Get in the spirit of autumn with these end-of-summer and harvest festivals in September and October. Gather the whole family to celebrate changing leaves, delicious fall treats, community and outdoor fun in the Baltimore area.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis | 10 a.m.
to 7 p.m. Sept. 3-5, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25; Oct. 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23
Hear ye, hear ye. The Maryland Renaissance Festival is back again with family-friendly shows, games and vendors in Revel Grove. Stroll the grounds in the fresh autumn air, enjoy a turkey leg and dress up! Only a short drive to Annapolis, this festival is in town every weekend through Oct. 23. Tickets sold online only. rennfest.com
Watersedge Fall Festival
Watersedge Park, 8820 Bullneck Road, Dundalk | 6-9 p.m. September 9-11
Boasting 10 rides and 30+ local vendors and artisans, the Watersedge Fall Festival is fun for the whole family. Live music, food and games will be available at the waterfront location. facebook.com/events/watersedge-park/watersedge-fall-festival-2022/442334893764306/
Reisterstown Festival
Hannah More Park, 12035 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown | 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 10; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept.11
Say goodbye to summer at the Reisterstown Festival, “where summer lasts a week longer.” Taking place a week after Labor Day, the festival will feature a main street festival parade, fireworks, family shows and more. Admission is free, so anyone can join in the festivities. reisterstownfest.com.
Fell’s Point Fun Festival
Fell’s Point waterfront | 3-9 p.m. Sept.30; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 2 & 3
The largest live music event in Baltimore, held for 55 consecutive years (with the exception of 2020) with hundreds of performers and vendors. Shop with your kids in the local neighborhood and check out Maryland-themed food and
gifts at this family-friendly festival. Drink ticket sales benefit the Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and
Fell’s Point. Free; fellspointfest.com.
Fright Reads Book Festival
Benfield Sportscenter, 1031 Benfield Blvd., Millersville | noon-6 p.m. Oct. 1
Kids and adults who enjoy all things spooky and love to read will love this “Halloween pregame” festival where they can check out horror-themed books and art. Featuring a free craft table, a magic show by Niox Mayhem Magic and
meet-and-greets with New York Times Bestseller Justina Ireland, Adventure Time and Invader Zim artist Ian McGinty and more. frightreads.com.
The Hops & Harvest Festival
10431 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia | noon-5 p.m. Oct. 8
More than 100 local Maryland beers, wines and spirits are available for tasting at this family-friendly event, which includes live performances, games, axe throwing and children’s activities. Children ages 8 and younger enter for free. hopsandharvestfest.com
OktoBEARfest @ The Maryland Zoo
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore | 1-6 p.m. Oct. 22 & 23
While the little ones check out the animals and enjoy themed activities, parents can try seasonal brews at the 10th annual OktoBEARfest. Tickets sell quickly, so don’t miss out! marylandzoo.org/special_events/oktobearfest
Fall Harvest Day at Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm
Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm, 8109 Telegraph Road, Severn |10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Oct. 22
Explore the farm, pick and paint pumpkins and do a variety of fall-themed crafts at this nature-centric festival.
willowoakherbs.com/classes
Harbor Harvest Children’s Fall Festival
201 Key Hwy, Baltimore | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 23
The 15th annual festival returns for another year of fall fun, featuring live music, pony rides, trackless train rides, a petting zoo, a moon bounce and local food vendors adjacent to Rash Field Park. Register for a kid’s pass and find updates at waterfrontpartnership.org/enjoy/calendar. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/harbor-harvest-childrens-festival-tickets-416012523657
