
If the limited hours of the farmers’ markets are a problem for you, check out some of Baltimore’s standing public markets, open year round, most days of the week.
10) Celebrate Independence Day
Downtown Baltimore is definitely the place to be when celebrating the Fourth of July. Head down early and bring your costumed pet to the American Visionary Art Museum for the Visionary Pets on Parade. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, most patriotic, best owner & pet look-alikes and more. Don’t have a pet? You’re still welcome to stop by and enjoy the dressed up pooches. Pet registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
Then stick around for Baltimore’s official Independence Day celebration in the Inner Harbor. Live music begins at 4:00 p.m. and the amazing fireworks show begins at 9:30. If you’d like to enjoy the show without the crowds, head to Federal Hill, Harbor East or Fells Point where you can still get a great view of the fireworks.
So there you have it. Hopefully you’ve find something on this list appealing…or perhaps you’ll try them all! Just be sure to take advantage of the summer sun one way or another this year!