By Polly Fitz
On a Baltimore vacation, you can enjoy sports and theater, learn about U.S. history, take in the sights and sounds of Inner Harbor and much more. And this summer, Baltimore has many free events that make enjoying the city even easier.
CONCERTS
Harborplace & The Gallery Free Concert Series: With music ranging from Irish rock to steel drums and jazz, Harborplace Amphitheater is the setting for free concerts every weekend throughout the summer. Concerts are Saturdays 8 to 11 p.m. and Sundays 5 to 8 p.m. See the full schedule.
First Thursdays Lunchtime Concerts: July 3, August 7 and September 4 at Hopkins Plaza (Hopkins Place and Baltimore Street).
First Fridays Concerts at the Can Company: Enjoy free music on the first Friday of the month from August to September: August 1: Kelly Bell Band; September 5: Junkyard Saints; October 3: Donegal Xpress.
MOVIES
Flicks on the Hill: Sit on the side of Federal Hill and watch movies projected on the wall of the American Visionary Arts Museum. Movies are Thursday nights at 9 p.m. from June 19 through August 7. Highlights include "O Brother, Where Art Thou" July 3 and "Casablanca" August 7. The museum also offers free admission on Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. during the film series.
Little Italy Open Air Film Festival: Live music starts at 7 p.m. and movies begin at 9 p.m. every Friday from July 11 through August 29 in Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood (at the corner of High and Stiles streets). You can see "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" July 25 or "The Blues Brothers" August 15.
ART & CULTURE
Artscape: More than 150 artists are participating in this year’s festival July 18, 19 and 20. The free event features live music on four stages, fashion shows, an Artists Market with ceramics, painting and other art for sale, plus theater and dance performances and more. See a full schedule of events.
Guided walking tours: Discover the history of Baltimore and the United States with these guided walks. The Heritage Walk starts at 10 a.m. and the Mount Vernon Walk starts a noon daily. Both tours originate at the Inner Harbor Visitors Center and run approximately three miles. Highlights include the house where the Star-Spangled Banner was sewn and the world’s first monument to George Washington.
So pick one of your favorite Baltimore hotels and enjoy your summer vacation in the city.
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Polly Fitz is an editor for CheapTickets.