The number of COVID-19 cases may be down locally, but one byproduct of the pandemic is making a comeback.
The Charles Street Promenade will return on June 4, giving pedestrians another chance to take over Charles Street temporarily so they can shop, dine or just stroll and explore without worrying about car traffic.
During the free June event, Charles Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between Saratoga Street (the 300 block) and North Avenue (the 1700 block), from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and many merchants and restaurants along the way will offer special promotions to encourage people to take part.
This will be the fourth Charles Street Promenade since the pandemic spread to the U.S. in early 2020, after events on Oct. 17, 2020 and May 22 and Sept. 25 of 2021.
The Promenade grew out of a desire by leaders of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and others to find a way to assist businesses hurt financially by the initial government-imposed lockdowns while promoting social distancing, mask-wearing and other public health recommendations. It turned out to be so popular that organizers wanted to keep it going and build on it.
According to organizers, the event provides added exposure for businesses and restaurants along Charles Street and also helps Baltimoreans change the way they think about public space by creating a better balance between people and cars.
“The Promenade was conceived during the height of the COVID pandemic to encourage Baltimoreans to get out and support their local retailers and restaurants,” The Downtown Partnership says on its website. “This year, however, the Promenade returns bigger and better than ever with more activations and performances, live music, activities for kids” and more.
Several organizations join the Downtown Partnership to make the Promenade happen, including the City of Baltimore; Central Baltimore Partnership; Charles Street Development Corporation; Midtown Community Benefits District; Metro Gallery; and the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy.
Businesses participating in the June Promenade include Viva Books; Differentregard clothing store; Lumiere Candle Studio; Adorn Vintage Furniture & Designs; Allora; Darker than Blue Grille; Marie Louise Bistro and EDR Eat.Drink.Relax.
Participating attractions include: the Walters Art Museum; the Baltimore Basilica; the Washington Monument; and the Maryland Center for History and Culture.
More information is available at charlesstreetpromenade.com or godowntownbaltimore.com.
