The rock band A Day to Remember performs at the Pier Six Concert Pavilion in Baltimore. Photo credit: Liz Peterson.
The rock band A Day to Remember performs at the Pier Six Concert Pavilion in Baltimore. Photo credit: Liz Peterson.

The city of Baltimore is looking for a management partner for the Pier Six Concert Pavilion.

Acting for Mayor Brandon Scott and the City Council, the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) announced this week that it has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from groups that would like to serve as the exclusive manager of the waterfront entertainment venue, located at 731 Eastern Avenue on the south end of Inner Harbor Pier Six.

Pier Six has been the site of a concert venue since 1981. The current tensile-roofed structure, designed by the late Kent Hubbell of FTL Associates, opened in 1991. Built at a cost of $4.9 million and owned by the city, it seats 3,341 people under cover and has room for another 1,000 patrons on its lawn.

The RFP was issued on Sept. 26 because the cityโ€™s management agreement with Live Nation/ASM Global is due to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. According to the RFP, the city has received an acceptable proposal and is seeking additional proposals from companies “experienced in facilities management and the promotion, production and presentation of live entertainment.” The BDC is looking for the selected management partner to start by Jan. 1 or when its agreement is approved by the Board of Estimates.

โ€œBDC is seeking a partner with a proven track record in managing live entertainment venues to usher in the next chapter for Pier Six,โ€ the agency said in announcing the offering. โ€œThe new operator will have the opportunity to build on the pavilionโ€™s history, bring fresh energy to the stage, and ensure the venue remains a premier destination on Baltimoreโ€™s waterfront. The management agreement includes a profit-sharing provision that ensures the city shares in the pavilionโ€™s success, reinforcing its role as both an economic driver and a cultural asset for Baltimore.โ€

โ€œPier Six is a cornerstone of Baltimoreโ€™s music and entertainment landscape,โ€ said Otis Rolley, president and CEO of BDC, in a statement. โ€œWith the right partner, this venue can continue to showcase world-class talent, provide memorable experiences for audiences, and deliver economic benefits that ripple throughout our city.โ€

Proposals are due by noon on Nov. 7, 2025, and must be submitted electronically. The full RFP, including requirements and evaluation criteria, is available at BaltimoreDevelopment.com.

Ed Gunts is a local freelance writer and the former architecture critic for The Baltimore Sun.