On Thursday, Mayor Brandon Scott revealed the dates for Baltimore’s prominent festivals and cultural events slated for 2026, highlighting a significant addition: a third day for the AFRAM festival, commemorating its 50th anniversary.
“Festivals in Baltimore are revered treasures,” Scott remarked during a press conference at City Hall. “If there’s one way to ruffle the feathers of Baltimoreans, it’s to skip their cherished festivals. I witnessed this firsthand during COVID when we weren’t able to hold Artscape.”
The Mayor confirmed that all of Baltimore’s major and cherished cultural events will occur in their usual locations, as seen in the previous year. Details about headline performances will be announced as the events approach. He emphasized that the notable change is the addition of an extra day to the AFRAM festival.
The exciting lineup for 2026 includes:
Dec. 31, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026: Kick off the New Year at the Inner Harbor with the New Year’s Eve Spectacular featuring vendors, ice skating, and family-friendly activities beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will be filled with live entertainment along the harbor promenade, culminating in a stunning fireworks display at midnight. Fireworks barges will be strategically placed between Point Park and the Domino Sugar plant, as well as in the Inner Harbor Channel, to provide optimal viewing spots for spectators on both sides of the harbor and around Federal Hill.
Jan. 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.: The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment will collaborate with Charm TV and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to host “Symphony in the City,” a tribute to the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. This special event will take place at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and will feature performances from the BSO, conducted by Jonathon Heyward, along with the Morgan State University Choir, directed by Eric Conway.
Feb. 16 (Presidents’ Day): Join the Black History Month Parade, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month celebrations nationwide. For application details, please visit https://www.baltimorecity.gov/bhm2026.
May 23 and 24, 2026 (Memorial Day weekend): Experience the vibrant Artscape festival, set in and around War Memorial Plaza and the popular site of the Baltimore Farmers’ Market.
June 19, 20, and 21, 2026: Celebrate the AFRAM festival in Druid Hill Park as it marks its 50th anniversary, coinciding with the Juneteenth holiday weekend.
June 26 – July 4, 2026: Join the SAIL250 Maryland and Air Show Baltimore, a thrilling showcase of maritime and aerial events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, taking place at various venues across both Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
July 11 and 12, 2026: Attend the Baltimore Caribbean Carnival in Druid Hill Park.
Sept. 12 and 13, 2026: Discover the Baltimore Book Festival held in Waverly.
Sept. 19, 2026: Delight in the Charm City Live event at War Memorial Plaza.
Mayor Scott announces the festival dates well in advance to assist the organizers of smaller events in the city. This foresight helps them avoid scheduling conflicts, particularly with larger events that require additional city services.
To further support event organizers, the city will introduce an updated public special events calendar starting January 1, 2026. This improved system will feature “Non-Permit Dates,” when the city will halt the issuance of permits for certain events. This initiative aims to help community organizers align their events with available city services.
“Baltimore hosts some of the finest festivals and events in the entire nation, and this year is projected to be even more exciting,” Scott stated. “I extend my gratitude to our partners from both city agencies and the community who collaborate with us to ensure these events are a success. I warmly invite everyone in Baltimore to join us throughout the year to elevate local artists, enjoy exceptional music, and celebrate everything that makes our city unique.”
