Saturday, July 4, 4:30pm
Baltimore's Fourth of July Celebration at the Inner Harbor
Commemorate Independence Day with festive fireworks, live music and family fun at Cricket 4th of July Celebration.  Thousands of visitors can observe the holiday at the city’s historic Inner Harbor.  At 4:30pm, guests can enjoy dynamic musical selections by Reverb, an a cappella group, followed by Electric Brigade, the Navy’s premier contemporary entertainment ensemble, at 8pm.  Performances will take place at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Light and Pratt streets.  The annual fireworks display starts at 9:30pm.  During the choreographed fireworks show, Electric Brigade will entertain the audience with today’s popular music and patriotic selections.  The multicolored fireworks can be seen from Harbor East, Federal Hill, Fell’s Point, Canton and other surroundings areas.  During the holiday weekend, visitors are encouraged to ride the MTA Bus, Metro Subway and Light Rail for weekend festivities.  Event-goers are encouraged to enjoy all that downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor has to offer by visiting attractions, museums, restaurants, eateries and retail shops.  www.promotionandarts.com or 1.877.BALTIMORE.

Wednesday, July 8, Saturdays, July 11 and 18, 10:30am - noon
ARTKIDS PRESCHOOL at the WALTERs Family Art Center
For children ages 3–5 and their favorite adults, this hands-on program combines a story (How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers), short tour and art activity. Price: free, online pre-registration required. ArtKids preschool programs are supported by the Jim and Patty Rouse Charitable Foundation, Inc. To register for family programs, call 410.547.9000, ext. 300 or email familyprograms@thewalters.org. 

Friday, July 10, 6pm – 9am 
Rain Forest Sleepover at the National Aquarium
Meet the intriguing and often elusive residents of the Upland Tropical Rain Forest during your exclusive overnight adventure! The journey begins with an after-hours, guided visit to the rain forest to learn about the nocturnal behaviors of these amazing animals. Then, descend deep to the Atlantic Coral Reef for a private presentation on the nighttime behaviors of these watery residents.  Throughout the evening explore behind-the-scenes areas, and learn exciting and interesting facts in our Rain Forest Discovery Lab.  In the morning light, guests visit the rain forest to help feed the animals their breakfast at the famous "bug drop" feeding. For more information call 410.576.3833 or visit aqua.org. Ages: 8 and up.  

Friday, July 17, 7:30 pm
The Magical Music of Disney at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Bring the entire family and introduce the youngsters to the joy of a live symphony experience with music and visuals from some of their favorite Disney films including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.  Kids 6-16 ½ price! 410.783.8000. 

Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19 


Artscape 2009, 1200 Block of Mount Royal Avenue, Friday & Saturday, noon - 10pm, Sunday, noon -10pm  
America’s largest free public arts festival featuring continuous musical performances by local, regional and national talent on three outdoor stages, indoor and outdoor visual arts exhibitions, film, theater, the Artists' Market with crafts and works of art for sale, opera, dance, street theater and special activities geared towards children. www.artscape.org or 1.877.BALTIMORE. 

The Walters at Artscape, Postcards from Baltimore, noon - 8pm
The Walters Art Museum is back for more free family fun at ARTSCAPE this summer! Join us for a special make and take art project in the Target Family Art Park.  Free for all ages.  410.547.9000.

Saturday, August 1, Wednesday, August 5, and Saturday, August 8, 10:30am - noon
ARTKIDS PRESCHOOL at the WALTERs Family Art Center
For children ages 3–5 and their favorite adults, this hands-on program combines a story (I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont), short tour and art activity. Price: free, online pre-registration required. ArtKids preschool programs are supported by the Jim and Patty Rouse Charitable Foundation, Inc. To register for family programs, call 410.547.9000, ext. 300 or email familyprograms@thewalters.org. 

Monday, August 3 - Friday, August 14, 10am - 4pm
The Artist's Studio Experience at the Walters Family Art Center 
The Artist Studio Experience offers 6th - 12th graders the opportunity to work with a local practicing artist from a specialized field of fine art.  Participants will discover art techniques used throughout history and learn about art terms and artists specific to week's theme as they create their own works of art.  Each week, participants will also see examples of the teaching artist's portfolio and have the opportunity t converse about art careers, portfolio development and the vast applications of art.  Price: Members $150, non-members $280 per week. 410.547.9000.

Friday, August 14, 6pm – 9am 
Rain Forest Sleepover at the National Aquarium
Meet the intriguing and often elusive residents of the Upland Tropical Rain Forest during your exclusive overnight adventure! The journey begins with an after-hours, guided visit to the rain forest to learn about the nocturnal behaviors of these amazing animals. Then, descend deep to the Atlantic Coral Reef for a private presentation on the nighttime behaviors of these watery residents.  Throughout the evening explore behind-the-scenes areas, and learn exciting and interesting facts in our Rain Forest Discovery Lab.  In the morning light, guests visit the rain forest to help feed the animals their breakfast at the famous "bug drop" feeding. For more information call 410.576.3833 or visit aqua.org. Ages: 8 and up.  

First Tuesday of the month  
THRIFTY TUESDAY at the B&O Railroad Museum
The Museum offers half-price admission on the first Tuesday of every month! Take advantage of these savings to see the birthplace of American railroading and the most comprehensive railroad collection in the Western Hemisphere. 410-752-2490.

Fourth Tuesdays, 10am - 11am 
ART TOTS at The Walters Art Museum Family Art Center
Join us for ArtTots, our newest early childhood museum program designed for 2-3 year olds and their favorite adults! Each class will introduce toddlers to the museum through age-appropriate short stories, gallery play and an art activity.
Free, online pre-registration required.  410.547.9000.

First and Second Wednesday of the Month, 10:30am
Toddler Time at the B&O Railroad Museum
Children can listen to a classic railroad story. Kiddie train rides and activities are included with paid admission.  Recommended for children between the ages of 2-5. 410-752-2490. 

Fridays and Saturdays, noon - 2pm
Live Music at Lexington Market
Listen to free Live Music while you enjoy a tasty lunch from one of Lexington Market's delicious eateries.   410-685-6169. 

Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
FREE Drop-In Art Activities at The Walters Art Museum
For kids and their entire family in the Family Art Center
June - Unbelievable Beasts
You won’t believe your eyes when you meet some of the creatures at the Walters! Explore the art of hybrid animals, then create mythological puppets.
July - Stars of Japan
It's time for Tanabata!  The Japanese festival of stars is happening at the Walters and the whole family can make poetry paintings, wishing stars, streaming stories and more.
August - Painting Inside and Out
Brush on over to the Walters and dip into a month of art activities inspired by the special exhibition Herman Maril: An American Modernist.  We will explore vibrant colors, lines and shapes through painting techniques that use watercolor, paper tearing, oil pastels and other fun tools!
* No Drop-in Art on July 18th.  Visit the Walters at ARTSCAPE for art activities July 17-19!
To register for family programs, call 410-547-9000, ext. 300 or email familyprograms@thewalters.org. 

Third Saturdays, 11–11:45am
WALK, WONDER & CREATE FAMILY TOURS at The Walters Art Museum Family Art Center
For ages 6-8, this once-a-month experience allows families to enjoy an interactive tour of the Walters’ collection, and then create artwork that relates to the gallery objects.
We’re on a quest to Egypt to collect symbols, amulets and the secrets of ancient Egyptian tombs.
June 20: Follow the Unicorn
Find out where the mythological and rare creatures live in the Walters Art Museum! Fly like a Pegasus, sing like a siren and create your own imaginary beast.
July 18: Stars on Parade
How do you send a wish with a picture? Travel to China and Japan to explore symbols of good luck and celebration, pretend you're in a Tanabata Parade and create unique paper wishes of your own!
August 15: Paint the Town!
Pick up your palettes as we travel to the special exhibition Herman Maril: An American Modernist.  Listen to the sound of the ocean, look at colors that whisper and pop, and experience the world of an artist who grew up going to the Walters Art Museum as a kid!
Free, online pre-registration required. To register for family programs, call 410-547-9000, ext. 300 or email familyprograms@thewalters.org.


Throughout the Summer

Baltimore Waterfront Invasion
Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance at the Aquarium & Chinasaurs: Dinosaur Dynasty at the Science Center – now open!　 Get in on ferocious fun with special Waterfront Invasion events and discounts. Visit waterfrontinvasion.com for more details. Get to them, before they get to you. 

Train Rides at the B&O Railroad Museum
Come and take a 20 minute round trip train ride along the first mile of track laid in America at B&O Railroad Museum; it's what makes the B&O the birthplace of American railroading! Tickets for the Mile One express train rides are $2 for adults & seniors and $1 for children ages 2 -12. No reservations required. Wednesday - Friday at 11:30 a.m., Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.  410.752.2490.

Summernights with the BSO
Your Seat is Waiting.
The BSO invites you to Summernights 2009 packed with the spirit and excitement of summer. Our annual Fourth of July. Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO complete with film and orchestra. The Magical Music of Disney. Audience favorite Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Bugs Bunny on Broadway. The Music of Queen: A Rock Symphony at Pier Six.  Want to learn more? Click here for more information and a complete list of concerts. 410.783.8000.

Summer Reading at Enoch Pratt Free Library
Join the Enoch Pratt’s 2009 Summer Reading Program. This year's theme for children is "Be Creative @ Your Library" and for teens is "Express Yourself @ Your Library." Every location is having a special celebration to start the program. Contact your local library for details and summer programming.   http://www.prattlibrary.org/calendar/series.aspx?folder=1684&mark=summer+reading 

Our Ocean Planet, A New Dolphin Show at the National Aquarium
As seen from above, Earth is one watery world and home to some remarkable creatures. The new dolphin show, Our Ocean Planet, explores the depths of these waters by exploring a dolphin's world. 410.576.3800.

Star-Spangled Trails Offers Stories Beyond the Harbor!
FREE! Guided walking tours for the entire family offered daily.
Heritage Walk – daily at 10am 
Mount Vernon Cultural Walk – daily at 1pm
Note: Saturday and Sunday both Heritage and Mount Vernon Cultural Walk are offered at 10am and 1pm
Pennsylvania Avenue Heritage Walk – Sundays at noon
Visit www.starspangledtrails.org for details. 

Through September 30
The Tell-Tale Tour at Participating Museums and Attractions
Edgar Allan Poe wrote his first horror series in Baltimore. Explore Poe’s Baltimore through many of the fascinating museums, attractions and tours brought to you by the Greater Baltimore History Alliance. Collect a Raven Trail Guide stamp from at least five attractions and you could win one of several great prizes. For more information, visit www.baltimoremuseums.org.  

Showcase of Nations Ethnic Festivals
Baltimore celebrates its proud ethnic heritage with festivals featuring crafts, foods, dances, live entertainment and special ceremonies, weekends May through October, $ and locations vary.
LatinoFest - June 27 & 28, Patterson Park $
African American Heritage Festival - July 3-5, Oriole Park at Camden Yards $
Caribbean Carnival Festival - July 10-12, Druid Hill Park $
FestAfrica 2009 - August 8 & 9, Patterson Park $
Ukrainian Festival - September 12 & 13, Patterson Park
Korean Festival - September 12, War Memorial Plaza
Russian Festival - October 16-18, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church
1.877.BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com 

Waltee’s Quest: The Case of the Lost Art is an online interactive adventure for kids. You can play the game while you are at the museum or at home. Help Waltee and his friend Henry as you travel through magical worlds in search of hidden treasures! Discover surprises, play games, and learn stories along the way!  Your adventure begins at www.walteesquest.com! 

Events are subject to change, please contact specific attraction to confirm details.