BTS, the massive pop group from Korea, is coming to M&T Bank Stadium on Aug. 10 and 11—and it’s a big deal.
Now, notice I didn’t say K-Pop, short for Korean Pop. The genre has exploded in recent years, largely thanks to BTS, although there are other bold-faced names in the category. (There’s solo artist PSY, whose “Gangnam Style” became a global hit; sassy girl group BLACKPINK; the eight-member phenoms, Stray Kids; and many more. The wild success of the Netflix animated film, K-Pop Demon Hunters, is just another example of the genre’s growing influence.) And while BTS is technically K-Pop, they’ve transcended the genre, simply becoming one of the largest pop groups of all time. (Like, Taylor Swift big.)
I became a fan after catching an SNL performance a few years back. I was intrigued enough to go down a massive BTS rabbit hole, and the sheer volume of content is staggering—videos, behind the scenes footage, lives, their hilarious game show, Run BTS, and more.
For the uninitiated, the band has seven members, and their sound mixes pop with rap. In the beginning, they predominantly sung in Korean, but since their global hit “Dynamite,” they’ve been mixing in more and more English. The members write their songs, aided by some of the best producers in the business.
They’re touring in support of their latest album, ARIRANG, which they produced after a hiatus during which all seven members did their mandatory South Korean military service. They’ve hit all the big stadiums and arenas—the Tokyo Dome, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, etc.—and now it’s our turn.
If you’re a part of BTS’s ARMY (aka one of the largest and most dedicated fan bases ever—known for amplifying the group’s emphasis on kindness by taking care of each other and making donations to charities in BTS’s name), you’re likely already planning how to celebrate before and after the show.
Luckily, local arts venues around town understand the hype, and they’re excited to get in on the fun as the ARMY Bombs—BTS’s signature glowsticks that use Bluetooth to reflect real-time color and pattern commands during the show—illuminate the stadium.
Below, we’ve rounded up a few ways to make the most of BTS’s two-night stop in Baltimore. And who knows, you just might spot them around town. Historically, the guys like to make like tourists in the cities they visit. They are particularly partial to museums, pickleball, golf, and dining. So I wouldn’t be surprised to find out they ate, say, a crab cake from Faidley’s or a Neighborhood Bird from Ekiben. Or that they stopped by somewhere like the BMA or SOS Pickleball. Keep your eyes peeled.
8/9: BTS ARMY Night at Baltimore Soundstage
Kick off the BTS Baltimore run at this club near Power Plant Live, which will be hosting fans for a pre-concert party with music spun by DJ IMYOONOTYOU. There will also be on-site vendors and goodies to get you into the spirit for the big show.
8/9: BTS Baltimore ARIRANG Party at Peabody Heights
Interested in making new friends who love BTS as much as you do? Local community artist (and self-proclaimed BTS fanatic) Maria Gabriela Aldana has you covered with this dance party she’s hosting at Peabody Heights in Abell. Come ready to dance, snag merch, and leave with a new ARMY crew—as well as a special hand-made gift by Aldana.
8/9: K-Pop Karaoke at Max’s
Think you can sing like Jungkook? Prove it at this “after dark” (8 p.m to midnight) K-Pop themed karaoke night at Max’s Taphouse in Fells Point. We have a feeling the night is going to be “Dynamite.” (This is one of many karaoke parties in the region, check out more, here.)
8/9: Motte Meetup
From 6-9 p.m, connect with your fellow ARMY, exchange freebies, indulge in a Korean dinner, and enter a raffle to win a ticket to Night 2 at this Korean hotspot in Highlandtown.
8/10: Charm City Books BTS Craft Pre-Party
From 2-4:30 p.m., head to the downtown bookstore to pregame Night 1 with themed mocktails, friendship bracelet-making, photocard trading, and book recs. Of course, BTS will be on blast all day.
8/10: BTS After-Party at Ottobar
If the adrenaline is still pumping after the encore (spoiler alert: it will be), head to the Ottobar in Remington to keep the vibes going after Night 1. DJ Kawaiichi will be behind the decks in the upstairs bar spinning K-Pop bangers from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
8/10 and 8/11: Armyland
At Checkerspot Brewing Co.—less than a 10 minute walk from the stadium—a two-day pre-concert headquarters will feature merch, crafts, games, ticket raffles, and more.
8/10 and 8/11: Purple Hour Pregame
If you want to pregame with fellow ARMY before the concert, head to Nola Seafood and Spirits in Federal Hill. Enjoy BTS-themed drinks, giveaways, and chatter just a short walk from the stadium.