1. Beach Trip
A classic must have for your instagram and snapchat story—you need to show everyone you’re having fun enjoying the sand and surf and not in the library. Besides, it’s also important to take a break and enjoy some time on the beach, getting that tan to carry you through the long months on M once school returns.
2. Boat Cruise of the Harbor
For living in a city right on the Harbor, we don’t take nearly enough advantage of it. Besides, you have to go on a boat at least once during the summer, this is a classic. Baltimore offers multiple cruise options, including pirate tours. You also have to sing “I’m on a Boat” at least once for it to be a proper summer.
3. Charles Village Festival
Now this festival is a little early on in the summer, May 30 & 31, but it’s in our very own neighborhood. There is no excuse for missing this. It’s a great time to get together with the locals, get to know our neighbors and have a fun time outside with live music and vendors. You can find a schedule of the music here: http://www.charlesvillagefestival.net
4. Preakness
Preakness is the perfect time to whip out your Lilly Pulitzer dresses and floppy sun hats, and bet on horses with friends. As this event is early in the summer season, you are likely to still have friends on campus that have not gone home yet, making Preakness like a huge Hopkins summer celebration.
5. The Gathering
Little known fact, Baltimore has a great food truck presence that meets all the time during the summer. It’s even a Facebook page you can like, called The Gathering. They meet primarily at Power Plant Live! and the Baltimore Museum of Industry (in Hamden and walking distance!), but also elsewhere in Maryland. Last summer I went and there was even live music and a cupcake truck, so you can get dinner and dessert! You can find a list of their events here: http://www.thegatheringbaltimore.com
6. Zoo or Aquarium Trip
The Zoo is right around the corner and a great day trip, and the National Aquarium is one of the top aquariums in the nation. Plus, on Friday night’s after 5pm tickets are half-priced. So instead of sitting in your room watching TV head to the zoo or the aquarium and check out some pretty creatures.
7. HONfest
Located in the heart of Hamden, HONfest is a blast from the past! It celebrates the good old days of cat-tip eyeglasses, beehive hairdos (which you can actually get done at the festival), and poodle print cardigans. It’s a great people watching event, with of course live music , vendors and food trucks. This year it is June 13 and 14.
8. The Charmery
What’s better than cold Old Bay ice cream during the humid Baltimore summer? NOTHING. Located in Hampden, the Charmery is a close walk from campus and the perfect place to catch up with friends over a sweet, cool treat. After your ice- ream snack, walk around Hampden to enjoy the quirky shops.
9. Movie Nights
No this is not a typical movie night at home on your couch with Netflix. Baltimore actually screens movies on a large screen throughout the summer in different neighborhoods. They haven’t actually released their summer lists yet, but they are typically a mix of classics, throwbacks, and new releases. Little Italy and Fed Hill are two of the cool locations where the movies are shown, and they’re all free!
10. Artscape
This year Artscape is July 17-July 19 on Mount Royal and North Charles. It’s actually one of America’s largest free celebrations of the arts. Expect a lot of arts and crafts, live music, and food trucks! It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy Saturday walking around and chilling, while also finding great gifts for friends or to treat yourself.
11. Orioles Game
A classic American Summer favorite is going to a baseball game! Show your Baltimore pride and attend one of the many home games this summer. Grab a friend and a sausage (or two… or thee…) and spend a night cheering on your favorite baseball team. Tip: Tuesday games offer cheaper ticket deals for students!
Photos courtesy of:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/18/sport/preakness-stakes/
http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/maryland/baltimore/baltim…
http://www.artscape.org/visual-arts/visual-arts-detail/4