The Best Things to Do in Baltimore in October 2026
Fall in Baltimore means crisp harbor air, Halloween energy and a calendar packed with things to do. There are Edgar Allan Poe celebrations, glowing lantern parades, stadium-sized concerts and plenty of free festivals. Here are the events worth planning your month around.
Week 1 (Oct. 1–4): Poe, Films and Big Shows
International Edgar Allan Poe Festival (Oct. 2–4). This is the 9th year of Baltimore's most on-brand festival. It's free and family-friendly, with performances, readings, vendors and the Black Cat Ball. Local tip: it has moved to Lexington Market this year because of demolition near the Poe House. Don't head to the old location.
New/Next Film Festival (Oct. 1–4). More than 160 films play across five screens at The Charles Theatre. It's a good pick for movie lovers.
ZooBoo at the Maryland Zoo (Oct. 2–31). Expect a pumpkin patch, costume contests, an inflatable corn maze and trick-or-treating past the animals. It's a good weekend outing for families with kids.
The Smashing Pumpkins at CFG Bank Arena (Oct. 3). It's a pumpkin-season concert, and the band plays two sets: a 30th-anniversary run through Mellon Collie and a career-spanning set.
Also: Tom Morello's Power to the People at Merriweather Post Pavilion (Oct. 3) has a huge lineup and is a short drive from the city. Chelsea Handler plays the Lyric the same night.
Week 2 (Oct. 5–11): Paddle, Party and Celebrate
Edgar Allan Row (Oct. 10, 4–6 p.m.). This is a first-ever spooky paddle from the Baltimore Blueway to Fells Point and out into the harbor. It's unusual enough to be worth a photo.
Fiesta Baltimore (Oct. 10–11). Patterson Park hosts the city's largest Latino cultural festival, with food, live performances and no admission fee.
Modest Mouse at Pier Six Pavilion (Oct. 9). It's a good waterfront concert night.
Week 3 (Oct. 12–18): Race, Sip and Skate
OktoBEARfest at the Maryland Zoo (Oct. 16–17). Friday is a 21+ evening. Saturday is the classic version, with unlimited sampling of 60+ seasonal brews plus live music and zoo admission.
Baltimore Running Festival (Oct. 17). The race starts at Inner Harbor, but you don't have to run to enjoy it. Cheering from the sidewalk is a fun way to spend the morning.
Disney on Ice (Oct. 15–18). This is the pick for younger kids.
Punk Rock Flea Market (Oct. 18). It's at the Ottobar and full of oddities and vintage finds.
Week 4 (Oct. 19–25): The Big Baltimore Weekend
The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & Día de los Muertos Festival (Oct. 24). The festival starts at 4 p.m. and the parade at 7 p.m. in Patterson Park. It's the most uniquely Baltimore event on this list, so bring a lantern or just come to watch.
Journey's Final Frontier Tour (Oct. 24). It's at CFG Bank Arena, and the show's billing is a farewell tour.
Halloween Baltimore at the Maryland Science Center (Oct. 24, 8 p.m.–1 a.m.). It's a 21+ costume party across multiple floors, with rooftop views.
Week 5 (Oct. 26–31): Halloween Week
Rocky Horror Picture Show (Oct. 29–31). A live shadow cast and a costume contest make this a fun night out at M&T Bank Exchange.
Psycho in Concert (Oct. 30). The BSO plays the score live while the film runs.
Billy Strings (Oct. 30–31). He plays two nights at CFG Bank Arena.
Six The Musical. Six runs at the Hippodrome from Oct. 25 through Nov. 1.
Free & Budget-Friendly Picks
Poe Fest, Fiesta Baltimore, and Movies on Main: Hocus Pocus at Hunt Valley Towne Centre (Oct. 15) are all free.
Plan Your Month
Parking near the Inner Harbor and Patterson Park fills up on festival days, so rideshare or transit is easier. Confirm dates and times on each event's official page before you go.
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