THIS WEEK: 4th of July Special 🇺🇸

The Best Things to Do in Baltimore This Weekend...

Author

Eating Baltimore
July 02, 2025

Hey Baltimore —

“Summer should get a speeding ticket”… (credit goes to my wife for this one!)

We’ve got an early edition this week to get you prepped for the holiday weekend…

It’s already July, the O’s are out of the playoff hunt and I’m questioning my physical stamina after almost passing out mowing the lawn last week… I think I’ll go to the beach!

If you’re in the Baltimore area for the 4th, there are plenty of things to do including: the Star Spangled Bash @ the B&O Museum, an outdoor concert in Mount Vernon & a hot dog eating (or watching) contest @ Cross Street Market!

Scroll on, make plans, and as always — eat well, Charm City.

Happy 4th!

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Baltimore Weekend Weather Snapshot

Friday, July 4: Plenty of sun and perfect for Independence Day festivities. High near 86°F, dipping to around 62°F overnight. Great vibes for parades, fireworks, and cookouts.
Saturday, July 5: Partly sunny with a high around 88°F and low near 65°F. Watch out for poor air quality—stay hydrated and maybe skip heavy workouts outdoors.
Sunday, July 6: Hot and a bit hazy with highs climbing to 93°F and overnight lows around 75°F. Expect warm sun filtered through high clouds—plan early morning or evening activities.

The Eating Baltimore Diaries…

Every week, we’re asking you—our readers—to share the best thing you ate, best drink you had, and/or your favorite event or activity in Baltimore from the past week.

Want to be featured next week? Simply reply to this email or click here!

Here’s what readers said last week:

🍽️ Best Thing I Ate
"Stopped by Limoncello’s on a whim—zero expectations. Ended up having one of the best margherita pizzas I’ve had in the city."
— Theo, Locust Point

Things To Do This Weekend In The Baltimore Area

Family Fun (4th of July Edition)

🦓 Red, White & Zoo
Friday, July 4th | 10 am–4 pm | Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD

🚂 Star‑Spangled Bash @ B&O Railroad Museum
Friday, July 4th | 10:30AM–3:30PM | B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St

🎆 Baltimore 4th of July Celebration – Inner Harbor 
Friday, July 4th | 1PM-10PM | Inner Harbor Amphitheater & Waterfront Promenade

🚢 Baltimore 4th of July Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Friday, July 4th | 7 pm–10:30PM | City Cruises Baltimore Harbor, 561 Light St

🚗 4th of July Park & Relax @ the Baltimore Museum of Industry (Waterfront Firework Viewing)
Friday, July 4th | 6PM–10PM | Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy

Editor’s Note: Speaking of Baltimore County… If you live in or around the Towson area, check out the Towsontown Torch newsletter. Written by my friend Chris, it’s a round up of all of the important news, information, and events, happening in Towson - delivered right to your inbox. Click here to be automatically subscribed to the Towsontown Torch!

Food & Drink

🌭 Hot Dog Eating Contest
📅 Friday, July 4th | 10:30 am
📍 Cross Street Market, 1065 S. Charles Street, Baltimore
Show off your hot‑dog eating skills (or do some primetime people watching) and possibly win a $1,000 grand prize.

🎇 4th of July Week at Bowleys On The Bay
📅 Thursday, July 3 – Sunday, July 6 | Daily live music & fireworks on Saturday
📍 Bowleys On The Bay, 800 Chester Road, Middle River
Join a waterfront weekend bash with four nights of live music, festive food & drink specials, and a fireworks show on Saturday night.

⚓️ 4th of July Weekend at LoonAsea Maryland
📅 Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6 | 11 am–11 pm daily
📍 LoonAsea Maryland, 207 Nanticoke Rd, Essex
Non-stop waterfront fun with six hot bands, themed cocktails, and epic sunrise‑to‑sunset holiday vibes in a scenic marina setting. Expect live music, fireworks, and chilled drinks as you watch the sun dip over the creek.

🍷 Rhythm & Wine Festival
📅 Sunday, July 6 | 1 pm–7 pm
📍 Carroll Park, 1500 Washington Blvd, Baltimore
Get ready for a soulful R&B & reggae‑infused wine festival on the grass at Carroll Park. Enjoy live bands, wine tasting, themed vendors, souvenir glassware, and curated bites under the summer sun. 21+ only, rain or shine.

🦀 Crabs & Crushes with Starcrush
📅 Sunday, July 6 | 1 pm–4 pm
📍 Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, 6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore
All-you-can-eat crabs, bottomless crushes, raw bar, and live acoustic set by Starcrush Duo. 21+ only.

🍣 Sushi Rolling @ Ministry Brewing w/ Chef Nathan
📅 Sunday, July 6 | 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
📍 Ministry of Brewing, 1900 E Lombard St, Baltimore
Join a hands‑on sushi rolling class with Chef Nathan, sip a fresh pint while you roll!

Music & Entertainment

🎶 Summer in the Square: 4th of July Concert
📅 Friday, July 4 | 2 pm–5 pm
📍 Mount Vernon Place, 699 Washington Pl, Baltimore
Enjoy a trio of Baltimore talent with performances by Blake Meister (2–3 pm), Cam Sounds & Vibration (3–4 pm), and Ray Winder (4–5 pm). Bring a blanket or chair and soak in summer vibes!

🎶 Baltimore Record Bazaar Vinyl Nite
📅 Friday, July 4 | 6 pm–10 pm
📍 Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E 30th St, Baltimore
Join DJ Mikie Love & friends spinning and selling vinyl in the taproom. Free entry, family-friendly, with craft beer, food truck bites, and Dugout Arcade fun.

💃 Baltimore Square Dance at Mobtown Ballroom
📅 Saturday, July 5 | 6 pm–9 pm
📍 Mobtown Ballroom, 858 Maryland Ave, Baltimore
Join a lively night of square dancing for all levels—bring a partner or come solo, and enjoy the social swing!

Restaurant & Local News

☕️ Fells Point coffee shop Daily Grind opens Baltimore Peninsula location
Daily Grind, a Fells Point staple since 1991, has launched its ninth Baltimore spot at the newly developed Baltimore Peninsula (2455 House Street), adjacent to the CFG Bank HQ. They’re bringing their Little Italy–roasted coffee, espresso-based drinks, teas, smoothies, plus breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies to South Baltimore. It’s a solid expansion for a locally rooted brand. 🔗 Read More

🍷 Bodega & Vino now open in Locust Point
Bodega & Vino is now serving at 1121 Hull Street in Locust Point, taking over Serenity Wine Cafe’s old space. A joint venture between Angela (restaurant vet from Bronx bodega roots) and Air‑Force‑veteran Rob Wainwright, it’s part wine bar, part grocery‑café hybrid. They’ve been in soft‑open mode and are rolling out a full menu and stocked shelves this Friday. 🔗 Read More

🍽️ Facci Ristorante named one of Wine Spectator’s Best Restaurants of 2025
Facci Ristorante in Baltimore has earned a notable nod from Wine Spectator, landing on the publication’s list of top restaurants of 2025 for excellence in wine offerings. It’s a strong endorsement of their wine program and place in the local fine‑dining scene. 🔗 Read More

🏗️ New $44M Employment Hub Breaks Ground in Reservoir Hill
A new $44 million headquarters for the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development is under construction at 850 W. North Ave. The four-story building will house job training, tech labs, and an American Job Center—all part of the larger Reservoir Square redevelopment. Officials called the site a “magical spot” for launching careers, with easy access to public transit. Completion is expected in 2026. 🔗 Read More

Charm City Bulletin

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 5,800 friends?

🍊 Craft Crushes - Maryland’s #1 Cocktail (My personal favorite, too!)
Made right in Baltimore by Maryland hands. Craft Crushes delivers all-natural, gluten-free “Crush” cocktails in a can—6% ABV, only 200 cals, vodka distilled 6x. Perfect for beach days, BBQs, or chilling on the stoop. Available at local liquor stores—check the site for locations! craftcrushes.com

⚡️ Dynamo Electric LLC
Licensed. Insured. Reliable. Dynamo Electric powers Baltimore homes, businesses, and nonprofits with expert electrical work. From panel upgrades and EV charger installs to surge protection and lighting—done right, on time, and within budget. Free estimates. Call 410‑296‑8887 today and see why they're known for generating happy customers. dynamoelectricllc.com

🏠 Allied Remodeling of Central Maryland | Baltimore Metro
Full‑service remodeler and roofer with 29 years in the business. Offers siding, windows, decks, and $3,999 full‑home roof replacement specials backed by lifetime labor warranties. BBB‑accredited A+ and praised for reliable quotes, experienced crews, and clean installations. Click here for free estimates & seasonal specials.

Date Spot Of The Week

📍 5800 York Rd, Baltimore, MD

For a date night that’s cozy, unpretentious, and full of smoky soul—Heritage Smokehouse hits the mark. This Govans gem blends wood-paneled warmth with a laid-back vibe that’s equal parts neighborhood hangout and hidden BBQ haven.

The menu brings the fire: melt-in-your-mouth brisket, smoked pork belly, ribs, and house-made char that rival anything down South. Pair it with a tiki-style cocktail (yes, really) or a cold local beer, and settle in. The drinks are strong, the meat’s legit, and the mac & cheese is criminally good.

It's the kind of spot where you can ditch the dress code, grab a booth, and dig into something real.

Thanks for reading Eating Baltimore today.

Have a great holiday weekend & stay safe!

Matt | Eating Baltimore

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