Dates have been announced for two more festivals that will round out Baltimore’s 2026 festival season: Charm City Live and the Baltimore Book Festival.
Mayor Brandon Scott and the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment (MOACE) announced that Charm City Live, celebrating its fifth year, will take place during Labor Day weekend on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Charm City Live is Baltimore’s annual celebration of music, culture, and community.
The Baltimore Book Festival will take place over two days, on the weekend of Sept. 19 – 20, 2026. The festival is a celebration of authors, readers, and literary exploration and accomplishment. The Baltimore Book Festival began in 1996, inspired by Mayor Kurt Schmoke’s “The City That Reads” initiative.
Together, the two festivals will anchor a month of cultural programming celebrating Baltimore’s creative spirit and vibrant communities, rooted in music, literature, and nourishing local businesses. At the same time the city strengthens its cultural economy, it creates memories for residents and visitors alike.
The spacing of the dates across September’s calendar is meant to maximize attendance, promotional opportunities, and time for planning and coordination. The goal is to create greater impact for artists, authors, performers, vendors, local businesses, and city agencies.
“Baltimore’s story has always been shaped by its artists, musicians, authors, and creative entrepreneurs,” Scott said. “Charm City Live and the Baltimore Book Festival celebrate the talent, culture, and community that make our city unique. As we continue investing in Baltimore’s creative economy, these events help strengthen neighborhoods, support local businesses, and invite people from across the region to experience the very best of our city.”
Charm City Live is a free outdoor festival showcasing artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods that make up the threads of Baltimore’s cultural fabric. It is a day of cultural experiences, local flavor, and community pride.
The Baltimore Book Festival attracts nationally recognized authors, local writers, independent bookstores, literary organizations, and readers of all ages for a weekend of conversations, book signings, family-friendly activities, and literary discovery. It is the embodiment of “The City That Reads”, demonstrating Baltimore’s long-standing literary tradition. There are also chances for connection with others through their stories, perspectives, and unique ways of expressing themselves.
“Charm City Live and the Baltimore Book Festival each represent a different facet of Baltimore’s creative community,” said Linzy Jackson, director of MOACE. “Together, they create opportunities to celebrate our artists, authors, performers, entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods while strengthening the traditions and creative infrastructure that make Baltimore such a dynamic and inspiring city.”
Additional details will be released in the coming months, including programming, participants, and vendors.
