The Cure for Summer Boredom

By: Emily Zentz

As the summer drags on under the blistering heat of an August afternoon sun, many high schoolers may find themselves with nothing to do. Boredom seeps in while the dreaded first day of school looms at the bottom of the calendar. If you find yourself looking to fill an afternoon or to shake up your daily routine, look no further than the wonderful city of Baltimore!

Despite being in many people’s backyards, Baltimore City is often unappreciated for its bustling and vibrant arts and music scene. The Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum, and All Things Go Music Festival are the most recognizable features that represent Baltimore’s rich culture. The city’s artisanal vendors, local bands, and diverse poets and writers are what give Baltimore its unique charm, and distinguish its arts sphere from other populous cities. The best place to experience this culture is at the several festivals occurring in Baltimore this summer. Whether you’re a cinephile, artist, music lover, or even just someone who appreciates good food and fresh air, these Baltimore festivals may be the remedy for your summer ennui. 

Druid Hill Park in Baltimore City is the home to one of the biggest African American festivals on the East Coast, AFRAM. Taking place on June 21-22, AFRAM attracts over a thousand people each day in a celebration of African American culture, art, and music. Attendees support local artists and vendors while enjoying a diverse array of food options and incredible live music. Headliners for this year’s AFRAM festival include Saweetie, Patti Labelle, Juvenile, and many more. This event offers free admission and a great opportunity for Baltimore residents to explore the small businesses emerging in the city. 

Photo credits: Baltimore Fishbowl 

If you can’t get enough of art, block off your calendar for May 24-25 for Artscape, the largest free arts festival in North America. This festival put Baltimore on the map as an influential cultural hub when it first took place in 1982 as a way to generate investment and community support for the development of Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Mt. Vernon. Even 40 years later, Artscape is committed to uplifting the arts from Baltimore and beyond in its new location in downtown Baltimore City. As described by their mission statement, “Artscape isn’t just about celebrating art—it's about shaping Baltimore’s future.” Indeed, art is only one of the many highlights of this festival. Immersive culinary experiences in the “Flavor Lab,” film exhibitions, live music entertainment, and dazzling light shows testify to the expansive reach of Baltimore’s culture and creativity. 

Photo credits: Capital Region USA

Can’t tolerate the heat? Why not cool off by the Inner Harbor at the Baltimore by Baltimore Waterfront Festival? On June 7th, August 2nd, and September 6th, bring friends and family to this “Music and Makers” festival celebrating Baltimore’s artistic communities and featuring food trucks, live music, and a DJ. While you're down there, be sure to check out the other events organized by the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, like Wildlife Gardening workshops, Baltimore Floatilla festival for rowers, and Harbor Splash, when hundreds of Marylanders plunge into the Bay! 

Photo credits: Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore

No matter the season, there’s always something happening in Baltimore! For more information about the festivals mentioned above and the hundreds of others taking place year-round, check out Visit Baltimore at baltimore.org/events. While some may be traveling or preparing to leave for college this summer, don’t forget to take a day or two to appreciate the lively city we call home.