Spring is in the Air: Central Maryland’s Can’t-Miss Events
If you’re looking for something fun to do this spring, look no further than Central Maryland! There are a ton of great festivals and events taking place in the next few months. From National Harbor’s Cherry Blossom Festival to the various concerts happening throughout the region, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular events and tell you what to expect. We hope that you enjoy your time in Central Maryland this spring!
We will be adding new events regularly, so be sure to check back again!
Tips for Visiting Central Maryland in Spring
Central Maryland is easily accessible by train and by flights into BWI in Baltimore or National Airport in Washington D.C. The region has a mix of urban, suburban, and city areas. The DC Metro runs through several neighborhoods closer to the city. Uber and Lyft are also easy to find if you do not have your own transportation. Though options tend to be more limited if you venture out into Western Howard County.
If you’re asking yourself, what is the weather like in Central Maryland in spring? The answer is quite unpredictable! To make the most of the Central Maryland spring experience, visitors should come prepared with appropriate attire. Dressing in layers is recommended, as this will allow for easy adjustments to account for sudden temperature fluctuations. Carrying a light jacket and an umbrella is always a smart idea, as the spring rain showers can often appear without warning.
Spring is also the season when Central Maryland’s flora comes to life in full glory. Visitors can witness the blossoming of cherry trees, tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and dogwoods, among many others. While the blooms are beautiful, pollen is fierce in this area! Even if you do not suffer from allergies, you may be sensitive to the foliage. Taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine usually does the trick!
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County, Maryland located on the Chesapeake Bay is filled with history and vibrant waterfront communities. It is an easy drive from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. making it an excellent place for a spring day trip!
Maryland Day in Annapolis | Mar 22
Enjoy free admission and discounts to several attractions in downtown Annapolis. Historic attractions include the William Paca House & Gardens and the Maryland State House.
Maryland State House I On-Going FREE
The Maryland State House is open to the public every day except Christmas and New Years Day and free self-guided tours of the Maryland State House are available in the Archives Room on the first floor of the building. Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit the grounds and see blooming flowers. Check out our Instagram reel to see what you can expect on the inside of the State House from elegant portraits to informative exhibits.
Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County is located just outside of Washington D.C. The area is usually bustling with events throughout the spring season.
Six Flags America | On-Going
Six Flags America is celebrating its 25th anniversary this spring! The celebration will include a line-up of live and local entertainment, new experiences, and a revamped themed area called SteamTown: Where the Past Meets the Future. Plus, Hurricane Harbor will open on May 25th with the tallest water coaster in the mid-Atlantic, RipQurl Blaster!
Spring Break – Daily March 9-17
Six Flags America will be open daily while school is out of session for spring break! The park will open every day of the week from March 9th to March 17th.
Viva La Fiesta! – Weekends May 25-June 30
Viva La Fiesta! is a fun time to visit Six Flags America! In addition to all the popular rides and attractions, there will be live music and a DJ, latin entertainment, and dancing. Plus a special fiesta menu and experiences. Check out our video below for highlights from our visit!
Maryland Day at UMD I Apr 27 FREE
Maryland Day is one of our favorite spring events! Held all over the University of Maryland, it features hundreds of fun and learning activities throughout the campus including shows, hands-on exhibits, animals, a climbing wall, kids’ activities, giveaways, community information tables, food and drink vendors, and more.
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center I On-Going
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is located at the University of Maryland in College Park. They over a wide variety of public performances, films, workshops, family-friendly events, and more throughout the year from the School of Music, School of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies, and various local and world-renowned professionals. Many performances are free and can be found by filtering on The Clarice’s events calendar.
Gaylord National Harbor | Thru May 8
Gaylord National Harbor is ideally situated right across the water from Washington D.C. This resort is a Marriott property and a wonderful place to stay. It has entertainment, dining, and lots of transportation options on-site.
Adventure Kids: The Hunt for Hidden Treasure – Starting Mar 31
Explore the resort and hunt for clues. Then, solve the puzzle to get a spring surprise! Each ticket purchase includes a Scavenger Hunt booklet and a prize.
On top of all these fun events at the resort, Expedia Viewfinder Travel Blog named the National Harbor the “𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵” and we have to agree! One of the best places to enjoy the sunset is with a special Cherry Blossom milkshake at Replay – the resort’s 80s themed rooftop lounge. Situated on the resort’s 18th floor, this fun lounge has spectacular views of the harbor. It is open for all ages until 9 pm and then it turns into a 21+ only bar scene.
National Harbor Spring Events | On-Going
Cherry blossom season is underway at the National Harbor. You don’t need to travel into the city to see the blooms. National Harbor has two hundred beautiful trees to see plus lots of seasonal events to celebrate spring!
Titanic: The Exhibition – Thru May 12
Titanic: The Exhibition is now on display at National Harbor near Washington D.C. Due to its popularity, this exhibit has been extended through early May. If you’re a Titanic enthusiast, this is an absolute must-do!
The exhibition offers a unique narrative experience, delving into the lives of the people aboard history’s most legendary ship during its maiden and final voyage. It features over 200 authentic artifacts, recreated interiors, and an included audio guide that details the experiences of several notable passengers and crew on-board during the Titanic’s fateful journey.
Check out our Instagram review reel of our visit here. Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the myths, stories, and glamour of the historic Titanic before it sails off on May 12th!
Cherry Blossom Viewing – On-going FREE
No need to venture into the city! You can wander along the waterfront paths at National Harbor to see 200 Okame cherry trees in full bloom! Enjoy the spring blooms without the city crowds!
Cherry Blossom Classes – Mar-Apr
National Harbor is hosting several cherry blossom themed classes throughout March and June. Take a workshop on origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Reserve a spot at Fiorella Italian Kitchen’s 5-Course Cherry Blossom Wine Dinner. try a mixology class at Westin Washington National Harbor or paint a spring-themed artpiece at Muse Paintbar.
Cherry Blossom Film Series – Mar 30 + Apr 6 FREE
Head to National Harbor from 11 am to 6 pm to enjoy free Japanese culture activities including music, art and dance performances, a Japanese marketplace, and traditional food options.
Japanese Game Day – April 6 FREE
Presented by Katsucon, enjoy a fun day trying out Japanese table games. Games include Riichi Mahjong as well as Karuta card game, flashcards to help teach Japanese to children ages 5 and up, and Hanabi, a collaborative game where players have to give each other hints on the cards in their hands in order to make a firework display together that is recommended for ages 10-15 years old.
DC Boat Show – May 3-5
National Harbor is the place to be the first weekend of May! For the first time ever, the DC Boat Show will take over the National Harbor Marina with all kinds of boats from salboats to power boats. Plus, there will be vendors, live music, food and drinks too!
National Harbor CocktailPRO Competition – May 18
Watch the top bartenders and mixologists in the DMV area battle it out for the coveted title of CocktailPRO! The best part is that you can try all the drinks and decide for yourself! Plus, enjoy food and music from DJ Stylus. This 21+ cocktail part is one you won’t want to miss!
Salute the Sunset: U.S. Military Band Concerts – Saturdays starting May 20 FREE
Every Saturday night at 7 pm starting on May 20th, enjoy a free performance from a U.S. military band at the Plaza Stage. The season kicks off with the U.S. Navy Band Commodores.
National Harbor Ice Cream Festival – June 17-18
Celebrate the arrival of summer by sampling cool treats from all over the East Coast! Vendors will compete for prizes in a variety of categories, and you can help judge! This popular annual festival will include entertainment and a variety of food, drink and merchandise vendors.
Movies on the Potomac | Thursdays/Sundays Starting May 4th
Head to National Harbor’s Plaza and watch a free outdoor movie on the big screen overlooking the Potomac River. Every Sunday is family movie night at 6 pm. Every Thursday night is date night with show time starting at 7 pm.
Bring a lawn chair and pack some food or order from one of the many eateries in the area. Movies run from the beginning of May until the end of September. Click above for the full schedule.
Howard County Spring Events
Howard County, Maryland is a hidden gem that is perfect for those that enjoy a mix of the country and the city! The county has miles of scenic trails, parks, and lakes. Plus, an endless number of entertainment options and restaurants to choose from!
Disney Beauty and the Beast I Thru June 16
Calling all Disney fans! Disney Beauty and the Beast live stage production is underway at Helen Hayes award-winning Toby’s Dinner Theatre in downtown Columbia. Watch your favorite Disney characters come to life in this timeless fairytale. Toby’s also offers a fabulous buffet including an expansive salad bar and desserts along with your show ticket.
Pop-up Korean Art Museum I Thru Feb 2025 FREE
Explore art and culture from the HanGuk Art Center at the Howard County Welcome Center in historic Ellicott City. The Welcome Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Come out and meet your favorite authors and this all-ages festival at Merriweather District! This free event features a flower shop, community book swap, children’s activity area, wine bar, presentations, author interviews and more. Don’t miss the DMV’s most popular literary event!
DoodleHATCH Festival I May 25-27
DoodleHATCH is a whimsical interactive art museum in Columbia and the DoodleHATCH Festival brings their unique art experience out into the community with a three-day festival. Enjoy hands-on art activities, kids crafts, specialty vendors, musicians and strolling entertainment.
Columbia Lakefront | On-Going Activities
Columbia Festival of the Arts Lakefest – June 14-16 FREE
Enjoy a free weekend of live music, art, and activities at the Columbia Lakefront. A variety of arts and crafts vendors as well as food vendors will be available. This is always a fun family event to kick off the summer!
Merriweather District | On-Going Activities
Color Burst Park Splash Pad – May 1 thru Aug 31 FREE
The Color Burst Splash Pad is the perfect budget-friendly place to let kids play while parents grab a drink from one of the Merriweather District eateries and hang out on the open square.
Merriweather Row Fit Series I On-Going FREE
Come to Color Burst Park on Tuesday nights starting June 6 from 6:30 to 7:15 pm to get a summer sweat session in! Local gyms F45, YogasSix and Mayweather Boxing + Fitness will rotate in leading FREE bootcamp fitness, yoga, and cardio boxing classes. Participants must sign a waiver and pre-register through the link above.
Horowitz Center Visual & Performing Arts | On-Going Activities
Head to Howard Community College for concerts, dance performances, film series, and other cultural events throughout the spring. The full schedule can be found online.
Kid’s Fest | April 8
Kid’s Fest at Meadowbrook Park – April 8th
Howard County Recreation & Parks present Kid’s Fest at Meadowbrook Park! From 11 am to 2 pm, kids can participate in an egg hunt, games, sports activities, arts and crafts, and more. Register in advance for discounted admission.
Old Ellicott City | On-Going Activities
Ellicott City SpringFest – April 20th FREE
Ellicott City Spring Fest has a lot of fun activities for the entire family. There will be outdoor music on two stages – one near the Wine Bin and one near the Howard County Welcome Center in Lot D. Browse local art and crafts for sale at B&O Plaza on lower Main Street. Kids can enjoy free arts and crafts next door to the Wine Bin at the Log Cabin. There will also be face painters, local beer and wine, mocktails, food trucks and other delicious options available from local businesses.
Cinco de Mayo Weekend – May 4-5
Head to the Trolley Stop for Sing-It de Mayo starting at 9 pm on Friday May 3rd. One of the first ten singers to register will be able to kick off the festivities. The Trolley Stop hosts karaoke every Friday night!
Have an authentic fiesta this Cinco de Mayo at Ellicott City’s La Palapa Grill & Cantina on May 4th and 5th! This well-attended weekend party will include live music, DJs, heated outdoor tents, a taco grill and lots of terrific food and drink specials. A portion of the event sales will be donated to Voices for Children to assist kids in foster care.
Little Market Cafe Concerts – Starting May 4
Every weekend, Little Market Cafe hosts Concerts in the Courtyard. Enjoy a mix of musicians on Friday nights and at two times on Saturday! Check out the live music schedule for times and performers!
Movie Nights at The Wine Bin – May 25 thru Oct 5 FREE
Come to The Wine Bin for outdoor movies starting at 9 pm on Saturdays and other select nights from late Spring through early Fall! Bring your lawn chairs, grab some takeout, and get some free popcorn (donations accepted for a local non-profit). These free movie nights are sponsored by The Wine Bin so be sure to pop in for drinks and other snacks!
Blossoms of Hope | On-Going Activities
Pink Greens Golf Classic – May 9th in Ellicott City
Calling all golfers! This event benefiting Blossoms of Hope is declared as “the most fun you can legally have on the golf course”. Dress in pink to show support and play 18 holes on Turf Valley Resort‘s beautiful course! This year’s theme is “feeling groovy” so tie-dye and retro is in fashion with prizes going to the best dressed! There will also be fun contests throughout the day including “longest shot” and an auction. Bring your appetite because lunch and dinner are provided. Register as an individual or a team with the link above!
Howard County Fairgrounds I On-Going Activities
50th Annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival I May 4-5
This popular farm festival has something for everyone! It will feature over 260 vendors and more than 600 sheep with free events and demos all weekend! Live music will feature Celtic, Appalachian, and fiddle performers as well as the Slim Harrison Family Hoedown! Food options will include a Saturday Shephards Feast, Sunday Breakfast Buffet, and a festival farm market with many local producers and farmers.
Merriweather Post Pavilion | On-Going Activities
M3 Rock Festival – May 4-5
Calling all ’80s rock band fans! The M3 Rock Festival is two full days of music you will not want to miss! Headliners include Styx, Kix, Great White, Warrant, Extreme, Quiet Riot, and more!
AAPI Festival – May 11 FREE
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Festival will be held on May 11th from 12 to 5 pm at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. It will feature cultural activities including music and dance performances, exhibits and Asian food vendors. The festival is free, but advanced registration is encouraged using the link above. Check out our fun from last year on Instagram!
Wine in the Woods – May 18-19
Wine in the Woods is an annual festival featuring live music, food and craft vendors, and over 20 wineries and breweries. The festival is held at Symphony Woods on the Merriweather Post Pavilion campus from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday, May 20th and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday May 21st. The taster ticket includes a wine glass and unlimited wine tastings. There is also a VIP Wine Explorer Village ticket that includes a special curated local wine selection, a larger tasting glass, food, and a separate bathroom area.
Capital Jazz Fest – June 7-9
The Capital Jazz Fest is an annual favorite at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia! Now in its 31st year, the ‘jazz festival with soul’ will include over 30 acts across two stages. The Pavilion Stage will emphasize contemporary jazz while the Symphony Woods Stage will focus on R&B and soul music performances.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County is Maryland’s largest county by population. Situated right outside of Washington DC bordering PG County, this area is a wonderful place to find things to do in spring!
Rockville Arts Festival – May 4-5 FREE
The VisArts Rockville Arts Festival will feature 130 artists at Rockville Town Square from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The festival will also include local food and drink vendors and a community art project.
Lakefront Live Concerts at Rio Lakefront – May 10th FREE
Enjoy free concerts on Friday nights at the Rio’s Boardwalk Stage near Guapo’s. Grab food from an area restaurant and enjoy the Beer Garden!
Spring Makers Market at Rio Lakefront – May 11th FREE
Browse the outdoor market at Rio Lakefront featuring 100 local artists on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm on Grand Corner Avenue. The event will also include live music performances, pop-up cocktail stations, and spring workshops!
Baltimore
Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city. Making up the northeast hub in the Baltimore-Washington area, Charm City always has something fun going on!
Downtown Baltimore | On-Going Activities
Spring Break Skate – March 22-30
Spring Break Skate is underway at Hopkins Plaza (across from CFG Arena)! Skate sessions last one hour starting at the top of the hour. Adult tickets are available for $10 per person per session and tickets for children under twelve are available at $8 per person per session. Bring your own skates or rent them for $5 per pair. Food vendors will also be on-site to ensure can fuel up for your roller skating fun! Check out the full schedule online for times and special themed skate sessions including Family Skate and College Night!
Wine Village – May 9-27 FREE
The producers of the popular Baltimore Christmas Village are back at West Shore Park with a brand-new spring festival! Kicking off Mother’s Day weekend, Baltimore Wine Village is the perfect place for family and friends with lawn games, movie nights, and live performances.
For kids, there will be a carousel and kids passport stations that allow them to learn more about German culture. On weekends, there will be a balloon artist, face painters, and a caricature artist!
On May 18th, the Maryland ASPCA will also be on-site starting at 1 pm. Stop by to meet some furry friends and consider adopting a dog.
Wine Village will include European eats including Belgian Fries, French Crêpes, imported Swiss Raclette cheese, and German Bratwurst. There will be over unique 30 vendors as well as:
- Wine Terrace on the park’s lawn area, complete with a pop-up garden with live trees, flower beds, and family friendly German style picnic tables.
- Picnic Point with up-close seating for Thursday movie nights and daily live performances up close.
- The Grape Escape with comfy lawn chairs set back from the crowd.
- The Old Wine Château with centuries old European wine selections.
- The New World Wine Villa with contemporary styles of wine with bright fruity flavors.
- The Maryland Wine Manor highlighting an assortment of wine from Maryland’s largest winemaker, Boordy Vineyards.
- The Eiskeller (German for cold room) will feature ice-cold German Bowles, a traditional style fruity wine slushie cocktail that can be topped with fresh wine-infused fruit.
- The Charcuterie Châlet with one-of-a-kind charcuterie cones filled with meats, cheeses, nuts, fruit, and more.
Gabriel Network Gala – Apr 26 May 5
Dress up and do good! Buy tickets for the Gabriel Network Gala that will raise money for women facing crisis pregnancies in Maryland and Washington D.C. Your ticket includes cocktail hour, open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, free parking, and a silent auction.
