Cecelia Layfield – Baltimore Magazine

Where to Watch Outdoor Movies Around Baltimore This Summer

Cecelia Layfield — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:00:42 +0000

Outdoor movies have long been a summer tradition in Baltimore. Just look at Bengie’s Drive-In in Essex, which has been a destination for 70 years. Not only do the open-air screenings offer a hefty dose of nostalgia, they also provide an unconventional way for locals to experience some of the area’s greatest greenspaces.

“Experiencing a film in the surrounding setting of a new park or outdoor venue is really what’s bringing people out, especially post-COVID,” says Jonathan Young, the owner of Essex-based Vintage View Cinemas, a company that sources screens, concession stands, and other equipment for many area movie events.

Beyond the setting, Young says that the summer activity endures as a way for locals to connect.

“Outdoor movies can bring people together, not just from a standpoint of sitting in the same space and watching the same film but, beyond that, creating communities and friend groups based on the love of the movies on the screen.”

To that end, no matter where you are in the Baltimore area this summer, there is always an outdoor movie nearby. Here, we round up places to catch fresh-air flicks in the coming weeks:

BALTIMORE CITY

AVAM’s Flicks from the Hill: On four Thursday nights in July, AVAM will once again host its summer movie series on the hill facing the museum off of Key Highway. This summer, show up early to enjoy on-theme, pre-movie workshops preceding The Wiz, A Wrinkle in Time, Men in Black, and Labyrinth. Viewers also get free museum admission from 5-9 p.m., so be sure to do a walkthrough before claiming your spot. 800 Key Highway. 5 p.m. Movies begin at 8:45 p.m. Free.

The Sound Garden x Arepi Summer Film Series: For th second year, Fells Point neighbors The Sound Garden and Arepi are hosting films under the stars in their back parking lot on Tuesday nights at dusk. Throw a lawn chair over your shoulder and head toward Thames to stock up on records, beer, wine, arepas, and popcorn before the opening credits. The theme this year is movies with iconic soundtracks, including Fast Times at Ridgemont High on July 21 and Scott Pilgrim vs The World on July 28. 1616 Thames St. Films start at dusk. Free admission.

Rhythm & Reels: This summer, and through October, the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks is rotating around the city’s many public spaces to bring the community films of all kinds. You can catch titles like Wicked: For Good on Aug. 22 at Canton Waterfront Park, Jurassic Park: Rebirth at Irvington Park on Oct. 2, and The Craft just in time for spooky season back at Canton Waterfront Park on Oct. 23. Locations and times vary. Free.

Outdoor Movie Nights at Baltimore Peninsula: South Baltimore’s waterfront locale is bringing back its outdoor film series with monthly showings, including Love & Basketball on Aug. 14 and The Greatest Showman on Sept. 11. As always, the events will feature eats for sale by visiting vendors beginning at 6 p.m. Pack a blanket or lawn chair and head to the big screen adjacent to Rye Street Tavern. 301 E. Cromwell St. Movies at 8 p.m. Free.

—Courtesy of Baltimore Peninsula via Facebook

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Bengies Drive-In: With frequent double features, this famous film fixture—known for having one of the largest outdoor screens in the country—offers quantity and quality. Be sure to review Bengie’s house rules before attending. (A minimum of two people must be in the car.) 3417 Eastern Blvd. Middle River. Times vary. Weekend showings: $4.00 car fee, $12.50 per person, $7.00 ages 4-10.

Essex Outdoor Movie Under the Stars: Mingle with friends and neighbors while checking out community resources (and chowing down on free pizza while supplies last) at this recurring event put on by the Essex Community Development Corporation. On Friday, Aug. 28, bring a lawn chair to relax and enjoy Pixar’s Elio with the whole fam at 6 p.m. Cox’s Point Park. 820 Riverside Dr. Essex. 6 p.m. Free.

Movies on Main at Hunt Valley Towne Centre: A massive pop-up screen in Hunt Valley Towne Centre’s center plaza will display movies on the third Thursday of every month through October. Grab dinner (and a requisite treat) from the area eateries before settling down for Inside Out on Aug. 20, Freaky Friday on Sept. 17, and Hocus Pocus on Oct. 15. 118 Shawan Rd. Movies start at sundown. Free.

Screen on the Green Movie Series: The folks with Baltimore County Recreation and Parks are hosting roving showings at parks around the county on weekends throughout the summer. Among the featured films are The Lion King at the Pikesville Armory on July 26, Goat at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Catonsville on Aug. 21, and The Wedding Singer at the Fullerton Community Center in Overlea on Sept 18. Locations and showtimes vary. Free.

CARROLL COUNTY

Outdoor Summer Movies in Westminster: On select Tuesdays throughout the summer, join the Carroll County Arts Council for its Outdoor Summer Family Movie Series. Films roll Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. at Carroll Community College. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy adventures like Robin Hood on July 28 and Muppet Treasure Island on Aug 4. 1601 Washington Rd. 8:30 p.m. Westminster. Free.

HARFORD COUNTY

Summer Movie Nights in Bel Air: Consider yourself lucky, because the Bel Air Downtown Alliance is showing summer movies at Shamrock Park every third Friday in July and August. This season, bring the fam for pre-show activities like face-painting, karate, cheerleading, and book browsing. The movies—Zootopia 2 on July 17 and The Minecraft Movie on Aug. 21—start at 8 p.m., and food trucks (think: Crabby Pretzel, The Slice is Right, Kona Ice, and Sunny Day Lemonade) will be present for all of your concession needs. Shamrock Park-Lee Street. Bel Air. 7:00-9:30 p.m. Free

—Courtesy of The Wine Bin via Facebook

HOWARD COUNTY

Movie Nights at the Wine Bin: This Ellicott City liquor store has a lot more to offer than its namesake bottles of vino. Along with its craft beers, cocktail kits, and charcuterie selection, the shop provides a great variety of outdoor movies in its parking lot on Saturday nights throughout the summer. The Wine Bin staff has once again curated a jam-packed lineup of classics such as The Breakfast Club, Monsters Inc., The Princess Bride, and The Dark Knight. This year, all popcorn proceeds will benefit Ellicott City advocacy program Voices for Children. 8390 Main St. Ellicott City. Times vary. Free.

Lakefront Live: The Columbia Association is back with another year of Lakefront Live, a series of music, food, and, of course, outdoor movies overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi. Happening on select Friday and Saturday nights September, the well-rounded roster this season includes adventures like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on July 23, Hoppers on Aug. 14, Freakier Friday on Aug. 21, and How to Train Your Dragon on Sept. 4. Downtown Columbia Lakefront 10275 Wincopin Circle. Columbia. 8:15 p.m. Free.

—Columbia Association via Facebook

Additional reporting by Hunter Hine, Nina Branwell, and Kirstin Nichols

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How to Plan a Fantastic Baltimore Father’s Day

Cecelia Layfield — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:55:11 +0000

Dads are all different, so, of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to Father’s Day. But the area offers plenty of options to honor the special guy in your life, whether he’s sporty, artsy, outdoorsy, hungry, or laid-back and down for whatever the day has in store—as long as he’s spending time with loved ones.

Ahead of the big day this Sunday, June 15, use the list below as inspo to plan the perfect Baltimore Father’s Day.

Get Crafty

6/12: Fridge Magnets for Father’s Day
Head to Arteasy’s South Baltimore studio for this no-experience-necessary workshop where kids will make polymer clay fridge magnets. Materials are provided and families will be guided through the process. 1539 Light St., 4:30-6 p.m. $20 per kid.

6/14: Baltimore County Arts Guild Free Father’s Day Gift Workshop
If you’ve got a dad who can’t survive without his morning coffee, enjoy this workshop where you can DIY a coaster. Participants of all ages will be guided by Jill Monahan to design their gifts. Gallery @ 1101, Maiden Choice Ln., 12-2 p.m. Register in advance.

Drop-in Art Making: Woven Together at The Walters Art Museum
For all of the dads who love nothing more than to spend an afternoon strolling around a museum—The Walters’ fan-favorite drop-in art-making program will be holding a special Father’s Day session that invites participants to contribute to a collaborative textile inspired by the new Latin American Art /Arte Latinoamericano exhibit. Stick around afterwards to gather materials to make your very own textile with your go-to guy. 600 N Charles St., Sculpture Court, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Get Out and About

GBMC Father’s Day 5K
The GBMC Father’s Day 5K is held every year in support of the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the key research conducted by the NICU. For the dad who is always active and on-the-go, this 5K is a great activity and opportunity to show support. 6545 N Charles St. Register in advance.

Father’s Day Harbor Golf
Why not make tee-time a family affair this weekend? To really localize the golf experience, Fells Point’s Sagamore Pendry hotel is setting up floating golf targets on the harbor. Dads can practice their swings (using sustainable salt golf balls) while sipping specials by Long Drink and enjoying family barbecue fare. 1715 Thames St., 12-4 p.m. Reservation required.

Father’s Day Orioles Game
The O’s are up against the Los Angeles Angels for this special Father’s Day game at home. Get there early for the giveaway, a dad-esque straw hat that will be available for the first 15,000 fans. After the last inning, fans ages 4-14 will have the opportunity to run the bases with their favorite man. 333 W. Camden St. Gates open at 12 p.m.

Grab Some Grub

Father’s Day at Nick’s Fish House
Father’s Day just so happens to overlap with peak crab season. If your guy loves a summer Sunday on the water, grab a table on the deck at this South Baltimore staple to enjoy crabs and Crushes while dancing to live music provided by multi-instrumentalist Virgil Cain. Don’t forget to stop by the shirt shack if you need a last-minute gift. 2600 Insulator Drive. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Father’s Day Beer-B-Que at Guinness
Snag tickets to spread out on the lush lawn of Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe while feasting on a bottomless spread as a fam. The price of admission includes two beers, plus house smoked pulled pork, barbecue chicken, brisket, stuffed jalepenos, fried okra, collard greens, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, baked beans, and Nightengale ice cream sandwiches for dessert. 5001 Washington Blvd. Halethorpe. 12 p.m. $90

Half-Off Beer and Specials at Mama’s on the Half Shell
Mama’s is going all out for the papas on Sunday. Treat dad to brunch or dinner at the Canton or Owings Mills locations, which will feature half- off beer and specials like Surf & Turf, garlic herb tenderloin skewers, and bourbon peach cobbler. 2901 O’Donnell St., brunch served from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner served from 3-10 p.m.

Gastro Social Father’s Day Brunch
Plates on the menu at this Little Italy spot from Chef Fr. Leo Patalinghug range from wings and sliders to creamy chicken pasta and Jasmine rice bowls. Bring dad during brunch for bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas. 806 Stiles St. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Father’s Day Barbecue Cruise
Give dad a day off from the grill with this Inner Harbor cruise catered by Maryland’s own Mission BBQ. The two-hour excursion features an open beer and wine bar, as well as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Depart from Baltimore Finger Piers, 555 Light St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets required.

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Pride Guide: Spectacular Events Celebrating 50 Years of Baltimore Pride

Cecelia Layfield — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:50:47 +0000

What started out as a small peaceful protest in Mt. Vernon in 1975 has evolved into what we know today as Baltimore Pride, a monthlong celebration of events, fundraisers, and festivals supporting our local LGBTQ+ community.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, organizers with the Pride Center of Maryland are emphasizing the theme of “50 Shades of Pride,” a nod to just how diverse and unique Baltimore’s community is. From June 8-15, the city will be awash with a rainbow’s array of events run by various organizations, small businesses, and restaurants, in addition to the annual Pride parade and block party (at Charles and 29th Streets, the very block where it all began) June 14-15.

Tramour Wilson, chief director of special projects at the Pride Center of Maryland, says that the hosts are as committed to inclusivity as ever, incorporating events for the trans community, youth, elders, and the Latinx community. “We’re meshing four Prides into one,” he says. “We want to ensure that we’re opening up the Pride festival to all.”

For all gatherings, safety continues to be a top priority. “We have invested a quarter of our budget to security,” he says, mentioning partnerships with local police and shuttle rides from Pride events.

Aside from the famous Pride Parade, Wilson—who has participated in Pride himself for more than a decade—is most excited for the time-honored Twilight on the Terrace gala, held at the Hippodrome’s M&T Bank Exchange this year, featuring a performance by Tony and Grammy award-winning artist Jennifer Holliday.

For even more events sure to spark joy, energy, and connection throughout the month, check out our full Pride Guide, below.

Official Baltimore Pride Parties

6/9: 50 Shades of Pride: Opening Happy Hour
To kick off Baltimore Pride’s festivities, attend the opening happy hour at Ema’s Corner, in the old Joe Squared space in Station North. Showing off your shade of pride is encouraged for this year’s 50 Shades of Pride theme. 33 W North Ave. 5-9 p.m.

6/10: Slay and Skate
Shake & Bake Family Fun Center has long been a centerpiece of the Black community, just as the Black community has always been at the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. Lace up your skates and roll on over to Shake & Bake to celebrate with DJs, dancing, and high-energy fun. 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

6/11: Pride Picnic and Play
Head to Patterson Park for Baltimore Pride’s picnic featuring fun, games, and great company. 2601 E Baltimore St. 3-8 p.m.

6/11: Happy Hour at The Manor
This Baltimore Pride happy hour at The Manor in Mt. Vernon will feature drink specials, a DJ playing Pride anthems, a fun crowd, and plenty of photo ops. 924 N Charles St. 5-9 p.m. Free with RSVP.

6/12: Pride on the Patio
This year’s Pride on the Patio will be held at Guilford Hall Brewery, highlighting craft beers and specialty cocktails, a DJ, dancing, and that joyous Baltimore Pride spirit. Guilford Hall will be serving happy hour specials all night long. 1611 Guilford Ave. 6-10 p.m. This event is free for all who RSVP.

6/13: Mount Vernon Pride
Mount Vernon Pride pieces together all aspects of LGBTQ+ and Baltimore culture to create an event bursting with queer joy. This block party celebration will be packed with pride merch, food, local vendors, dancing, and live performances. Mount Vernon; Park Ave. & Read St. 3-8 p.m. Free with RSVP.

6/13: Twilight on the Terrace
In what is sure to be an unforgettable performance at the M&T Bank Exchange, award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Holliday will perform “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” The gala will honor the 50-year legacy of Baltimore Pride and all proceeds will support the LGBTQ+ community. Holliday’s first-ever Baltimore performance is not to be missed. 401 W Fayette St. 7-11 p.m.

6/14: Baltimore Pride Parade
Bring your best signs, flags, and rainbow accessories to celebrate this year’s Baltimore Pride Parade. The route extends through the heart of Baltimore and features floats, dancers, drag performers, and community organizations that travel to the beat of marching bands and DJs. Charles St. & North Ave. Parade kicks off at 11 a.m.

6/14: Pride Block Party
The Pride Block Party will take place at Charles Street and 29th Street to honor this year’s special 50th anniversary. Baltimore Pride originated on this block, and this event will celebrate the history of the occasion with food trucks, vendors, DJs, dancing, and more. Charles Street & 29th Street, 3-8 p.m.

6/14: Uncuffed Events Takes Over Power Plant Live for Charm City Pride Fest
Power Plant Live will be full of music, dancing, vendors, and queer joy as the venue for the official Baltimore Pride after party. Hosted by Uncuffed Events, the bash will offer party zones with live performances by So Fetch Band (a 2000s tribute group) and queer and women DJs, as well as a drag intermission by SADBrunch. Power Plant Live!, 34 Market Pl., 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $20

6/15: The Ultimate Drag Brunch: Baltimore Pride
Another event at Guilford Hall Brewery is The Ultimate Drag Brunch, featuring a lineup of 10 impressive drag entertainers including drag queens, kings, and nonbinary royalty. Brunch and drinks will be available for purchase while you watch. 1611 Guilford Ave. 12-4 p.m. $20. This event is for ages 21+.

6/15: Pride in the Park
To close out this year’s Baltimore Pride festivities, make your way to Druid Hill Park to spend quality community time and reflect on the historic significance of Baltimore Pride’s 50th anniversary. This event has something for everyone–even your pets. Druid Hill Park, 12-6 p.m. Free with RSVP.

Arts & Culture

6/5: Pride Cocktails & Craft—Tour and Disco Ball-Making
Be sure to register and join the Maryland Center for History and Culture for this event, which takes place on their Free First Thursday. The first part of the gathering will feature a tour of the museum’s queer history exhibition–We Are Proud–given by assistant curator, Abby Doran. Once inspired by the wonderful work and creations of LGBTQ+ folks, you can create your very own disco ball–a beacon of queer nightlife and joy. 610 Park Ave. 6-8 p.m.

6/7: Mortified Pride Edition
Mortified is here–and queer–this month at Creative Alliance. Sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for a slew of embarrassingly hilarious original poems, song lyrics, diary entries, and accounts of various adolescent experiences all themed around Pride, coming out, exploring sexual and gender identity, and more. 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $30 for general admission, $25 for members, and $15 for virtual attendants (with a $5 service fee).

6/12: Community Connection: Pride in Ourselves, Pride in Our Legacy
Attend this multigenerational gathering hosted by The ElderPride Council, presented by Chase Brexton Health Care, for an opportunity to connect with members of the LGBTQ+ community in all different stages of life. This event creates a space for everyone to share their stories as they connect to the history of pride. Lunch will be served to those who register. FreeState Justice, 2601 N. Howard St. Suite 120. 1-2:30 p.m.

6/13: Off the Rails Pride Party at the Streetcar Museum
The Clifton Pleasure Club has put together this event in partnership with the Baltimore Streetcar Museum in order to offer a night of classic concessions, fun drinks, live entertainment, queer art, streetcar rides, and more! The goal of this event is to create an authentic and joyful environment that focuses on the roots of the LGBTQ+ community. 2803 Grindon Ave. 6 p.m. $25 per person.

6/13: Night Owl Gallery Opening Reception: David Ayala “Repeat After Me” & Yamah “Held in Color”
These two simultaneous solo exhibitions explore integral themes of queerness in different ways—through fiber-based works, in Yamah’s exhibit, and through a mix of oil painting with unconventional materials in David Ayala’s. 1735 Maryland Ave., 5-9 p.m.

Pride Performances

6/6: Furrocity Pride Show
The Creative Alliance’s Furrocity Pride show features some of Baltimore’s best drag performers, emceed by Pretty Rik E with music by GRL PWR. The show is presented by Lula Lioness and has two costume contest categories: Feline Ferocity and Flaunt Your Flag. 3134 Eastern Ave. 5 p.m. vendor market, 6 p.m. doors and dancing, 7 p.m. show. Tickets start at $20 for general admission and $10 for Creative Alliance members or virtual participants.

6/13: Big Top Revival: A Pride Variety Show to Benefit Maryland Safe Haven
Calling all ringmasters, strongmen, bearded ladies, and vaudeville vamps! Attend this variety show put on by Hotel Revival with performances from some of Baltimore’s best queer talent, with each ticket sale donating $10 to Maryland Safe Haven and their mission to provide resources to the LGBTQ+ community. 101 W Monument St. 9-11 p.m. This event is for ages 21+.

6/13; 6/20: Baltimore Men’s Chorus Presents: Joy in Defiance–A Spring Concert
Music has long been a tool of expression and connection for the LGBTQ+ community, and the Baltimore Men’s Chorus will be honoring that spirit through their spring concert. In keeping with this year’s milestone and theme of “50 Shades of Pride,” the chorus stands as the longest-running LGBTQ+ performing arts organization. 1900 St Paul St.; 120 N Front St. 7:30-9 p.m.

6/13-6/29: Iron Crow Theatre Presents: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
You won’t want to miss Iron Crow Theatre’s production of this queer theater staple. The show is full of dancing, laughing, and, of course, audience participation. Each ticketholder will receive a bag with all necessary props and an audience participation script. If you’re a first-timer, expect to be specially welcomed, though you may want to leave your striped shirts, suits, and sandals at home. 45 W Preston St. Performance times vary.

6/14: Paintings and Pride: a Comedy Show at Zissimos Bar
Join We’re Here, We’re Queer; ImprovScape; and Highwire Improv for a hilariously spectacular improv show based on a local artist’s creations. This event brings together key elements of Baltimore’s culture, art, and improv, for a funny celebration of Pride Month. The Lou Costello Room above Zissimos Bar located at 1023 W 36th St. Doors at 8:45 p.m., show from 9-10:30 p.m.

Community Connections

6/1-6/30: Pride at Ulysses
For the entire month of June, Mt. Vernon’s Ulysses hotel—nearby many of the official events—will serve as a Pride HQ. If you book a room, you can enjoy a complimentary cocktail with every registered guest in your group. Each booking donates $15 to Lambda Legal to support their LGBTQ+ civil rights efforts. 2 E. Read St.

6/7: Rainbow Run in Patterson Park
Look forward to a two-mile course through the park with plenty of rainbow embellishments along the way. The Saturday-afternoon meetup promises something for everyone, with a kids’ zone and a beer garden pouring pints from Mobtown Brewing Company. 2601-A E. Baltimore St. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

6/7: “A Lovely Day for Love” Beer Release Party at Guinness Open Gate Brewery Baltimore
Guinness Baltimore has announced a new Pride-themed beer, and they are, of course, planning a release party to go with it. “A Lovely Day for Love” is a 5 percent ABV lager infused with cherry puree. For every pint purchased, Guinness will make a donation to support Maryland Safe Haven and their LGBTQ+ safety mission. In addition to the new beer, the release party will feature beats by DJ NuKicks and debut a new brunch special: a cinnamon-infused cherry waffle with dried cherry compote. 5001 Washington Blvd. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

6/13: Drag Me to Comedy Bingo: Pride Edition ft. Cyrus K. Stratton
Race to be the first to complete your bingo card based off of the standup set at Zissimos Bar. Join Philadelphia’s Cyrus K. Stratton for an incredible drag performance and stay for special guest Jinx Demon. Multiple winners allow for extra fun. Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

6/14: “Unaffiliated” Pride Vendor Market
Take this opportunity to shop new art, decor, and more while supporting LGBTQ+ artists. Peruse many different creations from various vendors at both Mobtown Ballroom and Night Owl Gallery. 30 W North Ave., 1735 Maryland Ave., Unit A, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

6/25: Orioles Pride Night at Camden Yards
Celebrate Pride Month with the Orioles as they play the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards. The first 15,000 fans to attend the 6:35 p.m. game will receive an Orioles Pride jersey. 333 W. Camden St. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

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