Baltimore
Overview of Baltimore
As Maryland’s biggest city and one of the USA’s busiest ports, Baltimore’s position at the end of the Patapsco River that feeds into Chesapeake Bay gives the city easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and it became an important port and shipbuilding centre.
It was home to a large number of US Navy vessels as well as the famously swift Baltimore clipper ships that destroyed or captured many of the British merchant ships during the war of 1812. Unlike Washington, D.C., Baltimore survived the vengeful attack by Britain, and with the triumphant flying of the American flag over Fort McHenry the country’s national anthem was born.
Since its important role in the Revolution, Baltimore has experienced a turbulent history. Its fortunes have seesawed from post-Revolution prosperity to a city crippled by the violence of divided loyalties during the Civil War; from a railroad-rich 19th century to the devastation caused by the fire of 1904.
Nicknamed ‘Charm City’ for its fusion of small-town hospitality and city finesse, Baltimore combines an interesting mix of neighbourhoods, a diverse range of attractions, and delicious seafood specialities of the Inner Harbor that includes the abundant Maryland steamed blue crabs.
The distinct neighbourhoods are an attractive feature of Baltimore, among them the historic maritime district of Fells Point, the broad avenues of wealthy Mount Vernon, the village ambiance of Little Italy, and the Bohemian area of SoWeBo, or Southwest Baltimore.
Fells Point is the most popular district for entertainment, with its large selection of restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. The Power Plant Live! area near the Inner Harbor has several restaurants, bars, and clubs. Other neighbourhoods in Baltimore with good nightlife include Canton Square, Mount Vernon, Hampden, Federal Hill, and the Station North Arts and Entertainment District.
The waterfront and Inner Harbor are the hearts of this vibrant and growing city, making it a major tourist destination. It features the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and the World Trade Center with its 27-storey high Top of the World Observation Level.
Offerings cover everything from art to archaeology to black history. The water taxi service, besides providing an efficient means of harbour transport, is an excellent way to experience the waterfront and affords fantastic views of the city’s skylines.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
- Passport/Visa:
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Travel to Baltimore
Climate for Baltimore
Baltimore’s climate is classified as humid subtropical, with high annual rainfall spread throughout the year. The city experiences hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters. In the height of summer, temperatures in downtown Baltimore can rise to 91F (3°C) and fall to 60F (15C), while during January, the coldest month, temperatures range between 23°F (-5C) and 41°F (5C).
The ocean moderates the weather, so it is not as cold in winter or as hot in summer in Baltimore as it is in eastern cities that are further inland. Snow does fall in winter, though, usually in the form of snowstorms that deposit a few inches on the city streets. The best time to visit Baltimore is in the summer (June to August), when the weather is sunny and warm, and the city hosts a number of events and festivals.
7 day forecast for Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| Wednesday Dec. 18, 2024 | Thursday Dec. 19, 2024 | Friday Dec. 20, 2024 | Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 | Sunday Dec. 22, 2024 | Monday Dec. 23, 2024 | Tuesday Dec. 24, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi: 49°F Lo: 32°F  Increasing cloudiness | Hi: 47°F Lo: 32°F  Broken clouds | Hi: 43°F Lo: 29°F  Overcast | Hi: 38°F Lo: 27°F Mostly cloudy | Hi: 31°F Lo: 16°F  Scattered clouds | Hi: 32°F Lo: 13°F Afternoon clouds | Hi: 40°F Lo: 20°F Overcast |
Health Notes when travelling to United States of America
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.
Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Customs in United States of America
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.
Duty Free in United States of America
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Doing Business in United States of America
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of ‘Hello’ and ‘How are you?’ are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone’s position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which ‘the boss’ is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture ‘time is money’, and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It’s best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.
Communication in United States of America
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.
Tipping in United States of America
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn’t tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Getting around in Baltimore, Maryland
Most visitors to Baltimore will head for the compact Inner Harbour and downtown areas, which are easy to navigate on foot or by public transport. Water taxis act like a bus service and are a cheap and convenient way to get around the Inner Harbour, connecting many attractions as well as other districts.
The inexpensive bus network connects all parts of the city and provides an easy way of getting around, although transfers are often necessary. The metro and light rail systems provide limited coverage, mainly aimed at commuters. Taxis are usually ordered by phone, but they can be found at taxi ranks or hailed on the street; Uber is also an option.
Driving in central Baltimore is unnecessary and not recommended due to difficult and expensive parking, but the layout is fairly easy and congestion limited to rush hour. The recommended option for visitors is the Charm City Circulator, which provides a free daily bus service to Baltimore’s most popular areas.
Attractions in Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland, with a vast and important seaport history. It draws in visitors with a range of attractions and is home to many famed places of learning, most notably the Johns Hopkins University.
There are many museums and some wonderful cultural institutions such as an eminent symphony orchestra. The Baltimore Inner Harbour is a superb place to visit, where tourists find themselves enjoying the newly renovated area and old town centre.
Surrounding the popular waterfront are several entertainment hubs suitable for the whole family. Home to more than 16,000 marine animals, the National Aquarium is a sought-after attraction, and the Maryland Science Center makes for a one of a kind educational experience for both young and old. Great family activities include the Maryland Zoo and the Port Discovery Children’s Museum.
There are also a lot of vibrant restaurants and lively nightlife spots from which to choose when the children are in bed. Fells Point is the most popular district for entertainment, offering lots of nice restaurants as well as cafes, bars, and nightclubs.
Annapolis
Situated only 35 miles (56km) south of Baltimore, Annapolis is not only the small capital of Maryland but also considered the sailing capital of the USA. A huge concentration of recreational and racing yachts shelter in its marina. It’s also a college town and has been home to the US Naval Academy since 1845. The waterfront has grown in to an attractive district, having retained its 18th century appeal despite the collection of boutiques, upmarket shops, bars, restaurants, and inns. These cater to the onshore sailing crowd and tourists drawn to the city’s history, nautical outlook, and reputation as a party town. Much of Annapolis’s colonial past is preserved in the thousands of historical buildings scattered along the narrow streets and brick-paved sidewalks. The concentration of original colonial-style houses and grand public buildings is greater here than anywhere else in the country. Among the elite brick manors are numerous pastel-coloured rows of wooden slatted cottages that lead down to the waterfront. At the centre of Annapolis is the Maryland State House that once served as the capitol of the country, where George Washington resigned as Commander-in-Chief and where Congress authorised the treaty ending the Revolutionary War. The city is a good base from which to explore the small towns across Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore, by way of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Annapolis is also ideally situated for weekend trips to Washington DC and provides more budget-friendly accommodation for travellers to America’s capital.
Ocean City
With more than 10 miles (16km) of white sandy beaches and pounding surf, Ocean City is Maryland’s number one vacation destination, with so many visitors during the peak summer months that it becomes the second largest city in the state for the season. The town is dominated by the famous old boardwalk that is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, flashing neon signs and holiday condos. Among the ice-cream stands and all-night fast-food franchises are hotels dating back to the 1920s. The fishing pier at the end of the Ocean City boardwalk has an amusement park with a huge Ferris wheel. There are plenty of activities including boating and deep-sea fishing, mini-golf courses, tram rides as well as the beaches. To escape the holiday crowds in Ocean City, the Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile (60km) stretch of wild and undeveloped beach and marshland that extends into Virginia. Little brown and white ponies are the only inhabitants that roam the dunes and graze in the grassy marshes. The main roads and paths can be crowded in summer with people coming to see the legendary wild ponies, but a short way off the main routes will bring the peace one may be looking for.
The Eastern Shore
The Eastern Shore occupies more than half of the Delmarva Peninsula shared between Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, protecting the towns along Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Although linked to the mainland by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, life is much slower and sleepier on this side of the bay. Miles of country lanes and Chesapeake waterways await, while old wooden farmhouses and wheat fields, waterfront towns and fishing craft, lonely wind-rusted marshes and the sound of birds give the peninsula its charming character. On the Atlantic Coast, the summer-swollen resort of Ocean City, with its lovely beaches, amusement arcades, and busy fast-food stands, is the most visited spot on the East Shore. In contrast, the quaint old towns of Oxford, the colonial college town of Chestertown, and Saint Michaels are waterfront communities that sport old-fashioned family-owned stores and are the essence of life along Chesapeake Bay. Crisfield and Smith Island are classic old-world villages in the south and home to huge numbers of soft-shelled blue crabs that are the delicious speciality of Maryland. Easton is the unofficial capital of the Eastern Shore and is the largest town with a picturesque downtown district of historical colonial buildings. The farmlands invite exploration by bicycle along miles of quiet back roads. Visitors can also explore the inlets and rivers by boat, stopping along the way to sample the fish, oysters, and crabs found here throughout the year.
Maryland Science Center
Housed within the striking glass, steel, and concrete structure on Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center contains five storeys of interactive exhibits, an IMAX, the world-famous Davis Planetarium, and an observatory. Dating back to 1797, the Maryland Academy of Sciences is one of the USA’s oldest scientific institutions and remains focused on education. There are imaginative and hands-on displays ranging from astronomy and space travel, to dinosaurs and general science experiments. The planetarium runs programs with stargazing at night and studying the sun during the day through the observatory telescope. Other popular attractions include The Kids Room and the National Touring Exhibit.
National Aquarium
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum’s roster of rolling stock, historic railway buildings, and assortment of memorabilia from stations and trains makes it a must-visit for train enthusiasts. But even for those who are not railroad fanatics, this is one of the best sights in Baltimore and a fascinating place for the whole family. Housed in the huge Roundhouse is an enormous collection of locomotives, passenger cars, classic heritage trains, mail cars, and Pullman sleepers. A full-scale model of the first locomotive, Tom Thumb, is on display along with a red caboose from 1907. Other exhibits include posters, historic photographs, and newspaper cuttings, as well as a superb model railway and numerous interactive and entertaining exhibits. Some recreate experiments from the 1830s such as sail-powered carriages, hand cranks, and propulsion using dogs or horses. The museum was the first railroad in the US, dating from 1827, and the museum is located on the site of the first station in America.
Fort McHenry
The Fort McHenry National Monument is forever associated with the US national anthem, written by poet Francis Scott Key while watching the British attack Baltimore during the War of 1812. After more than 25 hours of constant bombing by British naval forces, the fort stood with the flag flying high. Interestingly, it was the only action the brick fort had seen in more than 100 years of guarding the waters approach to Baltimore. A visit includes a short historical film and a guided tour, with exhibits recalling the siege as well as the fort’s Civil War service. On summer weekends there are military ceremonies and drills, as well as a living history program simulating the daily activities during the battle. There is also a daily changing of the flag ceremony, with about 20 people required to fold the enormous Star-Spangled Banner. A short talk about the fort, flag, and anthem concludes the ceremony. The monument and its grounds are a national park and visits to the parklands are free. From the fort, there are fine views down the Patapsco River to Inner Harbor and towards Chesapeake Bay.
Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame
The origins of lacrosse lie within multiple Native American tribes, for whom the game had great significance in both religious observance and preparing men for war. The Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame showcases the history of this, America’s oldest sport. It also displays the top male and female players of today’s game, alongside coaches and contributors. More than 400,000 people in the eastern United States and Canada play the unique sport of lacrosse. Nowhere is it more popular than in Maryland, where ‘LAX’ stickers sit beside decals for posh private schools on fancy cars, furthering the sport’s elite reputation. Since September 2016, the Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame relocated to a new location in Sparks, Maryland.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Founded in 1914 with a single painting, the Baltimore Museum of Art sits in the leafy neighbourhood of Charles Village. Today, the BMA is home to an internationally renowned collection of European and American fine and decorative art pieces. These range from 15th through to 19th-century prints and drawings, works by established and emerging contemporary artists as well as objects from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Its 90,000 works include the world’s largest holding of pieces by Henri Matisse. Two beautifully landscaped gardens surround a grand museum building, designed by famous American architect John Russell Pope. Yoga classes and jazz concerts often take place upon the lawns in the early evening. Visitors can sample signature Chesapeake Bay cuisine on the lovely outdoor terrace of Gertrude’s, the BMA’s restaurant.
Walters Art Museum
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, two Baltimore men, William Walters and his son, Henry, amassed a diverse range of artwork. Drawn from all around the world, they then bequeathed it to their hometown. The 22,000 pieces they collected span 55 centuries, including ancient Egyptian art as well as late 19th-century European pieces and decorative objects. Some favourite works on display at the Walters include seven ancient Roman sarcophagi, judged to be among the finest in the world; a collection of Japanese arms and armour; a medieval ivory casket covered with scenes of jousting knights, one of only a dozen such items remaining; and 900 illuminated manuscripts, as well as the letters of Catherine the Great and the diary of Napoleon.
Western Maryland
Western Maryland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in every season, thanks to its beautiful scenery, thousands of acres of parkland, lakes for swimming, fly-fishing and boating, winter skiing, and white-water rafting. Visitors can climb the state’s highest mountain, hike part of the famous Appalachian Trail, or cycle and hike along the popular Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which once served as a towpath for mule-drawn barges between Washington DC and Cumberland. The state’s largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake, is the hub of outdoor recreation in Garrett County, with a variety of water sports, golf, and skiing. Apart from these fine activities and fantastic scenery, there are a number of quaint small towns. These include Cumberland, Frostville, and Lavale, which offer restaurants, antique shops, and bookstores in addition to their charm. The haunting plaques of the Civil War battlefield at Antietam are another popular Western Maryland attraction, and a must-see for Civil War history buffs.
Events in Baltimore, Maryland
Artscape
Sunday August 21, 2022 (21 August 2022)
Where: Mount Royal Cultural Area
Maryland’s major celebration of the visual, literary, and performing arts has been making headlines for nearly a quarter of a century. Artscape in Baltimore involves local, regional, and national acts in a first-class schedule of dance, theatre, opera, street performers and family fun, most of which is free of charge. In addition, a huge array of visual arts is on offer from more than 200 artisans, craftspeople and cultural exhibitors. The range covers everything from sculpture to ‘art cars’ and books to ballet.
August 2-4, 2024
Preakness Stakes
Saturday May 21, 2022 (21 May 2022)
Where: Pimlico Race Course
The United States horseracing circuit features three main events, known collectively as the Triple Crown. Baltimore’s Preakness Stakes is one of these, and the others are the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. So important is this race on the city’s annual calendar that the event has now become the culmination of a week or more of festivities which make up Preakness Celebration in May each year. Events include hot air ascensions, block parties, parades, fun runs, and a sailpast of tall ships. The actual race is the grand finale, when top three-year-old thoroughbreds compete for a million-dollar prize.
Preakness 149
Baltimore Book Festival
Thursday November 03, 2022 to Tuesday November 08, 2022 (3 — 8 Nov 2022)
Where: Mount Vernon Place
Cultural Mount Vernon Place, the heart of Baltimore, becomes a bibliophile’s paradise each September with the staging of the Baltimore Book Festival, a celebration of the literary arts. Famous authors are on hand for book signings and there are poetry readings, cookbook and home and garden demonstrations, live music, and bookstalls of more than 125 exhibitors. Other fun family attractions include storytellers, street theatre, live music and hands-on projects for children.
The 2024 Baltimore Book Festival
Baltimore Running Festival
Saturday October 15, 2022 (15 Oct 2022)
Where:
Baltimore’s renowned Marathon is a qualifying race for the famous Boston Marathon, but the field is limited to 4,000 strongly competitive runners. The marathon is run each year as part of a one-day running festival, including the marathon itself, a half-marathon, relay race, and kid’s fun run. Part of the reason for the Baltimore marathon’s popularity is probably the fact that the contestants run through the scenic part of this pretty city, along the inner harbour waterfront area, through charming Fells Point and historic Federal Hill.
Homepage
Sowebo Arts and Music Festival
Saturday May 28, 2022 (28 May 2022)
Where:
For more than 20 years, the Sowebo Arts and Music Festival has been held every Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend. Coined a ‘topsy turvy excursion into art and music’, the festival presents Baltimore’s largest music venue (over 40 bands), a sizeable non-juried art exhibit, puppet shows, glass-blowing demos, outdoor sculpture, kid’s art, and fun. The aim is to ‘foster community development through the promotion of art and music’ by showcasing the talents of neighborhood artists, musicians, and working professionals. The festival has grown to incorporate various arts events throughout the year, with concerts and exhibitions held at galleries and other venues around Baltimore. However, the flagship Sowebo Arts and Music Festival is still held in May.
http://www.soweboarts.org
Airports in Baltimore
Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI)
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
http://www.bwiairport.com
Location: Baltimore The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) south of Baltimore and 30 miles (48km) north of Washington.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4, from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: (410) 859 7111
Transfer between terminals: There are five concourses (A to E) within the large terminal building. All concourses are connected in the terminal by walkways, but time should be allowed in order to transfer from one concourse to another when catching a flight.
Getting to the city: The MARC train station services both central Baltimore and Washington, D.C., connected to the terminal via shuttle buses. A light rail service is also available to downtown Baltimore, Timonium, and Hunt Valley. The BWI Marshall Light Rail Station is located immediately outside the lower level of the terminal building, adjacent to Concourse E. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has a bus service to the Greenbelt Metro Station, which connects to metro stations throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, Montgomery, and Prince Georges Counties. There are two WMATA Bus Stops. One is located on the lower level of the International Concourse and the other stop is located on the lower level of Concourse A/B.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise, Nextcar, Payless, and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis: The taxi stand, BWI Airport Taxi, is located just outside of the baggage claim area of the lower level of the terminal. The journey to Baltimore takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes while the journey to Washington, D.C., will take around 45 minutes.
Facilities: There are restaurants, bars, shops, duty-free, and ATMs throughout the airport. Other facilities include currency exchange desks, postal services, a meditation room, and the historical Benson Hammond House. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Parking: Short and long-term parking is available at the airport. The Hourly Garage charges $4 per hour, with a daily maximum of $22. The Daily Garage charges $12 per day; the Express Parking area charges $10 per day; and the Long-Term Parking area charges $8 per day. The long-term lots are served by shuttles.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
