Calendar of Events - Family Friendly Events

All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.

Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks

October

29

ArBOOretum. Celebrate the Halloween season with your family at Cylburn “ArBOOretum”, a family-friendly event that celebrates the spirit of season in the heart of a beautiful public garden. This event brings together the community for guided moonlit nature walks, spooky trails, and memorable moments in front of the Cylburn mansion decorated in Halloween splendor. This is a candy-free Halloween event to prevent wrappers from littering the grounds. Every visitor will receive a glowstick! $5 in advance; $10 at the door. 5PM-7:30PM. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave., Baltimore. https://cylburn.org/programs-events/arbooretum/

30-31

ZooBOO! Celebrate the fall season with the Maryland Zoo's annual ZooBOO! festival! This year’s festivities will span several weekends throughout the month of October and will include exciting seasonal activities. Enjoy an inflatable corn maze, pumpkin patch, seasonal crafts, sack races, costume contests, food trucks and vendors, face painting, trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo, visits from Zoo mascots, and more! Halloween costumes are encouraged all month long! ZooBOO! is included with Zoo admission. FREE. 10AM-4PM each day. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/zoobooo/

Trail or Treat. Gather treats as you venture deeper into the Marshy woods. Encounter frights along the way. Costumes are welcome! $3 per person. 11AM-1PM. Marshy Point Nature Center, 7130 Marshy Point Rd., Middle River. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation-and-parks/events/trail-or-treat-marshy-point-nature-center

Tricks and Treats on the Ridge. Dress up in your best costume and stroll through the woods and meadow to learn about the tricks plants and animals have up their “leaves”. Participants will get a treat at each stop so bring your treat bag. Hike is approximately one-half mile. Advance registration is required. Groups will leave from the Nature Center in 15-minute intervals. $3. 5PM-9PM. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation-and-parks/events/tricks-and-treats-ridge-oregon-ridge-nature-center

Breakfast with the Elephants: Halloween. Join the Zoo for this special Halloween edition of their famous breakfast series! Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet alongside the elephant exhibit while the elephants receive some fun Halloween enrichment treats. During breakfast, guests will be treated to a special keeper chat. Don’t forget to bring your camera to this unique dining event! $75; $70 Members; FREE for children under 2 (ticket still required). 9AM-10:30AM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/breakfast-with-the-animals/breakfast-elephants-pumpkin-smash/

November

Pumpkin Smash. Send your pumpkin flying off the roof of the Maryland Science Center! When the Halloween festivities come to an end, bring your jack-ó-lantern to the Maryland Science Center for a memorable send-off. Their pumpkin launch tube is ready to propel your gourd down four stories from MSC’s roof to the patio below. It’s bound to be a smashing good time! Pumpkin collection begins at 10AM, first smash is at 11AM. See link for details. FREE with admission; outdoor participation is FREE. 10AM-1PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/events/pumpkin-smash/

6-8

Howard County Craft Spectacular. A craft show featuring over 375 artists and crafters. Shop from items including crafts and fine art. Enjoy roving performers and local talent. Free gift wrapping, package check, free parking, free courtesy shuttles back to your vehicle, Free door prizes every 5 minutes throughout the weekend. Magic Shows on Sat. & Sun at 11am and 12:30pm. $5 General Admission; $7 Multi-day Pass; FREE for children under 10. 9AM-5PM Friday & Saturday; 9AM-4PM Sunday. Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd., West Friendship. https://www.atozcrafts.net/

Fall Fest 2026. Eden Mill's biggest event of the year! With live animals, mill tours, food trucks, games, exhibitors, pumpkin chuckin', and more, there is sure to be fun for the whole family! Food and sweet treats will be available for purchase. Bring non-perishable goods to donate to Eden Mill's free Community Closet, if you are able. FREE admission. 11AM-3PM. Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd., Pylesville. (Please park at Winter Farm, 4336 St. Clair Bridge Rd., Jarrettsville, and take the free shuttle to the event.) https://edenmill.org/programs/special-events/

Patterson Park BrewFest. Enjoy 40+ local beers, food trucks and restaurants, and great live music, all to benefit Baltimore's Best Backyard - Patterson Park! VIP Ticket includes 30 minute early access, unlimited beer tastings, THB Bagelry & Deli, guaranteed seating, lite fare, all you care to drink select wine, beer, cocktails and mocktails. Event is rain or shine. $20 General Admission in advance; $48 Beer Tasting Ticket in advance; $85 VIP Ticket in advance; FREE for kids 16 & under. 12PM-4:30PM (11:30AM for VIP). Patterson Park, Bull Circle, 27 S Patterson Park Ave., Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/brewfest

Breakfast with the Big Cats. Rise and shine as this VIP experience takes you to the lion exhibit before the Zoo opens. Start your day with an unforgettable outdoor breakfast experience alongside our lions. Savor a freshly prepared buffet-style meal with a full menu designed to delight every palate. During breakfast, enjoy an exclusive Big Cat Keeper Chat, where you’ll get fascinating insights into the lives and habits of these incredible animals straight from the experts. Don’t forget your camera—this one-of-a-kind dining adventure is sure to be a roaring good time! Tickets include same day zoo admission. $75; $70 Members; FREE for children under 2 (ticket still required). 9AM-10:30AM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/breakfast-with-the-animals/breakfast-with-the-lions/

Seeking the Kinetic-Curious. What does it take to be involved in Baltimore’s Kinetic Sculpture Race? Hosted by the American Visionary Art Museum in collaboration with Checkerspot Brewing Company, learn all about the Kinetic Sculpture Race from previous participants and enjoy an adult beverage while you do it! Explore tables that share details about building kinetic vehicles, race hazards, artistic decoration, and more, or explore how to get involved in the best volunteer gig in Charm City! Educators also have a special table with Kinetic lessons for the classroom. Join the KSR Family for a fun evening of information conversations, food and beer (for purchase). This event is family and pet friendly. FREE admission. 6PM-9PM. Checkerspot Brewing Company, 1421 Ridgely St., Baltimore. https://www.avam.org/event-details/seeking-the-kinetic-curious

13-15

Maryland Irish Festival. This annual celebration of Irish culture features local, regional and international Irish music, Irish Dancers, traditional cuisine, cultural exhibits and workshops, and a wide variety of quality vendors of Irish/Celtic goods. Join all weekend to celebrate Irish culture with great music, food, beer, and do some early Christmas shopping with our fantastic vendors! The festival includes many Cultural and Historical displays and performances, and a dedicated kid’s play area with activities, and games. $20 General Admission Friday or Sunday; $25 General Admission Saturday; $55 Three Day Pass; Senior (age 65+) Discount Available; Whiskey Tasting Tickets available for additional cost. 6PM-11PM Friday; 12PM-11PM Saturday; 10:30AM Mass Sunday; 12PM-6PM Festival Sunday. The Maryland Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://irishfestival.com/

Breakfast with the Chimps: Thanksgiving. Join the zoo for this special Thanksgiving edition of their famous breakfast series! Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet inside Chimpanzee Forest while the chimp troop receives some fun Thanksgiving enrichment treats. After breakfast, guests will be treated to a special keeper chat. Don’t forget to bring your camera to this unique dining event! Tickets include same day zoo admission. $75; $70 Members; FREE for children under 2 (ticket required). 9AM-10:30AM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/breakfast-with-the-animals/thanksgiving/

Cottage-Core Holiday Market. Step into a storybook holiday market filled with twinkling charm, handcrafted treasures, and the magic of a simpler season. The Cottage Core Holiday Market is a thoughtfully curated shopping experience featuring talented artisans, vintage collectors, makers, bakers, florists, and small businesses offering beautifully crafted goods you won’t find in big box stores. Whether you’re searching for meaningful gifts, one-of-a-kind holiday décor, cozy winter accessories, handmade jewelry, artisan foods, or vintage finds, this is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting independent makers and small businesses. Unlike larger markets packed with mass-produced merchandise, every vendor has been carefully selected to create an experience centered around quality, craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Expect festive photo opportunities, seasonal treats, cozy holiday vibes, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes shopping feel like an event rather than an errand.
Bring your friends, bundle up, and spend the day discovering extraordinary gifts while celebrating the magic of the holiday season. FREE admission. 10AM-4PM. Washington St., Havre de Grace. https://www.facebook.com/events/1574706777493489

21-December 27

Christmas Village in Baltimore. Named one of the best Christmas markets in the US, Christmas Village features over 70 vendors in charming wooden booths. Thousands of lights illuminate the market, including our iconic Glühwein Pyramid, a traditional German mulled wine tower. Explore the indoor and outdoor holiday market, take a ride on the Carousel or Ferris Wheel, warm up inside the heated festival tent, and enjoy festive food and drinks in the beer garden. Warm up with a mug of Glühwein and freshly grilled Bratwurst, or enjoy a stein of German Hofbräu beer. FREE admission during Preview Weekend and weekdays; $5 Season Pass admission for heated tent on select weekends (ages 18+). 12PM-8PM Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday; 12PM-9PM Friday & Saturday. 12PM-5PM Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve.; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays except 12/21-22; Closed on Wednesday 11/25 & Christmas Day. West Shore Park at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, 501 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.baltimore-christmas.com/index.html

Magic of Merryland Holiday Tree Lighting Festival. The Magic of Merryland Festival returns to Harbor East for the third annual festival and tree lighting! The Magic of Merryland Festival is an iconic celebration filled with music, holiday treats, and festive fun for the entire family! From enchanting carnival rides to memorable pet photos with Santa, the neighborhood will be bursting with cheer. And don’t miss the 3rd Annual Merryland Tree Lighting at 5:30PM! The Magic of Merryland Festival is FREE and open to the public! Santa arrives at 12PM for pet photos in front of the Merryland Tree. From 2PM–5PM, enjoy the holiday carnival on Aliceanna Street with carnival games, rides, balloon animals, and more! At 5:30PM, head over to International Drive outside of the Four Seasons to watch the lighting of the 40-foot Harbor East Holiday Tree! A festive light show will kick off the holiday season in Harbor East! FREE admission. 12PM-6PM. Harbor East, 800 Aliceanna St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/magic-of-merryland-holiday-tree-lighting-festival-tickets-2003736100616

27-28

Bazaart: Holiday Craft Marketplace. Come to the best art market in Baltimore to kickoff or conclude your holiday shopping! Explore AVAM’s annual holiday marketplace of original creations by 50 regional artists and craftspeople! With works ranging from painting and sculpture to jewelry and handmade clothing, Bazaart has become a Baltimore tradition that attracts hordes of holiday shoppers each year for a truly one-of-a-kind show. After your shopping excursion, enjoy the AVAM galleries (regular admission applies) or stop by the amazing Sideshow gift shop in AVAM's Main Building to find additional unique gifts for your loved ones. FREE admission. 12PM-5PM Friday; 10AM-5PM Saturday. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.avam.org/event-details/bazaart-holiday-craft-marketplace-friday-1

27-29

Festival of Trees. Since 1990, Festival of Trees has kicked off the holiday season with an unforgettable celebration for an extraordinary cause. Organized by Kennedy Krieger Institute, this three-day celebration brings Baltimore together to raise critical funds for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders and injuries impacting the nervous system. The event features hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses, a massive vendor marketplace, rides, games, crafts, live entertainment and holiday magic galore. Whether you’re shopping for a cause, meeting Santa for the first time or dancing the night away at Tinsel on Tap, you’re helping create a brighter future for thousands of children and families. $22 General Admission (Advance Discount); $17 Seniors General Admission (Advance Discount), $10 Children 5-12 General Admission (Advance Discount), FREE for Children 4 and under; $40 Tinsel on Tap Advance Discount; $35 Sunday Morning Tunes Concert (Early Bird Pricing); FREE Sunday Morning Tunes admission for Children 2 & under; $120 Family Pack Sunday Morning Concert (Early Bird Pricing); $20 Activity Ticket Discount Pack. 10AM-7PM Friday; 10AM-6PM Saturday; 7PM-10PM Tinsel on Tap (21+) Saturday; 10AM-4PM Sunday. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/festivaloftrees

28-December 19

The Bell Aire Holiday Market. An open-air, holiday-themed artisan market that is an extension of the Belle Aire Market series! The Belle Aire Holiday Market is held on the 4 Saturdays from after Thanksgiving to before Christmas. Featured at the market are dozens of unique artisan vendors selling everything from home decor to jewelry and body care products and more! After you’ve shopped, make sure to check out the rest of downtown’s shops and restaurants – Shop Small this holiday season (and all year round!). FREE admission. 9AM-12PM. Harford County Courthouse, 121 S Main St., Bel Air. https://downtownbelair.com/holiday-market/

28-January 1

Miracle on 34th Street. Hampden has the Shops, the Food, the Drinks, the Shopping and, last but not least, the Lights. Residents will light the street on November 28 at 6 p.m. and will run until New Years Day. Lights go on at dark and go off around 10 p.m. except Friday and Saturday when they stay on until midnight. So many people come every year they have to block the street off to car traffic just about every night. The merchants are ready; the residents are ready – let’s make this the best holiday season ever! FREE admission. 6PM-10PM Daily. Hampden, 736 W 34th St., Baltimore. https://www.facebook.com/Miracleon34thSt/

The Hampden Karmpus Yule Market & Toys for Tots Collection. Something wickedly festive is coming to Hampden... get ready for the New Krampus Yule Market! The Baltimore Krampus Group is teaming up with the Hampden Village Merchants Association to bring you a holiday experience like no other. Whether you've been naughty or nice, this ALL-AGES event has something for everyone! With 30+ local vendors, shop the best creepy holiday decor, oddities, crafts and cosplay gear. Dust off your favorite costumes - cosplay is encouraged! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. FREE admission. 10AM-5PM. Roosevelt Park, 1221 W 36th St., Baltimore. https://www.hampdenmerchants.com/events/yulemarket

Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks

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November

October