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Baltimore is Bursting with Free Things to Do

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Check out our list of 30 Free Things To Do in Baltimore. From parks and the waterfront to museums and tours, Baltimore has a long list of great activities that are fun and, most importantly, free!

30 Free Things:

Recognize masterpieces at the
Baltimore Museum of Art

As a major cultural destination for the greater Baltimore region, the Baltimore Museum of Art organizes and presents a variety of dynamic exhibitions and innovative programs throughout the year and frequently hosts special events with cultural and educational partners. Home to the internationally renowned Cone Collection, the BMA holds the largest and most significant Matisse works in the world. Outside the museum walls, experience the lavish Sculpture Garden, featuring two terraced gardens, fountains, and 34 sculptures. The BMA is free for everyone, every day, so that great art is accessible to all.

Shiver me timbers! Story Time with the Urban Pirates

Join the crew of Baltimore's own pirate ship, Fearless, for swashbuckling tales of adventure on the high seas! Located in historic Fell's Point, your whole family will be thrust into the excitement of pirate history told through captivating stories in a learning environment that's sure to be fun for all.

Walk, wonder and create at the Walters Art Museum

The museum owns more than 25,000 pieces of art and has free general admission, except for special exhibits. Bring the whole family to enjoy special family tours and activities for all ages. Children will enjoy the displays of knights' armor, the statues, the colorful paintings, the furniture, and the many small and lovely trinket - including Faberge eggs.

Amuse yourself at the American Visionary Art Museum's Sculpture Plaza and Wildflower Garden

The exterior of the American Visionary Art Museum is almost as interesting as what you'll find inside. The building is surrounded by unique and curious sculptures, which you can explore for FREE!

Share a toast at Edgar Allan Poe's Grave

Most people are fascinated by strange and spooky places. Actually, though, this is a very serene and quiet spot in the middle of the city. Poe and Virginia Clemm rest in the Westminster Hall cemetery located at 519 West Fayette, the corner of Fayette and Greene, which has also been the resting place of prominent Maryland families.

Become an urban explorer on the free Charm City Circulator

The Charm City Circulator is your fast, friendly, and free shortcut to Baltimore's hotspots seven days a week. With connections to the Light Rail, MARC train, Metro, and the Water Taxi Harbor Connector, the Circulator is your first step in exploring the many local events and attractions Baltimore has to offer. 

Sing and dance along with performances at the Harborplace Amphitheater

Located between the Harborplace Pavilions, the amphitheater hosts free performances from singers, dancers, magicians and more. Street performers entertain by day; and Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, bands ranging from Motown, funk and jazz, oldies, to blues, R&B, country and everything in between perform live, free concerts. 

Rock out at Power Plant Live!

Stop by on Friday evenings for the return of the Friday Night Live! concert series. Watch local artists and national headlining bands perform on the newest permanent outdoor stage at Power Plant Live!

Free outdoor movies

Films on the Pier in Fell's Point features free movies on Wednesday nights beginning at 8:45 p.m. on the Broadway Pier.

On Thursdays at 9 p.m., grab a blanket or a folding chair and catch a free film after dusk on Federal Hill. Flicks from the Hill is sponsored by the American Visionary Art Museum, and admission into the museum is free between 5 and 9 p.m. before the film.

Bring your lawn chair or blanket to the intersection of High and Stiles streets in Little Italy on Friday nights for free Italian-themed movies at 9 p.m. Live music begins at 7 p.m.

Johns Hopkins University is another great spot for Friday outdoor films. Feature films are played on the green in front of Shriver Hall. Live music begins at 7:30 p.m., with movies starting after sunset.

Bring your imagination to Artscape

The nation's largest, free arts festival celebrates with continuous musical performances by local, regional and national talent on multiple outdoor stages; indoor and outdoor visual arts exhibitions; sculptures; art cars; film; theater; crafts; opera; dance; street theater; and children's activities.

Celebrate life, music and culture at the African American Festival

The African American Festival is a free family celebration of life, music and culture. Enjoy live music, educational and historical exhibits, interactive children's area, and crafts. The festival will partner with Radio One's Stone Soul Picnic, as well as feature a choir competition, a film festival, a basketball challenge and much more!

Sail across the Harbor on the scenic Water Taxi Harbor Connector

This free connector service operates daily along the city's Inner Harbor from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free routes depart from the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum in Fell's Point to the Tide Point Pier in Locust Point, just a short walk away from Ft. McHenry. You can also connect from Tide Point Pier to the Canton Waterfront Park. 

Dive into literature at the Enoch Pratt Free Library

Over 60 years old, the Enoch Pratt Library continues to enchant book lovers of all ages with its immensity - it's just so darned BIG - an entire block in length. It is one of the first to be built with an accessible street level entrance.

Uncover the beauty of the Basilica

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was the first metropolitan cathedral in the United States. This historic site contains neoclassical architecture, a 17th-century organ, stunning artwork and more.

Browse the Galleries at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower

The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower has been transformed into studio spaces for visual and literary artists. Take part in Open Studio Day and view impressive artwork from talented artists. During this free event, guests can visit artists' studios, view or purchase works of art, and enjoy refreshments and light fare at the newly renovated Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower.

Party the first Friday of the month in Hampden

A frequent setting in John Waters' films, here is a neighborhood that still celebrates the bouffant and grilled-cheese charms of Charm City. Stop "down Hampden, hon" for First Fridays when participating merchants host events, parties, special sales and stay open late.

Cruise the Fell's Point Art Loop

Spend an evening mingling with artists, sampling cheese and wine, and soaking up the arts in Fell's Point. On the first Friday of every month, the Fell's Point Development Corporation presents the work of local artists. Thirteen galleries come together to display pieces from their artists. The types of art include, but are not limited to, woodworking, photography, sculpture and oil paintings. Restaurants offer specials and stay open late to accommodate visitors.

Pedal your way through the Gwynns Falls trails

Get off the road and enjoy a leisurely (or rigorous) bike ride along the recently expanded 15 miles of trails.

Challenge locals in a match of bocce ball in Little Italy

Located on Stiles Street, get a real flavor of the "old country" where residents and visitors are welcome to participate on the two well-lit sandy courts in the evenings. 

Bump, Set and Spike at Rash Field

Check out "Baltimore Beach" and its seven volleyball courts made up of 1,000 tons of sand located at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. A place where locals and visitors, beginners to experts can meet and play organized games.

Take in the enticing sights, sounds and scents at Baltimore's public markets

For absolutely no money, you can enter Baltimore's Cross Street Market in Federal Hill, Lexington Market near the Hippodrome theatre and the Broadway Market in Fell's Point to walk around, watch butchers and fishmongers at work, and smell wonderful food cooking. You'll get a feel for what doing the food shopping used to be like.

Sample local flavors at the Farmer's Market

The annual Baltimore Farmers' Market offers the best deals on produce, herbs, flowers, fruit and more. The Baltimore Farmers' Market is the largest producers-only market in Maryland. If you're lucky, you might just get some free samples!

Take a self-guided tour of Baltimore's outdoor monuments 

From Baltimore sports heroes Johnny Unitas and Babe Ruth to somber memorials to the
Holocaust victims, Baltimore offers a wide variety of outdoor monuments to explore. A few examples include: 

• Kaytn Memorial in Harbor East - stands in honor of Polish military officers, policemen and civilian prisoners of war executed by Soviet authorities on March 1940
• Washington Monument in Mount Vernon - the first monument built for George Washington (Currently closed for renovations.)
• Babe Ruth statue - Camden Street outside the Eutaw Street Oriole Park entrance
• Johnny Unitas statue - front of M&T Bank Stadium
• Battle Monument - Calvert and Fayette streets; commemorates the Battle of Baltimore and honors those who died during the month of September 1814 during the War of 1812
• Baltimore Holocaust Memorial - Corner of Water, Gay, and Lombard streets

Check out the ink at the Baltimore Tattoo Museum

A museum of electric tattooing in America, you'll find traditional American to traditional Japanese, black and grey work, portraits, photo-realism, flash designs, and complete custom-drawn designs. If you like something you see, the museum is also a fully functioning tattoo studio.

Brush up on history exploring the New Pennsylvania Avenue Heritage Trail

Take a guided stroll through historic old west Baltimore's premier historic African American neighborhood. Hear the stories of civil rights leaders, artists and musicians, visit historic African American churches; and relive the glory days of Pennsylvania Avenue on Sundays at noon. Tours originate from the State Center Metro Station at Eutaw & Preston Street, ground level, with easy access from the free Purple line Charm Street Circulator to stop #312.

Discover nature's beauty at the Cylburn Arboretum

The Cylburn Arboretum is a nature preserve and city park spanning about 207 acres. Experience the feel of a grand estate in a rolling countryside, all within city limits. Collections of Japanese maples, hollies, conifers, Maryland oaks, tree peonies, maples and magnolias stand on spacious lawns and luscious gardens surround the Victorian mansion. Explore trails that wind through the woodlands, where you can discover rare trees, native plants and wildflowers.

Be an art critic for a day at Maryland Institute College of Art

Enjoy the free exhibits in all of the galleries on the campus at MICA.

Find your next great read at The Book Thing

Located in Baltimore's Waverly neighborhood, this book store is open only on weekends and its mission is to find new homes for books that were no longer wanted by their owners. While you can donate your own books, you don't have to in order to browse the offerings and stock up on free reads. 3001 Vineyard Lane Baltimore, MD 21218