May Activities in the Baltimore Area

• Baltimore, Maryland has events and activities throughout the month of May.Maryland State Flag image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
  
  May is a beautiful time of year to travel to Baltimore, Maryland. The trees and flowers begin blooming and the weather warms. The change in weather gets the city buzzing with outdoor festivals, sports, cultural events and live music. No matter who travels with you, you're sure to find something for everyone during your stay.
  
  

Film

• Attend the Maryland Film Festival. If you're a film lover, this is a four-day event celebrating the silver screen. You'll enjoy rubbing elbows with screenwriters, producers and directors from all over the globe who are here to show their animations, short features, documentaries and even full-length fims. There are also panel discussions and lectures for those interested in industry news and trends. The festival hosts a large viewing area onsite, but there are also viewing areas showing films throughout the city.
  
  Maryland Film Festival
  
  107 E. Read St.
  
  Baltimore, MD 21202
  
  410- 752-8083
  
  md-filmfest.com
  
  

Historical Walks

• Take a tour of historical neighborhoods by foot or bicycle. Baltimore's history reaches back to the 1600s, so there are numerous historical sites, restored buildings and monuments that you might otherwise miss in a car. One area visitors comment about is Federal Hill, which received its name in the 1700s as part of a celebration of Maryland's statehood. Climb to the top of the hill first thing in the morning for a great photo opportunity of the surrounding area including the Inner Harbor. Then take in the row houses, Victorian lamps and boutiques.
  
  Federal Hill
  
  Baltimore, MD 21230
  
  federalhillonline.com
  
  

Nature Trails

• Hike a nature trail. Gwynn Falls Trail is part of 1,200 acres of land with 15 miles of hiking trails. Bikers are also welcome. The trails connect 30 Baltimore neighborhoods and feature several historic landmarks, fishing and picnic areas. Alternatively, try the Cylburn Arboretum with 200 acres dotted with regional trees and plants.
  
  Gwynns Falls Trail Council
  
  410-448-5663
  
  Baltimore, MD 21217
  
  gwynnsfallstrail.org
  
  Cylburn Arboretum
  
  4915 Greenspring Ave.
  
  Baltimore, Maryland 21209
  
  410-367-2217
  
  cylburnassociation.org
  
  

Annual Events

• Participate in, or watch, a local annual event like the Baltimore Bike Jam at Patterson Park. This s a family-friendly race with other activities for your enjoyment throughout the day. There's food vendors and custom bicycle displays too. Alternatively check out the East Coast Kinetic Sculpture Race. Sponsored by Baltimore's American Visionary Arts Museum, the race features sculpted vehicles powered by people. The race covers 15 miles including the Chesapeake Bay area and Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
  
  A third option is the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, hosted on the Howard County Fairgrounds. Located about 20 miles west of central Baltimore, this takes place early in May. Here you'll enjoy live music, wool art classes, sheep shearing competitions and a tasty lamb cooking contest. If you work with yarn, there are hundreds of vendors, some with home made fibers for your shopping pleasure.
  
  Baltimore Bike Jam
  
  Patterson Park
  
  Baltimore, MD 21231
  
  410-276-3676
  
  bikejam.org
  
  Kinetic Mother Theresa
  
  American Visionary Art Museum
  
  800 Key Hwy.
  
  Baltimore, MD 21230
  
  410- 244-1900
  
  kineticbaltimore.com
  
  Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
  
  P.O. Box 99
  
  Glenwood, MD 21738
  
  410- 531-3647
  
  sheepandwool.org