Whether you like to grab a book and sit under a tree, or if mingling with hundreds of Downtown residents and employees over beer is more your style, our parks and plazas have something for everyone.
You can find out more about some of our featured events to the right, or by browsing the our @DTBaltEvents twitter feed - that's what we use for our events calendar.
We understand how important it is to find a little nature in an urban environment, and hope you’ll take full advantage of our many outdoor events, green spaces, and free WiFi in many park spaces.
The latest update to Downtown's parks and plaza is the recently renovated McKeldin Plaza. Downtown Partnership's multi-phase $4 million renovation created a more welcoming gateway from the south featuring terraced seating, a water feature, and new lighting elements. These upgrades make the space more accommodating for festivals, events, and civic engagement.
Pet-friendly happy hours with our four-legged friends are the best, especially with music, and free beer or wine every Thursday in September from 4-6pm.
Downtown Partnership has been working on McKeldin Plaza since 2007 in the context of the long-term roll-out of the Pratt Street Master Plan. The Plaza’s new design is the result of an extensive public process to create a more open and adaptable space available for use all year-long. The newest element in McKeldin Plaza - a misting water feature and tribute to the park’s namesake.
Bring a blanket or a book and enjoy acoustic performance by local artist in Center Plaza from 5-7pm.
Center Plaza
Center Plaza, located at 100 N. Charles Street, is an important gateway linking the Charles Center neighborhood to the Bromo Arts District. Center Plaza is home to outdoor events year round including craft markets, Pints in the Park, free Saturday yoga classes, and the occasional acoustic musician.
Pratt & Light Plaza
Pratt & Light Plaza is home to the Pratt Street Farmers Market, held on Thursdays, 11am-2pm from May through October. With wifi on its way and a Downtown info kiosk, this public space is a great outdoor lunch spot in the Inner Harbor neighborhood.
Hopkins Plaza
Hopkins Plaza is located on Charles Street between Lombard and Baltimore Streets. This hidden gem is home to outdoor art, a magnificent fountain, and tree-lined pathways. Enjoy al fresco lunch at the many tables or the occasional after party thrown by the Baltimore Bike Party.
Preston Gardens
Located along St. Paul Street between Centre Street and Lexington Street, the historic park gets lots of use from employees at Mercy Hospital and nearby residents. Lighting was added by Downtown Partnership and City DOT under the viaduct in 2015, and major restoration of the wall along upper St. Paul is planned to begin in 2016.
Liberty Dog Park
The park is located near the Baltimore Arena, bounded by Liberty Street, Park Avenue and Fayette Street. It features decomposed granite that is easy on the pups paws, doggy bags, and a drinking feature. Please clean up after your pet.
Mount Vernon Place
The Mount Vernon Place Squares are open from sunrise to sunset every day. Maintained by the Mount Vernon Conservancy, this historical park boasts four beautifully landscaped squares with tons of green space and Baltimore’s own Washington Monument. Each year, several thousands of people flock to this park for Flowermart in the spring and the Lighting of the Washington Monument in December.
West Shore Park & Rashfield
Located between the Visitor Center and Science Center, West Shore Park features a great lawn that provides parks space in the Inner Harbor. The Walter Sondheim interactive fountain is a delight for children, open daily from 10am to 10pm in the warmer months. Rash Field is Baltimore Beach with seven beach volleyball courts set on 1000+ tons of sand. Learn more at Waterfrontpartnerhip.org and BaltimoreBeach.com.
Howards Dog Park
A city playground for the pups, Howards Dog Park is located in the Mount Vernon/Seton Hill area of Downtown. The park boast plenty of running room for big and small dogs alike, benches for dog owners to relax on, water fountains, and a safety fence. Learn more at www.facebook.com/MidtownDogPark.
McKeldin Plaza
We are working to improve this very important space. The northern portion of the plaza will remain open to the public and regular events, including the Harbor Market. The temporary landscape under construction will expand the area used for events or simply enjoying the park, with café-like light strings and seating on sloped grass hills that surround open lawn space. Shade trees will be housed in boxes made from re-used fountain concrete. Final plans for McKeldin will be worked out through a public design competition, and a traffic study is in the works.
Federal Hill Park
Once a military command post, this historical park is a photographer’s dream location with spanning views of all of Downtown. Located at Key Highway and Battery, this hill is most famously used now as seating for the American Visionary Art Museum’s summer outdoor movie series.
Gwynn's Falls Trails
The 15 miles of the Gwynns Falls trail graze right along the Inner Harbor, and provide Baltimoreans a unique urban hiking and biking opportunity. The greenway now connects to over 2000 acres of publicly owned parkland. Maps and trail info can be found at gwynnsfallstrail.org.
Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry is primarily known for the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, and the inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner. Now this monumental park is open for visitors to enjoy tours and demonstrations, and it serves as a backyard to sun-loving South Baltimore residents.
Patterson Park
Known as the best back yard in all of Baltimore, Patterson Park has tennis courts, two playgrounds, a dog park, a boat lake that acts as wetland habitat for fish, waterfowl, and songbirds, and the iconic pagoda. Patterson Park is also the backdrop to many festivals and concerts throughout the season (summer), and a popular location for area sports leagues.
Charles St. National Scenic Byway
The Charles Street National Scenic Byway serves as a 12-mile pathway to the many fascinating features of Baltimore including its history, architecture, and culture. The Baltimore National Heritage Area promotes the byway and has tools to help you explore the journey.
Latrobe Park
This Locust Point park features well lit tennis courts, basketball courts, and a gated dog park. South Baltimore Sports organizes football and volleyball leagues that play here. Locust Point Rec Center is located at the tip of the park, offering an array of programs for children and adults.
Riverside Park
Custom brickwork entrances, new benches and trees line Riverside Park The pool and pavilion make for a great summer gathering spots, and this park is home to a summer concert series in the gazebo on the second Sunday of the month.
Pierce’s Park
Pierce’s Park, a favorite meeting place for local families, is a unique park along the Inner Harbor. Complete with original sculptures, a musical fence, a living willow tunnel, native plants, and the famous horn sculpture, the park is a playful work of art. Pierce’s Park is located adjacent to the Columbus Center on the Waterfront’s Pier 5. Learn more at baltimorewaterfront.com/.