Things to Do in Baltimore in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Baltimore
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Cherry blossom season peaks in early to mid-April - Fort McHenry, Sherwood Gardens, and the Patterson Park pagoda area are typically spectacular between April 5-20, with free viewing and far fewer crowds than DC gets for their blossoms
- Baseball season kicks off at Camden Yards - Orioles home games create an electric atmosphere downtown, tickets run $25-75 for decent seats, and the weather is actually comfortable for sitting through nine innings without freezing or melting
- Spring restaurant week usually runs late April - participating spots around Harbor East and Fells Point offer three-course meals for $35-50, letting you try places that normally run $70-100 per person for dinner
- Perfect outdoor festival weather before summer humidity sets in - Artscape planning events, farmers markets at 32nd Street and Waverly open for the season, and you can actually walk the waterfront promenade without sweating through your shirt
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get 16°C (60°F) and drizzle one day, then 27°C (80°F) and sunny the next, making it tough to pack efficiently or plan outdoor activities more than two days out
- Spring break crowds from families hit the Inner Harbor and National Aquarium mid-month - expect 45-60 minute wait times at the aquarium between April 10-20 even with advance tickets, and waterfront restaurants get slammed at lunch
- Construction season starts ramping up - roadwork on I-83 and around the harbor area typically begins in April, adding 15-20 minutes to drives during rush hour and making some walking routes less pleasant than they look on maps
Best Activities in April
Inner Harbor and National Aquarium visits
April weather is actually ideal for the Inner Harbor area - cool enough that walking between attractions is comfortable, but warm enough to enjoy outdoor seating at waterfront spots. The National Aquarium is indoors, making it perfect for those unpredictable rainy days that pop up. Morning visits before 11am tend to have lighter crowds, even during spring break weeks. The harbor promenade walk from Fells Point to Federal Hill is about 4.8 km (3 miles) and shows you different neighborhood vibes.
Fort McHenry and waterfront history tours
The fort is genuinely beautiful in April when the grounds green up and cherry trees bloom. It is less crowded than summer months, and the 21°C (70°F) average temperatures mean you can comfortably walk the entire perimeter - about 1.6 km (1 mile) of paths. The flag raising ceremony happens daily at specific times, and April weather rarely forces cancellations like winter months do. Combine with a water taxi ride from the Inner Harbor for a nice half-day outing.
Fells Point and Canton neighborhood walks
These waterfront neighborhoods are perfect for April exploring - cobblestone streets, 18th-century buildings, and dozens of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating that is actually pleasant before summer humidity kicks in. The Broadway Market in Fells Point dates to 1786 and has local vendors worth browsing. Canton Square has a waterfront park where locals actually hang out. Each neighborhood is walkable in 45-60 minutes, or combine both for a 3-4 hour afternoon with food stops.
Orioles games at Camden Yards
April home games offer the best ballpark experience - weather is comfortable for sitting outside, crowds are manageable except opening weekend, and ticket prices have not hit summer peak yet. The stadium itself is worth seeing even if you are not a huge baseball fan - it basically invented the retro ballpark design every city copied. Games run about 3 hours, and the warehouse beyond right field creates one of the most photographed views in baseball.
American Visionary Art Museum and Federal Hill area
AVAM is genuinely unique - outsider art and self-taught artists creating wild, thought-provoking installations. It is entirely indoors, making it perfect for those rainy April days that pop up. Plan 2-3 hours to see everything properly. Afterward, walk up Federal Hill - a short but steep 10-minute climb about 24 m (80 ft) elevation gain - for the classic Baltimore skyline view. The surrounding neighborhood has solid restaurants and the Cross Street Market for casual eating.
Sherwood Gardens and Hampden neighborhood exploration
Sherwood Gardens is a 6-acre private garden that opens free to the public, with over 80,000 tulips that peak between April 10-25 depending on that year's weather patterns. It is a legitimate spring spectacle and locals actually go there for picnics and photos. Combine with exploring Hampden - a quirky neighborhood along 36th Street (The Avenue) with vintage shops, cafes, and the kind of weird Baltimore character you will not find at the harbor tourist areas. Total time 2-3 hours.
April Events & Festivals
Orioles Opening Day at Camden Yards
Opening Day is genuinely a big deal in Baltimore - the city actually embraces baseball culture. Downtown gets packed with fans, bars open early, and there is a parade-like atmosphere even if you do not have game tickets. The energy around the warehouse and Eutaw Street area is worth experiencing even from outside the stadium. Just expect crowds and higher prices for everything nearby.
Maryland Film Festival
Five-day independent film festival typically screening 50-60 films at the historic Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway theater and other venues around Station North. Mix of premieres, documentaries, and international cinema you will not see elsewhere. Passes run $150-250 for all access, individual screenings $12-15. The festival crowd brings good energy to the Station North arts district with pop-up events and parties.