Many typical activities and festivals had to be put on hold last summer due to the pandemic, but here are some COVID-friendly summer activities to look forward to this year!
1. Getting Local Produce from the Baltimore Farmers’ Market and Bazaar
Just last weekend, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market reopened for the spring and summer season! Whether you’re in the market for fresh flowers, an artisanal loaf, a hot coffee, or just your weekly grocery shopping, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar has it! This favorite tradition of mine takes place on Sundays from 7 AM to 12 PM, April through December. The market is located under the JFX near Holliday and Saratoga streets and takes place rain or shine.

2. Catching Up on the Best New Independent Films at the Maryland Film Festival
Following great success with a fully-online film festival in 2020, the Maryland Film Festival is back for 2021 with a hybrid format! The 23rd annual festival will take place May 19-27, 2021 and features short films, feature films, documentaries, narrative, animation, and more.

3. Celebrating at Baltimore Pride
Did you know that Baltimore Pride is one of the oldest prides in the nation and has taken place for over 40 years?! It is scheduled for the 3rd weekend of June, with more details to be announced in the near future. In years past it has drawn over 30,000 attendees to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, fundraise for the PRIDE Center of Maryland, and raise awareness of issues facing the community.

4. Experiencing Baltimore Art at Artscape 2021
The Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts has full plans to return Artscape, one of the nation's largest outdoor free festivals, to Station North this summer for the festival’s 40th anniversary. Artscape is a huge festival with music, hundreds of artists selling their work, large sculptural installations, and more!

5. Taking a Day Trip to Relax on a Beach
Not that I don’t love kicking it back in Baltimore’s inner harbor, but sometimes you want some sand with your sun! Take a look at Collegetown’s recommendations for the best nearby beach spots you can take a day trip to. Grab some friends, a picnic, and some sunscreen and explore Maryland’s beautiful coastline!
Written by Anna Brackett, MICA Architectural Design '22