Most New Year's resolutions are history by the end of January. Here's one you can - you'll even want - to keep. Resolve to attend these classic Baltimore events in 2010.
Artscape
Artscape in Baltimore touts itself as "America's largest free public arts festival." The weekend brings nationally-known bands, the best food vendors from throughout the city, and a collection of artists and art that is second to none.
Mount Royal, the city's cultural district, is the setting for Artscape, which is free and attracts 350,000 visitors from all over the country each year. If you've been, you'll be back, and if you've never gone, put Artscape in Baltimore on your calendar. It's not to be missed.
Defenders' Day
Photo by Mike Unger
Defenders' Day, September 12, commemorates Baltimore's successful defense against British invaders and the writing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. The Star-Spangled Weekend is three days of events at Fort McHenry, with the grand ceremony on Saturday including a symbolic ship-to-shore bombardment, a concert and fireworks.
The Star-Spangled Weekend is Fort McHenry National Monument and Shrine’s flagship event. A three-day encampment and extravaganza with more than 100 War of 1812 reenactors, parades, military bands, fireworks, a symbolic ship-to-shore bombardment and more.
Fells Point Fest
Photo by Mike Unger
Fells Point Fest in Baltimore began as a small neighborhood festival more than 40 years ago as a way to raise money to keep the waterfront neighborhood from being sliced and diced by a planned interstate. Today, Fells Point Fun Festival is one of Baltimore's biggest events, attracting more than 700,000 for a weekend of music, food and drink.
Honfest
Photo by Mike Unger
Bzzzzzzz. Hear that? It's the sound of Baltimore's best beehive hairdos emerging from their hives for Honfest 2009 in Baltimore. Since 1994 this festival has delighted locals and the increasing number of Honfest pilgrims. Held on 36th St. in the Hampden neighborhood, Honfest celebrates the historic working women of Baltimore in pure Baltimore style.
Hon is a Baltimore term of endearment, and nothing in Charm City is more endearing than Honfest.
Inner Harbor July 4
Photo by Emily Eaves
The Inner Harbor in Baltimore puts on a July 4th fireworks show for the ages. The harbor is bustling with events and activities, and the fireworks show over the water always is spectacular.
Preakness
Photo by Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
The Preakness Stakes in Baltimore is the second leg of horse racing's triple crown. On the third Saturday in May, the sports world turns its eyes to Pimlico for one of the country's most storied sporting events.
But the Preakness is so much more than just a horse race. It's annual rite of spring party in Baltimore. The Black-Eyed Susans flow in the grandstands, as do the canned beers on the infield. Preakness parties pop up in homes and corner bars, where a few friendly wagers usually change hands. For 134 years, the Preakness has been a big part of Baltimore's cultural fabric.
Privateer Day Festival
Each year this Fells Point festival with events for pirates of all ages gets bigger and bigger.